According to Datassential, a large percentage of flexitarians hail from the Millennial population, however Americans over the age of 55 have embraced flexitarian habits as well.

In making its decision to reject the NOSB’s recommendation, the USDA considered the scientific evidence and stakeholder comments, ultimately reaffirming carrageenan’s safety and value as a food ingredient. In the Federal Register notice, the USDA stated that “carrageenan continues to be necessary for handling agricultural products because of the unavailability of wholly natural substitutes.

The International Food Additives Council (IFAC), Washington, DC, says a new study demonstrates that carrageenan does not induce inflammation in human cells as claimed by some industry critics. Carrageenan is a key ingredient to deliver stability, texture and nutrients in many foods and beverages.

The best news for carrageenan producers and users came at the end of June, 2014.