Agar-agar, or simply agar, is a gel derived from red algae. Is is used extensively in Asian desserts to make jellies, puddings, and custards.
For examples of agar-agar in Asian desserts, see Japanese anmitsu and mizu yōkan, Philippine gulaman, buko pandan, and halo-halo, and Vietnamese thạch. It is also a commonly used ingredient in flavored jellies added to bubble tea. Agar-agar is used in Russia as a replacement for pectin in jams and jellies, and in candies, such as ptasie mleczko.