Clearspring Agar Flakes, known as "kanten" in Japanese, are a high quality vegetarian alternative to gelatine for making desserts, jellies and aspics. They are traditionally made from sea plants in Japan. They have a neutral flavour and are free from any bleaching chemical or softening agents.

Traditional and conventional agar

Nowadays, almost all commercial agar-agar is made using sulphuric acid to dissolve the starches, and chemical bleaches and dyes to neutralise the colour and flavour of the sea plants. However, a few small craft producers, such as the family who make Clearspring Agar Flakes, still use the traditional slow method.