Agar
* Calorie value is measured per serving weight shown
Nutrition (per 100g)
Common Serving Sizes
How long to burn 311 kcal
Approximate exercise time to burn the 311 kcal in each 100g:
About Agar
A natural polysaccharide gelling agent extracted from red algae; used in food and labs.
Health Benefits of Agar
Extraction and gel properties
Agar is a natural polysaccharide mix from red algae (Gracilaria etc.), mainly agarose and agaropectin. It dissolves above ~85°C and sets at 35-40°C, with far higher gel strength than gelatin and good heat tolerance - agar jelly doesn't melt at summer room temperature, ideal for desserts and jelly.
Agar vs gelatine
Agar is a plant/algal extract (vegetarian); gelatine is hydrolysed animal bone-and-skin collagen. Agar gel is crisper/firmer; gelatine is soft and melt-in-the-mouth. Use gelatine for mousse cake, and agar for yokan, almond tofu and Japanese wagashi. You use 1-2g per serving - calories negligible.
Almost no absorbable calories
Although labelled 311 kcal/100g, the body barely digests agar's polysaccharides - a 1-2g use is only ~3-6 kcal absorbable. In the gut agar swells into a gel, boosting satiety and bowel movement.