The present invention is directed to a carrageenan product comprising a semi-refined, alkali treated iota carrageenan wherein the semi-refined, alkali treated iota carrageenan has: (i) a viscosity of 18 cP to 83 cP, (ii) a particle size of at least 90% passing through a #100 US sieve mesh and at least 20% passing through a #230 US sieve mesh, and (iii) a fraction of sodium cations of at least 35%, wherein the fraction of sodium cations is determined by the weight of sodium cations divided by the sum of the weight of sodium cations and potassium cations. This invention is also directed to toothpaste compositions comprising the carrageenan product of the invention.
