How to Make Sea Moss Gel at Home (Step by Step)
Making your own sea moss gel is easier than most people think. You need four things: dried sea moss, clean water, a blender and a glass jar. The whole process takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, plus soaking overnight.
This is the same basic method our family has used since we started sharing sea moss in 2020.
What you'll need
- 1 oz (about 1 cup loosely packed) dried sea moss
- Spring or filtered water for rinsing, soaking and blending
- 1 key lime or regular lime (optional)
- A large bowl, a blender, and a clean glass jar with a lid
Step 1: Rinse it well
Dried sea moss comes straight from the ocean, so it can carry sand, salt and small bits of sea debris. Put it in a large bowl, cover it with water and work it with your hands. Pull it apart, rub it, and check for anything that isn't sea moss. Drain and repeat 2 to 3 times until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Soak it overnight
Cover the rinsed sea moss with fresh water in a bowl and leave it for 12 to 24 hours. Some people squeeze in a little lime juice to help with the ocean smell. As it soaks, it will swell to about 2 to 3 times its size and turn soft and lighter in color.
Tip: If your kitchen is warm, soak it in the fridge so it stays fresh.
Step 3: Rinse again and blend
Drain the soaking water and give the sea moss one last rinse. Add it to your blender with fresh water. A good starting point is 1 cup of soaked sea moss to 1 to 1½ cups of water. Less water makes a thicker gel; more water makes it thinner.
Blend on high for 1 to 3 minutes, until it's completely smooth with no chunks.
Step 4: Jar it and chill it
Pour the blend into a clean glass jar, close the lid and put it in the fridge. It thickens into a gel as it cools, usually within a few hours.
How long does homemade sea moss gel last?
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge (sealed glass jar) | About 2 to 3 weeks |
| Freezer (ice cube trays) | Up to about 3 months |
Always use a clean spoon. If it smells sour, changes color or grows anything, throw it out.
How to use it every day
- Smoothies: 1 to 2 tablespoons blends in without changing the taste much.
- Juice or tea: stir a spoonful into fresh juice or warm (not boiling) tea.
- Soups and stews: it works as a natural thickener.
- Straight off the spoon: if you don't mind the texture.
Sea moss is a whole-food sea vegetable with naturally occurring minerals like iodine, calcium, potassium and magnesium.* Because it contains iodine, more isn't better. Most people start with 1 to 2 tablespoons a day.
Gold or purple?
You can make gel from either. Gold sea moss gives a lighter, milder gel. Purple sea moss makes a darker gel with a slightly stronger ocean taste. Many people mix the two. Read more in our guide to gold vs. purple sea moss.
Don't want to make it yourself?
Our Sea Moss Gold Gel is made in small batches and ready to eat. Because it's fresh, it's good for about 30 days in the fridge.
Talk with your doctor before adding sea moss to your routine if you are pregnant, nursing, have a thyroid condition or take medication.
