U.S. flag An official website of the United States government.
				Here's how you know we're official. **Official websites use .gov** A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure websites use HTTPS** A small lock or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to a .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Toggle navigation Toggle search National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 Search
					Search National Ocean Service


Home
				Ocean Facts

				Topics
					Explore All Topics 
                        Arctic 
                        Careers 
                        Economy 
                        Ecosystems 
                        Geodesy 
                        Hazards 
                        International
                        Navigation 
                        Observations 
                        Ocean 
                        Recreation 
                         Sea Level Rise 
                        Story Maps 
                        Tools
                
                			Education

				
				News
				Podcasts
				Video
				Images
				About Us


1. Home
2. Facts
3. What does peanut butter have to do with the ocean?

**What does peanut butter have to do with the ocean?**  The **ingredient** that makes peanut butter easier to spread comes from the ocean. It appears that your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
						Here's a direct link to
							the video instead.
  VIDEO: What does peanut butter have to do with the ocean? Here's an overview in under two minutes. Transcript  When it comes to eating, the ocean provides much more than just  seafood. Many of the foods and products found in your local grocery store  contain ingredients from the ocean. For example, peanut butter and toothpaste both contain  carrageenan. Carrageenan is a generic term for compounds extracted from species  of red algae. Boiling the algae extracts the carrageenan, which in turn is used  to make peanut butter more spreadable. Carrageenan also gives toothpaste its consistency  and is used in other cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products.  Video Transcript Did you know that your peanut butter is easier to spread because of an ingredient from the ocean? It's called Carrageenan and it comes from a species of red algae. Carrageenan is also found in toothpaste. Many foods, medicines, cosmetics, and other everyday products depend on things that are found in the ocean. So the next time you enjoy a peanut butter sandwich or brush your teeth, think about how the ocean gives people much more than just seafood and a fun place to take a vacation. Then think about what you can do in return.
 **Search** Our facts    Get **Social** Social
  **Last updated:** 01/20/23 **Author:** NOAA How to cite this article Contact Us


Feedback Provide Feedback
							Contact Us
							Report an error
 Social Instagram Logo/a>


*Science. Service.Stewardship.*
 About NOS About Us
							NOS Program Offices
							Media Inquiries
							Website Acknowledgements
                            Site Index
							Disclaimer
 More Resources Freedom of Information Act
							Accessibility
							Information Quality
							Privacy Policy
							NOS For Employees
							USA.gov
 Department of Commerce
									National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
									National Ocean Service