◆Cooking Reference Wiki
🌱

Best Substitutes for Agar Agar — What to Use Instead

Usefulvegan
🔄

Gelatin: 1 tsp gelatin per 1 tsp agar powder — Not vegan. Creates softer, more jiggly set. Needs refrigeration. Most common swap.

Carrageenan: 1:1 — Seaweed-based like agar. Softer gel. Better for creamy desserts and dairy applications.

Overview

Top substitute for agar agar: Gelatin (1 tsp gelatin per 1 tsp agar powder). Not vegan. Creates softer, more jiggly set. Needs refrigeration. Most common swap. Plus 3 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Gelatin: 1 tsp gelatin per 1 tsp agar powder — Not vegan. Creates softer, more jiggly set. Needs refrigeration. Most common swap.
  • Carrageenan: 1:1 — Seaweed-based like agar. Softer gel. Better for creamy desserts and dairy applications.
  • Pectin: 1:1 (for fruit-based recipes) — Works in high-sugar, acidic applications. Not suitable for all agar recipes.
  • Cornstarch: 1 tbsp cornstarch per 1 tsp agar (for thickening only) — Only for thickening — won't create a firm gel. Works for puddings and sauces.

Why This Matters

  • Agar Agar may need substituting due to dietary restrictions
  • Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is common
  • Allergies or preferences may require alternatives

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Gelatin at 1 tsp gelatin per 1 tsp agar powder
  2. 2Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results

Tags

substitutesveganagar-agaringredient-swapcooking-tips

Related Items

substitute-for-apple-cider-vinegaragar-agar-instead-of-gelatin-vegan-alternativeshoisin-sauce-instead-of-oyster-sauceallspice-instead-of-cardamomherbes-de-provence-instead-of-italian-seasoning

More in Vegan

substitute-for-gelatinBest Substitutes for Gelatin — What to Use Instead
Useful
substitute-for-chicken-brothBest Substitutes for Chicken Broth — What to Use Instead
Must Know
vegetable-broth-instead-of-chicken-brothCan I Use Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?
Useful
mushroom-broth-instead-of-chicken-brothCan I Use Mushroom Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?
Useful
water-soy-sauce-instead-of-chicken-brothCan I Use Water + Soy Sauce Instead of Chicken Broth?
Useful
substitute-for-beef-brothBest Substitutes for Beef Broth — What to Use Instead
Useful

Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute is Gelatin at 1 tsp gelatin per 1 tsp agar powder. Not vegan. Creates softer, more jiggly set. Needs refrigeration. Most common swap.