Irish Moss (Brewing Clarifier) — Hidden Processing Agent — Is It Vegan?
Also known as: Carrageen moss, Chondrus crispus, Whirlfloc, Carlson Laboratories Irish Moss
Vegan
No animals or animal-derived substances are involved in producing this agent.
Not required on labels
Not required on beer labels.
Source
Dried and processed red algae (Chondrus crispus) harvested from the North Atlantic coast. Entirely marine plant-derived and vegan.
Used In
Beer brewing — added in the last 10-15 minutes of the boil to improve clarity by attracting and precipitating proteins from the wort (hot break).
How to Avoid
No need to avoid — Irish moss is vegan.
Editorial Notes
Irish moss is one of the oldest brewing clarification agents. It is a seaweed (not a moss despite the name) whose carrageenan content binds to proteins and forms large flocs that settle out. Whirlfloc tablets are compressed Irish moss pellets — the standard home brewing form. Not to be confused with processed carrageenan food additive (E407), though they share the same plant source.