Agar is used in a range of industries due to its versatility that will lead to fuel the Agar market growth during the forecast period. Agar is become a main ingredient in food industry due to its gelling, stabilizing, and thickening properties. It is used in the production of jellies, gels, and other food products that need smooth texture. Manufacturers are shifting to the plant based alternatives from the traditional ingredients as consumer preference evolve. Agar is gaining more popularity in the food industry. This blog provide an overview about the applications of agar in the food industry. To delve deep in the global agar market visit to the report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Applications of Agar in Food
- Agar gel in food production: Agar plays a primary role in the food industry as a gelling agent. It is used in the production of gelatinous products including candies, desserts, and jellies. It is considered more stable as compared to gelatin, basically in warm temperature. These properties makes agar suitable to use in tropical climates. The gel which is achieved from agar is delicate, that makes it an ideal component used in the product that needs gelatin-like texture without using any animal-based ingredients.
- Agar in Gelatin Alternatives: Growing demand for vegan and plant based alternatives makes agar a popular substitute for traditional gelatin. It is derived from the animal collagen of red agile which makes it a preferred choice for vegan-friendly gelatin. It has the ability to produce clear and colorless gels that is ideal to make fruit jellies, gummy candies and marshmallows to carter vegan diet.
- Agar as a Thickening Agent: It is widely used in food industry as a thickening agent in several food products such as ice cream, sauces, soups, and salad dressing. It is used in liquid based product for desired consistency due to its high gel strength and ability to set quickly. Additionally, the neutral flavour of agar ensues taste in final products and make it versatile in various food formulations.
- Agar as Dairy Products: Agar is used to enhance texture and improve stability of dairy based products. It is widely used in making dairy based desserts including custards and puddings. It helps in improving shelf life of product and those product that requires smooth and stable texture over time.
- Agar as a Stabilizer in Confectionery: It is used in confectionery industry to stabilize chocolates, candies, and other sweets. The ability of agar to hold shape and prevent separation will highly value in the production of gummy products and soft candies. Growing demand for sugar free and low calorie sweet will further fuel demand of agar in confectionery based products.
Growing demand for Agar in Food
Growing demand for clean-label and plant based ingredients will drive the demand for agar in food industry. Agar play a crucial role in versatile and natural ingredients as consumer are shifting towards halal certifies, vegan, and vegetarian products. Agar is considered as a best substitute to the animal derived gelatin in several applications that meets consumer needs.
Moreover, increasing awareness of food allergies and dietary restrictions will lead manufacturer to used alternative products that are free from allergens. These products include soy, dairy, and gluten.
