Carrageenan: These foods contain carrageenan (E407)

Carrageenan is a thickening agent used to provide a smooth consistency in food and drink. It is added to products such as chocolates, ice cream, puddings, sauces, beverages, and certain meat products.

The substance is extracted from red seaweed and occurs naturally in marine plants, but it is processed before being used in food production. During this process, the seaweed is cleaned and dried, and the carrageenan is isolated as a powder that can bind with water.

Since carrageenan is used in foods to provide structure and has no nutritional value, foods containing it are considered ultra-processed.

Recent research indicates that carrageenan can increase intestinal permeability, trigger inflammation, and potentially exacerbate conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Sources: Wikipedia and National Library of Medicine