Agar-Agar vs. Konjac vs. Gelatin: Which Thickening Agent Is Right for You?

January 9, 2025

When it comes to thickening or setting your favorite desserts, soups, or jellies, the right ingredient makes all the difference. Agar-agar, konjac, and gelatin are popular choices, but they each bring unique properties and benefits to the table. Let’s explore how they compare to help you choose the best option for your recipes!

1. Agar-Agar: The Seaweed Superstar

Source: Derived from red algae (seaweed), agar-agar is a natural and vegan alternative to gelatin.
Properties:
- Sets at room temperature and doesn’t melt easily, making it ideal for warm climates.
- Creates a firm, slightly brittle texture.
Common Uses:
- Vegan jellies, puddings, and desserts.
- Thickening soups or sauces.
Pro Tip: Dissolve agar-agar powder in boiling water for the best results. It sets quickly as it cools, so work fast

2. Konjac: The Fiber-Rich Thickener

Source: Extracted from the root of the konjac plant, also known as glucomannan.
Properties:
- High in dietary fiber and almost calorie-free.
- Creates a chewy, jelly-like texture, softer than agar-agar.
Common Uses:
- Low-carb jellies or gummies.
- Vegan desserts and savory recipes.
Pro Tip: Konjac requires careful handling to avoid clumping. Mix it thoroughly in water before adding to your recipe.

3. Gelatin: The Classic Choice

Source: Made from animal collagen, usually from pork or beef.
Properties:
- Sets at lower temperatures, resulting in a soft, wobbly texture.
- Melts easily when reheated, giving a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Common Uses:
- Classic jellies, panna cotta, and marshmallows.
- Thickening sauces or glazes.
Pro Tip: Bloom gelatin in cold water before heating to ensure a smooth, even set.

Comparison at Glance

Ingredient	Vegan?	Texture	Setting Temperature	Best For
Agar-Agar	Yes	Firm, brittle	Room temp (doesn’t melt)	Vegan jellies, firm desserts
Konjac	Yes	Chewy, Softer, jelly-like	Room temp	Low-calorie snacks, vegan jelly gummies
Gelatin	No	Soft, wobbly	Fridge (melts easily)	Creamy desserts, classic jellies

HeySweet Brown Sugar Konjac Jelly: make your drinkable Jelly

After exploring the unique properties of different thickening agents, we created HeySweet Brown Sugar Konjac Jelly to go beyond traditional jelly. This versatile product is perfect not only as a classic dessert but also as a drinkable jelly.

Pair it with your favorite beverages like coffee lattes, milk teas, sparkling water, or fruit teas. Sip it through a straw and enjoy the fun, chewy texture in every drink.

With HeySweet Brown Sugar Konjac Jelly, you can elevate your drinks and desserts with a unique, delightful texture that adds a whole new layer to your sipping experience!