Agar agar powder is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae that has been popular across Asia for centuries. It is a plant-based gelatin substitute that is suitable for use by vegans as a substitute for gelatin. Agar agar is a mixture of two components, the linear polysaccharide agarose and a heterogeneous mixture of smaller molecules called agaropectin. It is sold in flake, powder, bar, and strand form. Agar agar can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute in any recipe that calls for gelatin as a thickening agent, including sauces, jelly-based desserts, custards, and puddings. It sets more firmly than gelatin and can even set at room temperature. To use agar agar powder, it needs to be dissolved in liquid by bringing it to a boil over medium heat and then simmering until thickened, approximately five minutes. The amount of agar agar powder to use depends on the type of liquid being used. For neutral liquids, use 0.9g agar agar powder to 100ml of liquid, and for acidic liquids, use 1.3g of agar agar powder to 100ml of liquid. Agar agar powder is also used in some diet products as it gives a sensation of fullness, and in Asia, it is sometimes used as a digestive remedy for upset stomachs. It can be found in Asian supermarkets, health food stores, or online, as flakes or powder.