Agar (powder)

Baking Basics

Plant-based gelling agent extracted from red algae. Vegan substitute for gelatin; common in Asian desserts.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData Central, in-house testingMethodology

Properties

Density Index
0.50 g/cm3
1 Cup Weight
120g
Texture
Dry
Category
Baking
Top Substitute

Powdered Gelatin

Use 1 tbsp gelatin per 1 tsp agar

Animal-derived. Softer set, melts in mouth. Won't hold at room temp.

Most-used links for Agar (powder)

Conversions

cupsgrams
1/4 cups30.0 grams
1/3 cups40.0 grams
1/2 cups60.0 grams
1 cups120 grams
1.50 cups180 grams
2 cups240 grams
3 cups360 grams
4 cups480 grams
Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).
Density: 0.5 g/ml
Quick Convert

Ingredient-specific, density-based conversions for baking

1 cups of Agar (powder) equals 118 grams
Ingredient-specific · density-based
Cup size

Recommended Tools & Pantry Picks for Agar (powder)

Optional shopping references for bakers who want to compare tools and pantry options related to agar (powder).

Digital Kitchen Scale

Essential for cup-to-gram accuracy and repeatable bakes.

Shop scales

Disclosure: Some outbound links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, CupOrGram earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Substitutions for Agar (powder)

Storage Tips

Airtight container at room temperature for years.

Baking Science

Sets at room temperature (no fridge needed) and stays solid up to 85°C. About 3x stronger than gelatin — overdoing it produces a rubbery, brittle gel. Must be boiled to dissolve.

Recipe Context

For chemical leavening: small weight changes alter rise and browning.

For quick breads: over-leavening can cause collapse after oven spring.

For cookies: balance leavening with acid source for predictable spread.

Common Pitfalls

  • Switching brands without re-checking weight can change texture and bake time.
  • Using volume-only measurements for dense ingredients can overshoot recipe targets.
  • Expired leaveners can underperform even when measured correctly.

Brand Variance & Measuring Method

Baseline reference: 1 cup agar (powder) = 120g. In real kitchens, a practical range is usually 113g-127g per cup (6% band).

Why this happens: fine powders and leaveners settle during storage, changing cup density.

Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).

Common Questions

How many grams is 1 cup of agar (powder)?

1 cup of agar (powder) weighs 120 grams.

What can I substitute for agar (powder)?

Powdered Gelatin (1 tbsp gelatin per 1 tsp agar)

Explore Agar (powder) Further

Related Baking Basics