Saint InnocentAgar agar which can also be referred to as Kanten, Japanese Isinglass, or China Grass, is a vegetarian gelatine made from red algae seaweed, and it comes in different varieties and shades of agar flakes, agar strands and agar agar powder; with most preferable to use among them all being the agar agar powder which is everyone’s favorite among them all.
Commonly found in Southeast Asia, agar can be very helpful in traditional jellies such as pandan and dim sum coconut jelly, with its pudding-like consistency and wobbly texture making a bold claim for it.
Generally, when it comes to use inside of the kitchen, agar would always be that very much-needed vegan gelling agent that can serve the purpose of making anything ranging from jam & jelly to pate and cheese.
However, the truth and reality remain the fact that though finding and locating them in the Asian continent looks quite easy, that is not always the case in major supermarkets outside of the Asian continent, particularly in the West.
In that regard, if for any reason you just can’t seem to get your hands on agar, well below have been highlighted 7 of the best substitutes for agar you can always try out.
7 Substitute For Agar Agar
1. Pectin Powder
Pectin powder as a substitute for agar Agar is a vegan replacement sourced from the inner skin of fruits and vegetables and is mostly used in the making of fruit jams, jellies, and the rest, adding to them its sweet condiments and jelly consistency.
However, there remains a slight difference between them both in the aspect that pectin powder has more sugar added to it compared to agar, translating to the fact that agar is great in desserts, but the reverse is the case when it comes to savory recipes.
Another thing you should also take into consideration is the fact that, unlike agar, pectin powder is straight to business, in the sense that it can be used in any recipe without prior preparation.
2. Unflavored Gelatin
Unflavored gelatin as a substitute for agar is one of the top recommendations, particularly for individuals who are not vegan or cooking for a vegan, since it is made from animal collagen transformed into a white powder.
As a swap for swap option of a substitute for agar, unflavored gelatin is always the best choice inside desserts like flavored Jell-O, serving the all-around purpose of being a thickener, stabilizer, and binder.
However, since unflavored gelatin can mostly be used in its powder form, it is suggested that you have them used in a 3:1 ratio in place of agar in any recipe since you need to use more than what the recipe calls for in agar powder.
3. Vegan “Gelatin”
This option of a substitute for agar is similar to the aforementioned unflavored gelatin, except for the fact they have both gotten a different profile. Regardless, they still serve the same purpose of doing an excellent job in the making of desserts like jell o that calls for the primary need of agar agar powder.
Easily accessible and located in most health food stores as well, with options to purchase online as well, you can never go wrong with the vegan gelatin powder, which, though it might not be the quickest, is the easiest in the making.
Finally, since the vegan gelatin powder came from the combination and blend of several ingredients, finding the perfect ratio to substitute for agar might be something you might not always get right.
Read also, 9 Lecithin Substitutes For Gummies
4. Xanthan Gum
Initially, Xanthan guns were only a common sight in commercial kitchens, but in recent times, it has started gaining popularity in home kitchens. As an ideal substitute for agar, that certainty should address your baking needs and can be easily found and located in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
However, if there is something you should always have at the back of your mind, it is that xanthan gum is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, meaning for some persons, there is the possibility of it leading to irritation if consumed too much.
However, it remains an easy swap for agar agar powder and doesn’t require any extra prep before use.
5. Guar Gum
Similar to the scenario with the aforementioned Xanthan gum, Guar gum was initially merely an ingredient that was used for a long time in commercial kitchens; however, in recent times, home chefs are beginning to experiment with it and finding new ways of cooking.
Sourced from guar beans, which fall under the pea family, guar gum beans are also vegan and gluten-free, serving the purpose of being a thickener and helping bind foods as well, going a long way.
As a substitute for agar, it is recommended that you use ½ tablespoon of guar gum to replace 1 cup of agar agar powder.
6. Cornstarch
When it comes to going in search of a thickening agent to serve as a substitute for agar powder, there is no other substitute that comes close to cornstarch in that very aspect, a white powder that is extracted from the center of the corn kernel and can be very starchy.
As a substitute for agar powder, cornstarch can always be used to thicken soups and sauces. Interestingly enough, it is not just limited to that alone as it is also a popular choice for making gravy.
7. Tapioca Powder
If there is any purpose the tapioca powder is known to serve generally, it is tapioca pudding as well as its ability to thicken, which is literally what every substitute for agar should have as their characteristics, thereby making it one.
As a substitute for agar, tapioca powder blends perfectly well with dairy, but that is not always the case with acidic foods, meaning you are advised not to substitute it for agar in recipes that have citrus or other acidic ingredients.
However, on a good note, they are great as a substitute for agar when it comes to thickening soups, sauces, baked goods, and cold desserts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to arrive at a reasonable conclusion as to what substitute for agar you should stick with on days when agar is unavailable for you to use depends on what purpose it is meant to serve inside of your kitchen. Trust this article to guide you on that.
Emmanuel
Saint Innocent
