LIVING JIN Agar Agar Powder 4oz, Vegan Plant-Based Gelatin Substitute

Works well

I don't notice a taste when I use this in my cooking. I usually use this in my homemade yogurt. For whatever reason, I have a very hard time getting my homemade coconut milk yogurt to thicken the way I like it, which is Greek yogurt thick. I have followed recipes that say to use only full fat canned yogurt, only the cream at that, and probiotics. Very simple and very watery even after 24 hours of processing. Recently, I changed how I make coconut yogurt in my instant pot. I use the whole can now and I switched to a vegan yogurt starter. A lot of improvement, but still not quite there. I tried adding other thickeners in addition to the starter. Sunflower lecithin was my first try. Didn't work for me the yogurt had a funny flavor and was very dark in color. Next!! Xanthan gum was my next try. Better, no funny flavor, got pristine looking yogurt, but the texture was gritty at the level of xanthan gum that I was using. Next!! Agar agar powder (not flakes, you would need about 3 times the amount of flakes to replace the powder). 1 teaspoon was the amount I started with and didn't get any farther. It really improved the consistency of the yogurt, it was white, and no gritty feeling. True it still doesn't come out Greek yogurt thick right out of the instant pot, but after a few hours of refrigeration it's fairly close. If I decide to get it thicker, I'll update my review. As things stand, I can recommend this product.

Never used agar agar before. And for a first time my jello came out great.

It does exactly what it’s supposed to in terms of thickening and setting, and I like that it’s a good plant-based option. That said, it does have a slight taste that comes through depending on what you’re making. It’s not overpowering, but noticeable in more simple recipes. I found it works best in dishes with stronger flavors where it blends in better. Overall still a good product, just something to keep in mind depending on how you plan to use it.

My nephew never tried Jell-o before, and asked me to make it for him because he saw it on an old cartoon. Obviously, the favorite auntie is going to make that happen. My family hasn't eaten pork in decades so I had to find a replacement for gelatin. A quick Google led me to this product and it didn't disappoint. It sets up a slightly firmer than Jell-o, but the essence is there. Add some juice, water, sugar, boil, and boom Jell-o. My nephew, however, didn't like the texture. He thought it would taste differently, but he appreciated the effort. We're going to try to make gummies next,