alginic acid

noun

Meaning

A viscous, gummy polysaccharide found in the cell walls of brown algae, widely used as a thickening or gelling agent in food and industrial products.

Examples

  • The food scientist added alginic acid to the mixture to ensure the sauce maintained a consistent texture.
  • Because alginic acid is derived from seaweed, it is a popular ingredient in vegetarian gelling agents.

Synonyms: algin, thickener, gelling agent, polysaccharide