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Medicinal & Therapeutic Herbs
Agar agar powder
Also known as: agar, agar-agar, kanten, vegetable gelatin, plant gelatin.
Agar is a natural gelling material obtained from red algae, especially genera such as Gelidium and Gracilaria. The powder dissolves in liquid with heat and sets into a firm gel as it cools. It is widely chosen as a plant-based alternative to gelatin in vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Shipping options
Last updated: October 2026
Our courier partners
We work with the following courier companies to ensure fast and reliable delivery:
- ACS Courier: delivery across Greece and to Cyprus
- ACS Smart Lockers: collection from automated parcel lockers
- ELTA Courier: delivery across Greece
- Box Now: collection from automated parcel lockers
- DHL: deliveries to EU countries
Dispatch and delivery times
When your order is dispatched
Most products are dispatched within 1–2 business days of order confirmation. For bank transfers, the time counts from receipt of payment. If a product is temporarily out of stock, dispatch may take 3–5 business days and we will notify you promptly.
Estimated delivery times
| Destination | Delivery time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Athens and major cities | 1–2 business days | |
| Regional areas | 1–3 business days | |
| Islands and remote areas | 2–5 business days | Subject to route schedules |
| EU countries (DHL) | usually 4–6 business days | Depending on the destination |
| Cyprus (ACS Courier) | 5–7 business days | From the departure of the ship |
Delivery times count from the day of dispatch. They are estimates and may be affected by circumstances beyond our control (strikes, adverse weather, etc.).
Delivery days
- Deliveries are made on business days (Monday–Friday).
- Saturday delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
- Same-day delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
- Delivery at a scheduled time: available on request, at an additional charge.
Shipping costs within Greece
Free shipping on orders over €49
On orders over €49, shipping is free for the first 3 kg. If your parcel is heavier, you keep the free shipping and pay only for the extra weight, at €1.50 per kg.
Orders up to €49
Free shipping does not apply to orders up to €49. Shipping starts from €3.50 for parcels up to 2 kg. The exact amount is calculated automatically at checkout, based on the courier, the weight and the destination, and is shown before you complete your order.
Tip: combine your purchases into a single order over €49 to get free shipping.
Cash on delivery
Paying by cash on delivery costs an extra €2.50, on top of the shipping cost.
Order tracking
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an SMS or e-mail with a tracking number so you can follow your parcel in real time.
Uncollected parcels
- ACS, ELTA: parcels are held at the courier's office for up to 7 days.
- Box Now: parcels are held in the locker for 48 hours.
- DHL (EU shipments): parcels are held at the local DHL office for a limited number of days. Please contact your local DHL office to confirm.
If you are unable to collect your parcel in time, please contact us and we will find a solution. If a parcel is returned to us without prior notice, the outbound and return shipping costs are charged to the customer. See our Returns Policy for details.
Shipping to the European Union and Cyprus
We ship to all European Union countries with DHL, from €18 (Cyprus and Malta from €20). For Cyprus you can also choose ACS Courier (from €9.60). The exact cost is shown at checkout, before you pay.
On EU orders over €200, shipping is free for the first 2 kg and you pay only for the extra weight.
Since all shipments travel within the European Union, there are no customs duties or import charges.
Full details on our International Orders — European Union page.
Contact us about shipping
- E-mail: info@yperikon.gr
- Phone: (+30) 2610 221354
- Opening hours (Greek time): Mon, Wed, Sat 9:00–14:00 · Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–14:00 & 18:00–21:00 · Sunday closed
Shipping and Delivery · International Orders — European Union
Payment methods
PAYMENT METHODS
Last updated: May 2026
All products, prices, and shipping terms are confirmed in your order confirmation e-mail. Payment is made before delivery and can be completed using one of the following methods:
1. CREDIT / DEBIT CARD
We accept Visa and Mastercard (credit and debit cards) with full security via Piraeus Bank / Epay. No additional charge.
• Google pay/Apple pay
• SSL encryption — your card details are never stored on our systems
• Instant order confirmation
• No additional fees
2. CASH ON DELIVERY
Pay in cash directly to the courier representative upon delivery. A service fee of €2.50 applies.
Available for deliveries within Greece only.
3. BANK TRANSFER
After placing your order, please wait for our e-mail confirmation of product availability. Then transfer the total amount to one of the following accounts:
Bank | IBAN | Account No. |
National bank | GR3201108360000083600252080 | 836 0025 2080 |
Alpha Bank | GR3901405300530002101442697 | 530002101442697 |
Eurobank | GR2002606720000990200149181 | 0026067299 0200149181 |
Piraeus | GR9401725070005507082823498 | 5507082823498 |
Bank IBAN Account No.
Εθνική Τράπεζα GR3201108360000083600252080 836 0025 2080
Alpha Bank GR3901405300530002101442697 530002101442697
Eurobank GR2002606720000990200149181 0026067299 0200149181
Πειραιώς GR9401725070005507082823498 5507082823498
Account holder: ANASTASOPULOS VASSILIOS
•No additional charge for transfers from the same bank
•Transfers from a different Greek bank may incur standard inter-bank transfer fees (e-banking)
•Transfers from a bank outside Greece: an additional fee of €4.00 applies, to be added by the buyer to the total amount transferred
•We recommend notifying us by e-mail (info@yperikon.gr) once the transfer is made, including the date and bank used — this helps us dispatch your order faster
4. IRIS PAYMENTS
You can pay instantly via IRIS using our Tax ID (AFM):
Tax ID (AFM): 104130231
IRIS Payments enables instant bank-to-bank transfers at no charge.
Note: Bank transfer and IRIS Payments are available for orders within Greece only. For EU orders, please use card payment at checkout.
Send us a message and we reply within one working day. Or call us on (+30) 2610 221354 during shop hours.
Send a message(+30) 2610 221354What it is
Agar is a natural gelling material obtained from red algae, especially genera such as Gelidium and Gracilaria. The powder dissolves in liquid with heat and sets into a firm gel as it cools. It is widely chosen as a plant-based alternative to gelatin in vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Its culinary history is closely associated with Japan, where it is called kanten. Tradition places its discovery around 1650, when an innkeeper noticed that a seaweed preparation gelled after cooling. Beyond food, agar became a fundamental microbiology medium and was historically used in brewing and textile sizing.
Unlike animal gelatin, agar usually creates a cleaner, firmer set and has no characteristic taste or odour. It is more heat-stable, but its texture is less creamy and elastic, so the ratio should be adapted for a soft jelly, spoonable cream or firm slice.
Key properties
Agar consists mainly of polysaccharides and is especially rich in dietary fibre. It binds substantial amounts of water, swells in the digestive tract and forms a gel. Pure agar naturally contains no gluten, dairy, egg, soy or yeast, although people with allergies or coeliac disease should still check the label for cross-contamination.
Its water-binding capacity explains both its culinary performance and its traditional use as a gentle bulking fibre for satiety and regular bowel movements. The gel-forming effect has also been studied in relation to glucose absorption, bile acids and cholesterol, while a small recipe quantity should not be confused with a defined daily fibre intake.
Uses
Culinary use: suitable for fruit jellies, creams, vegan panna cotta, preserves, spoon sweets, ice cream, glazes, sauces, soups and savoury terrines. Because it sets on cooling and remains stable at warmer temperatures than gelatin, it is useful for desserts served outside the refrigerator.
As a food ingredient it can contribute bulking fibre. With adequate water, gel-forming fibre may support normal intestinal transit and fullness. References to glucose, bile, cholesterol and weight management relate to total soluble-fibre intake within a balanced diet.
Preparation & dosage
Basic ratio: about 1 teaspoon of agar powder for 1 cup of liquid. Final firmness depends on the liquid, acidity, sugar content and desired texture.
- Disperse 1 teaspoon of agar powder in 4 tablespoons of warm water or in part of the recipe liquid and mix thoroughly.
- Leave for about 10 minutes so the powder hydrates evenly.
- Heat gently until the mixture reaches a full boil and becomes homogeneous. Agar will not activate if simply stirred into cold food.
- While still hot, mix it immediately into the other warm ingredients. For a cold mixture, allow the temperature to fall slightly without letting the agar begin to set.
- Transfer to the mould and cool. The gel becomes firm as the temperature drops.
Precautions
Agar swells strongly. When used as a fibre it must be taken with sufficient water and should never be swallowed dry. Avoid it with swallowing difficulty, suspected intestinal obstruction, severe unexplained abdominal pain or bleeding. Leave a time gap from oral medicines because fibre may affect absorption. Excessive amounts may cause bloating or changes in bowel movements.
Frequently asked questions
How should agar agar be activated?
Disperse it in liquid and bring it to a full boil. It sets as the mixture cools.
How much agar is needed for one cup of liquid?
A useful starting point is about 1 teaspoon per cup, adjusted for the recipe and desired firmness.
Does agar have the same texture as gelatin?
Not exactly. Agar generally gives a firmer, cleaner gel, while gelatin creates a more elastic and creamy texture.
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