Last updated on October 12, 2022
Sea moss, also called Chondrus crispus or Irish moss, is an alga that naturally grows along the rocky Atlantic coasts. You may have heard about it only recently, but we’ve been using it in the United States for decades. Its gelatinous extract called carrageenan is a great natural food thickener commonly used in industrial soups and drinks.
As for the Irish and the Jamaicans, they’ve been using sea moss for centuries to prevent and cure numerous health conditions such as diabetes, skin problems, respiratory infections, thyroid disorders, cough and colds, erectile dysfunction, and many others.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Chondrus crispus became one of the most popular superfoods and supplements. It contains an incredible variety of minerals and vitamins, probably more than any other food.
But what does it taste like? Is it good? Is it salty or fishy? What can you do to make it taste better?
What Does Sea Moss Really Taste Like?
There are several ways to consume sea moss, including raw, in gel, capsules, or gummies. While plain sea moss may have an unpleasant taste for some, its gel is mostly flavorless.
What does raw sea moss taste like?
Raw sea moss is the form of sea moss with the stronger taste. It kind of tastes like the ocean. After all, it’s a seaweed. Many people comment that it reminds them of the earthy flavor found in oysters or clams. Besides, it can be very salty.
Still, if you’re up for the culinary adventure, you might just like the taste of raw sea moss. There are two ways to eat raw sea moss: fresh or dried.
Raw Wildcrafted Organic Sea Moss From Saint Lucia
Fresh sea moss has a soft gelatinous texture, while dried sea moss adds a crunchy touch to your meal. Either way, you can add the alga to salads, mix it into soups, or cook it like pasta.
If the fishy-salty taste doesn’t sound appealing to you, don’t worry. Most people dislike the taste of fresh sea moss too. That’s why it’s generally consumed in gel, powder, or capsules. You’ll reap the same health benefits without the nasty taste.
Related article: How much sea moss can you eat daily?
What does sea moss gel taste like?
Sea moss gel is mostly flavorless. However, if you have hypersensitive taste buds, you may find a mild flavor easily hidden when added to food.
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It’s made from dried sea moss that has been soaked into water and blended until it becomes a gelatinous substance. The alga loses most of its salty ocean taste during that process.
Pure flavorless sea moss gel is the best to add to foods and drinks as the taste is almost unremarkable and won’t interfere with other flavors. Besides, it acts as a thickener when mixed into juices, smoothies, soups, or sauces.
However, some prefer taking two daily tablespoons of sea moss gel alone. In that case, you may want to purchase flavored sea moss gel or prepare your own fruit-infused one. Typical sea moss gel flavors are pineapple, raspberry, mango, strawberry, elderberry, and others.
Our Wildcrafted Saint Lucian Sea Moss Gel is 100% Pure and Flavorless.
Organics Nature Collagen Peptides and Sea Moss Gel, Mango-Pineapple & Vanilla-Caramel Limited Editions
Related article: Zoom in on sea moss’s actual nutrition facts
What does sea moss powder taste like?
Turning seaweed into powder is another common and convenient way to take sea moss. Sea moss powder is obtained by dehydrating the alga and grinding it.
The taste of sea moss powder is similar to that of dried raw sea moss but less intense. While many users like to sprinkle some powder on their salads or use it as a topping, not everyone enjoys the taste of the ocean for breakfast.
In that case, you may want to consider purchasing sea moss capsules. The ones we make at Organics Nature are enriched with bladderwrack and burdock root and contain 500 mg of organic Chondrus crispus powder each. They’re absolutely tasteless. The recommended serving size is two capsules a day.
Organics Nature’s sea moss capsules with bladderwrack and burdock root
Related article: Is it better to take sea moss at night or in the morning?
Sea Moss Taste & Texture: FAQs
Still wondering what it’s like to eat sea moss? Then, here are a few more of its interesting gustatory characteristics.
Is sea moss salty?
Like any product from the sea, sea moss is naturally salty, so whether fresh, dried, or cooked, raw sea moss has a salty taste. However, sea moss gel doesn’t taste salty.
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If you don’t like the salinity of raw sea moss, you can wash it thoroughly in clear water until it’s no longer salty.
Seaweeds owe their saltiness to the numerous mineral salts they absorb from the water they grow in. Sea moss is packed with healthy mineral salts like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It’s what gives it its salty taste, but also its incredible health benefits.
Despite its salty taste, Chondrus crispus is one of the seaweeds with the lowest sodium content, so it’s suitable for people on a low-sodium diet (if consumed in moderation, of course!).
Related article: The complete list of minerals and vitamins found in sea moss
Does it taste fishy?
As said above, sea moss is a sea vegetable, so you should naturally expect an ocean-like taste. When raw, Chondrus crispus has a slimy texture and sometimes a slightly fishy taste, although consumers commonly describe it as similar to oysters or clams. Raw sea moss may not be for you if you don’t like seafood. In that case, look for flavorless alternatives like sea moss gel, gummies, or capsules.
How to tell if sea moss has gone bad?
While it’s normal that raw sea moss has a salty and slightly fishy taste, it shouldn’t be that bad as to repel you. A very nasty smell or a strong fishy taste may be a sign that your raw sea moss or sea moss gel has gone bad. Expired sea moss has a vivid sour and fishy flavor.
How to Make Sea Moss Taste Better?
If the natural flavor of raw sea moss doesn’t appeal to you at all, there are many ways to make sea moss taste better.
Get flavorless sea moss gel or capsules
While plain sea moss may have a strong taste, sea moss gel is mostly flavorless and very convenient to use. You can eat the gel alone or add it to drinks or foods.
Capsules are another great alternative to avoid the taste of sea moss. They’re made with dehydrated sea moss powder. If you swallow them without opening them, you won’t taste anything!
Flavoring sea moss gel
Like the one from Organics Nature, most professionally manufactured sea moss gels have no taste at all or contain added fruit flavors.
If you’re making your own sea moss gel at home and find it has an unpleasant taste, a good solution is to infuse it with natural fruits.
Related article: How to make fruit-infused sea moss gel?
Incorporating sea moss into foods and drinks
Whether raw or in gel, if your taste buds really can’t get used to sea moss flavor, incorporate it into foods or drinks with robust flavors like spices, coffee, citrus smoothies, etc.
Related article: Why we love sea moss gummies and how to make them at home?
Have you ever tried sea moss? Do you like how it tastes? What’s your favorite way to eat it?
Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003
