Kappa carrageenan binds water to form strong, rigid gels. Potassium salts are essential in order to form this firm gel structure. As the level of potassium is increased, the resulting gel structure becomes tightly aggregated and may cause syneresis (moisture on the gel surface).

Iota carrageenan also binds water, but forms a dry, elastic gel, especially in the presence of calcium salts. The divalent calcium ions help form bonds between the carrageenan molecules to form helices. The 2-sulfate group on the outside of the iota carrageenan molecule does not allow the helices to aggregate to the same extent as kappa carrageenan, but form additional bonds through calcium interactions. The gels are more elastic, dry and provide excellent freeze/thaw stability.

Lambda carrageenan is highly sulfated and therefore less likely to form a gel structure. The ester sulfate distribution of lambda carrageenan is randomly distributed on the molecule. This prevents gelation and promotes viscous solutions. Lambda carrageenan is primarily used to thicken liquids and modify the texture of foods.