NOW Foods Agar Pure Powder 5 oz — Vegan Gelatin Substitute, Gluten-Free & Kosher

NOW Foods Agar Pure Powder is a vegan, gluten-free thickening agent made from marine red algae that replaces animal gelatin in jellies, desserts, sauces and more.

Extracted from red seaweeds, this finely milled agar powder provides gelatin-like gelling and thickening without animal-derived ingredients. Packaged in the USA by NOW Foods, the 5-ounce container is certified Kosher and non-GMO, making it a versatile pantry staple for plant-based cooks, bakers and home food crafters.

How do I use agar powder instead of gelatin?

Agar sets more firmly and at higher temperatures than animal gelatin, so recipes need slight adjustments. Dissolve the powder in boiling liquid first, simmer briefly to fully hydrate, then cool to set; use roughly 0.5–1 teaspoon agar powder per cup of liquid depending on desired firmness.

• Dissolve in hot or boiling liquid; simmer 1–3 minutes for activation.
• Typical conversion: 1 teaspoon agar = about 1 tablespoon gelatin (by gelling strength).
• Pour while warm; sets as it cools and firms in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently to dissolve if remelting is needed (do not overboil).

What culinary uses suit NOW Foods Agar best?

Agar works across sweet and savory applications where a stable, vegetarian gel or thickener is needed. It’s ideal for clear gels, fruit jellies, vegan custards, thickened sauces and stabilizing ice cream or mousse textures.

• Clear jellies and molded desserts with clean, firm cuts.
• Custards, puddings and vegan cheeses needing body and stability.
• Thickening soups, gravies and pie fillings without cloudiness.
• Stabilizing frozen desserts to reduce ice crystallization.

Are there diet or allergen benefits to this agar powder?

NOW Foods Agar is plant-derived, gluten-free and Kosher-certified, offering a neutral, allergen-friendly thickener for many diets. It contains no dairy, eggs, or animal ingredients, and is produced by a family-owned company in the USA.

• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternative to beef gelatin.
• Gluten-free formulation suitable for sensitive diets.
• Kosher (Triangle K) and non-GMO verified packaging.
• Small 5-ounce size for trial and home use without waste.

How should I store and measure this agar powder?

Keep the powder in a cool, dry place with the container sealed to maintain potency and prevent clumping. Use precise teaspoons or a digital scale for consistent gelling results and label any opened packaging with the date.

• Store in a sealed jar or the original container away from heat and moisture.
• Measure by weight when possible for repeatable texture control.
• Small jar size keeps product fresh for occasional home use.
• Reseal after each use to avoid humidity and contamination.

Who is this for? NOW Foods Agar Pure Powder is aimed at home cooks, vegan and vegetarian bakers, culinary hobbyists and professional chefs seeking a reliable plant-based thickener. It’s useful for anyone replacing animal gelatin, creating clear gels, stabilizing desserts, or wanting a Kosher, gluten-free ingredient produced by a longstanding American family company.

Ingredients

Agar Powder.