Sodium alginate for head retention

[Cainepolo12]

Has anyone ever used this?

Hello all- I am wondering if anyone has used sodium alginate to aid in head retention? Theoretically, it should work similar to the gums, but I am trying to find out if it will thicken or emulsify the wort. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[ChasidicCalvinist]

I've never even heard of it. Is it available for purchase? Did you read somewhere that it helps with head retention? There is head retention powder, it consists primarily of guar gum. I think Northern Brewer sells it.

 

[Cainepolo12]

Guar gum is a plant derived gum from dehydrated cell matter. Sodium alginate is essentially the same from seaweed. I found a couple references to people brewing with it but not much at all. It is often used in upscale restaurants to create "spheres." I thought it might be an alternative to xanthan or guar gum as it imparts no taste or smell. Additionally, while it is an emulsifier, it gelatinizes at lower rate than xanthan.