Carrageenan is obtained from various red seaweeds (marine algae) one of which is the cold water Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus). The major sources of carrageenan are now the two tropical red seaweeds Kappaphycus alverezii and Eucheuma denticulatum, also known as 'cottoni and spinosum' in popular literature.
It is used as a thickening, stabilizing or emulsifying agent in dairy products (chocolate milk, ice cream, etc.), reprocessed meats, dog food, toothpaste, air freshener gels, and a variety of other food and non food products (puddings, salad dressings, shoe polish, etc.).
Updated information provided by: Ms. Duika Burges Watson