Irish Moss

(Chondracanthus chamissoi / Chondrus crispus)

Irish Moss is one of the most celebrated sea vegetables in the natural foods world — a red seaweed (Rhodophyta) harvested from the cold, rocky Atlantic coastlines of Ireland, Britain, and the northeastern United States, with a history of culinary and folk use stretching back centuries. The name “Irish Moss” is most commonly associated with Chondrus crispus, the classic Atlantic species, though the term is also applied to related red algae including Chondracanthus chamissoi (formerly Gigartina chamissoi), a Pacific species from the same Gigartinaceae family with a similar carrageenan profile. Both species share the same defining characteristic: a naturally high content of carrageenan — a family of sulfated polysaccharides that give Irish Moss its remarkable thickening, gelling, and emulsifying properties.

Irish Moss has been a staple food in Ireland and the Caribbean for centuries — used to thicken puddings, drinks, and soups, and as a nutritious addition to the diet during times of scarcity. Today it has found a passionate following in the vegan and plant-based community as a whole-food alternative to commercial thickeners, prized for its natural origin and its impressive nutritional profile. Irish Moss is naturally rich in iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, vitamins A, E, F, and K, and amino acids, making it one of the most nutrient-dense sea vegetables available.

A note on carrageenan: Irish Moss naturally contains carrageenan in its whole, unprocessed form. Commercial carrageenan — the food additive — is a chemically extracted and processed derivative that is quite different from the naturally occurring carrageenan present in whole Irish Moss. Our Irish Moss is a whole-food product, not a processed carrageenan extract.

Product Highlights

• Whole flakes and powder of Chondracanthus chamissoi — Irish Moss (Red Seaweed)
• Naturally rich in carrageenan — a whole-food thickener, gelling agent, and emulsifier
• Excellent source of iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, E, F & K
• A staple of Irish and Caribbean culinary tradition for centuries
• Hugely popular in vegan, plant-based, and whole-food communities
• Available in Flakes and Powder forms
• No additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients

How to Use

Thickener & Gel: Soak ¼ cup of Irish Moss flakes in cold water for 12–24 hours until soft and expanded, then blend with fresh water into a smooth gel. This Irish Moss gel keeps refrigerated for up to 2 weeks and can be added by the tablespoon to smoothies, soups, sauces, and desserts as a natural thickener. Smoothies: Add 1–2 tablespoons of Irish Moss gel or ½ teaspoon of powder directly to smoothies and blended drinks. Soups & Stews: Sprinkle flakes directly into soups, stews, and broths — they dissolve and thicken as they cook. Salads: Rehydrated flakes can be added to salads as a sea vegetable. Puddings & Desserts: A traditional ingredient in Irish Moss pudding, blancmange, and Caribbean sea moss drinks. Powder: Stir directly into beverages, smoothies, or recipes as a convenient alternative to flakes.

Available in Flakes (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz) and Powder (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.