{"product_id":"cape-crystal-sodium-alginate-food-grade-thickening-gelling-powder-16-oz-vegan-gluten-free","title":"Cape Crystal Sodium Alginate Food-Grade Thickening \u0026 Gelling Powder, 16 oz — Vegan, Gluten-Free","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCape Crystal Sodium Alginate is a 100% food-grade seaweed-derived powder used to thicken, gel, and enable spherification in cooking.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExtracted and refined from brown seaweed, this Sodium Alginate powder is a neutral-flavored, vegetable-based thickener designed for culinary use. It dissolves in water and many liquid preparations to create smooth sauces, stabilize emulsions, bind meats, and produce the popular caviar-like spheres used in modernist cuisine. Packaged in a 16-ounce (454 g) container, the product is gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and free from artificial additives or preservatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I use Sodium Alginate to thicken sauces and dressings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSodium Alginate hydrates in liquid to increase viscosity without altering taste. For even dispersal, blend the powder into a small amount of liquid first, then incorporate into the main batch and allow it to rest so trapped air and bubbles escape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse an immersion blender for smooth integration and to avoid lumps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStart with 0.2–1.0% by weight depending on desired thickness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAllow 10–30 minutes for full hydration and stabilization.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWorks with water, stock, juices, and many dairy or plant milks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is spherification and how does this powder create caviar-like spheres?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCape Crystal Sodium Alginate is suitable for both basic and reverse spherification techniques to form gelled spheres from liquids. The powder reacts with calcium ions to form a thin gel membrane while preserving a liquid center when handled correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBasic spherification: add calcium to the flavored liquid, drop into alginate bath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReverse spherification: mix alginate into the flavored liquid, drop into calcium bath for firmer skin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eControl firmness by varying contact time with the calcium solution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRinse finished spheres in clean water to remove residual bath solution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use Sodium Alginate when preparing meat products or gluten-free baking?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSodium Alginate functions as a meat binder and stabilizer, improving sliceability and moisture retention without altering flavor. It also works in gluten-free and vegan formulations to add structure and reduce syneresis in fillings and loaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAdd small percentages to ground meat for nuggets, meatloaf, and formed cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse in plant-based proteins to improve texture and cohesion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCombine with other hydrocolloids for tailored elasticity and bite.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFree from gluten and common allergens, suitable for special diets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Sodium Alginate is a clean-label ingredient that provides functional performance for both home cooks and professional kitchens. It does not contain artificial stabilizers or preservatives and is refined for culinary use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this for?\u003c\/strong\u003e Home cooks experimenting with modernist techniques, professional chefs adding new textures to menus, bakers and food producers seeking a plant-based binder, and anyone on vegan or gluten-free diets who needs a neutral, reliable thickening and gelling agent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Is Cape Crystal Sodium Alginate safe to eat?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. It is food-grade, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and refined from seaweed for culinary use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What ratio should I use for spherification?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Typical starting points: 0.5–1.0% alginate in liquid for reverse spherification; adjust for texture and liquid composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Cape Crystal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46002555813971,"sku":"B01I26D48I","price":100.83,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0732\/9949\/2947\/files\/cape-crystal-front-package.jpg?v=1787190345","url":"https:\/\/spicestosnacks.ca\/products\/cape-crystal-sodium-alginate-food-grade-thickening-gelling-powder-16-oz-vegan-gluten-free","provider":"Spices To Snacks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}