Best Alum Thickeners of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026

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Alum thickeners are an essential ingredient in the world of textile printing. They are commonly used to thicken dye solutions and create a more viscous consistency, which helps to prevent the dye from running or bleeding. Alum thickeners are typically made from a combination of aluminum sulfate and sodium bicarbonate, and they are available in both liquid and powder forms. They are highly effective at producing vibrant and long-lasting prints, and they are also non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Whether you're a professional textile printer or a hobbyist, alum thickeners are a must-have tool for achieving beautiful and consistent results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

McCormick Alum Cover #TOP 1
McCormick Alum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Medley Hills Farm Food Grade Alum Powder Cover #TOP 2
Medley Hills Farm Food Grade Alum Powder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hoosier Hill Farm Alum Powder Cover #TOP 3
Hoosier Hill Farm Alum Powder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Alum Thickeners

#TOP 1

McCormick Alum

052100002149
Multicolor
McCormick Alum Cover
McCormick Alum, 1.9 oz

McCormick Alum is a premium quality alum that guarantees a fresh flavor and keeps pickles, fruits, and vegetables firm and crispy. It belongs to the Alum Thickeners category.

What We Like
Extends hydrangea vase life
High purity and fine texture
Versatile DIY uses
Easy to dissolve
Sturdy, resealable packaging
What We Don't Like
Mixed results with hydrangeas
May feel dry on skin
#TOP 2

Medley Hills Farm Food Grade Alum Powder

Medley Hills Farm Food Grade Alum Powder Cover
Alum Powder Granulated Food Grade 2 lbs. - by Medley Hills Farm in Reusable Container - Granulated Potassium Alum Powder - Made in The USA

Medley Hills Farm Alum Powder is a versatile food-grade potassium alum that serves multiple purposes. If you enjoy pickling, this powder can enhance the crunch and flavor of your homemade pickles. For those interested in skincare, it offers antiseptic benefits and can be used to soothe canker sores, making it a valuable addition to your beauty routine. Additionally, if you're into fabric dyeing, this product acts as a reliable mordant, ensuring bright and long-lasting colors. Its broad usability makes it a convenient choice for various applications, from gardening to culinary needs.

What We Like
Good packaging quality
Dissolves easily in water
Works for pickling and dyeing
Effective topical antiseptic
Great value size
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for all applications
Cannot be returned
#TOP 3

Hoosier Hill Farm Alum Powder

Hoosier Hill Farm Alum Powder Cover
Hoosier Hill Farm Alum Granulated Pickle Powder, 1LB (Pack of 1)

Hoosier Hill Alum Powder is a versatile ingredient that can enhance your cooking and DIY projects. It helps keep fruits and vegetables crisp during pickling, ensuring they maintain their texture. You can also use it for baking, as it aids in leavening, giving your baked goods a delightful rise. Additionally, this pure, granulated powder is perfect for making homemade toothpaste or even play dough, adding convenience to your daily routines. For those looking for a soothing aftershave, alum powder can be applied topically to help refresh and calm the skin.

What We Like
Excellent price
High quality
Multiple uses
Effective canker sore relief
Keeps pickles crisp
What We Don't Like
Powder is more granular
Desire for larger jar
#TOP 4

AYURVEDASHREE Alum Powder 200 Gm

8 ounces
AYURVEDASHREE Alum Powder 200 Gm Cover
AYURVEDASHREE Alum Powder 200 Gm | Food Grade | Granulated Powdered | Food Preservative Preserving Pickles | Phitkari | Fitkari | 100% Pure | Potassium Alum Powder | Nothing Added

AYURVEDASHREE Alum Powder 200 Gm is a natural and food grade potassium alum powder that is perfect for preserving pickles and maintaining crispiness of vegetables and processed food items. It is also used as a water purifier and fabric mordant, and can help relieve canker sores and reduce foot and body odor. This high quality purified alum powder is made in India and can also be used as a skin firmer and shaving alum.

What We Like
Effective skin care results
Versatile uses
Good for DIY projects
High quality packaging
Helps with inflammation
What We Don't Like
Granulated, not fine powder
May irritate sensitive skin
#TOP 5

Hampton Distribution Alum Powder 8oz

8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Hampton Distribution Alum Powder 8oz Cover
Alum Powder, 8 Ounce Resealable Bag, Hampton Distribution

Hampton Alum Powder is a handy natural preservative that helps keep your pickles, vegetables, and other foods crisp and fresh. When you use it in pickling, it maintains the firmness of fruits and veggies, so they don’t turn soft or mushy. Besides food preservation, this alum powder can also be used to purify water, making it useful for cleaning and improving water quality. As a common pantry staple, it offers convenience for anyone who enjoys home food preparation and wants to extend the shelf life of their homemade treats.

What We Like
Affordable price
Effective for pickling
Multipurpose household uses
Good for dye mordant
Keeps vegetables crisp
What We Don't Like
Modest package size
Occasional inconsistent grind
#TOP 6

Medley Hills Farm Alum Granulated Powder (Food Grade) 3.5 lbs.

Medley Hills Farm Alum Granulated Powder (Food Grade) 3.5 lbs. Cover
Medley Hills Farm Alum Granulated Powder (Food Grade) 3.5 lbs.

Medley Hills Farm Alum Granulated Powder is a 3.5 lbs. pack of food grade powder that is packaged in a sealed and resealable Ziploc bag. It is made in the USA and traditionally called for in old pickle recipes. This powder is often used to firm and crispen pickles by letting them soak in a sealed brine solution of water, vinegar, salt, spices, and alum powder for several weeks. Cucumbers should be pickled at the peak of freshness and the powder should be stored at room temperature for up to 1 year.

What We Like
Effective pest elimination
Versatile for multiple uses
Safe for plants and hides
Large quantity, good value
Fast shipping
What We Don't Like
Slight weight discrepancy
Not suitable for crystal growing
#TOP 7

Sanniti Alum Powder, 32oz

SUVELAM
Sanniti Alum Powder, 32oz Cover
Sanniti Premium Alum Powder, 32 Ounce

Sanniti Alum Powder is perfect for keeping your fruits and vegetables firm and crispy. It is often used in the pickling process and provides a satisfying crunch for baked goods. The 32-ounce package is a great value and made in the USA.

What We Like
Effective flocculant for cleaning alcohol
Helps remove rusted steel from brass
Affordable price for large quantity
Fast delivery
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for crystal growing
Possible purity concerns
#TOP 8

Herbs Botanica Potassium Alum Powder

8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Herbs Botanica Potassium Alum Powder Cover
Herbs Botanica Alum Powder phitkari Granulated Potassium Alumbre Potassium Alum Fitkari Fatkari Alum Powder Cruelty Free Nothing Added 8 Oz

Herbs Botanica Alum Powder offers a range of benefits for everyday use. Its water purification properties make it an excellent choice for ensuring clean drinking water. As a food-grade product, it’s perfect for preserving pickles and other vegetables, helping you maintain their crispiness and freshness. Additionally, this granulated potassium alum serves as a natural food preservative, extending the shelf life of your favorite foods. You can also use it to reduce foot and body odor, making it a versatile addition to your personal care routine.

What We Like
Food grade quality
Versatile uses
Long shelf life
Large quantity
Effective for various needs
What We Don't Like
Unreliable package seal
Possible weight inconsistency
#TOP 9

AYURVEDASHREE Food Grade Alum Powder 50 Gm

ASALUM100
1.7637 Ounce
AYURVEDASHREE Food Grade Alum Powder 50 Gm Cover
AYURVEDASHREE Alum Powder 50 Gm | Food Grade | Granulated Powdered Alum | Food Preservative Preserving Pickles | phitkari | Fitkari |

The AYURVEDASHREE Alum Powder is a natural, food-grade product made from pure potassium alum. It is processed using traditional Ayurvedic purification methods, ensuring high quality and safety for use in your kitchen. This coarse powdered alum works as an effective natural preservative, especially useful for keeping pickles and vegetables crisp and fresh for longer periods. Beyond food preservation, it also serves as a water purifier, helping you maintain clean water at home. With AYURVEDASHREE Alum Powder, you gain a versatile and natural solution to enhance your food storage and water quality conveniently.

What We Like
Natural food preservative
Traditional Ayurvedic processing
Maintains pickle crispiness
Water purification
#TOP 10

YELLO TIGER Food Grade Alum Powder 100g

YELLO TIGER
Alum-Powder
YELLO TIGER Food Grade Alum Powder 100g Cover
YELLO TIGER Food Grade Alum Powder | Granulated Potassium | Multi-Purpose Fitkari/Phitkari | 3.5 oz (100g)

The YELLO TIGER Alum Powder is a versatile product that helps you preserve pickles and vegetables while keeping their natural flavors intact. Its pure potassium aluminum sulfate content ensures safe use for food-related tasks, such as making paneer or purifying water, giving you peace of mind in your kitchen. The powder comes in a handy 100-gram resealable pouch, which keeps it fresh and free from moisture, so you always have it ready when needed. Its granulated texture dissolves easily, allowing you to measure and use it precisely for various cooking and household chores, making your tasks simpler and more efficient.

What We Like
Multi-purpose use
Food-safe quality
Resealable packaging
Easy to dissolve
Precise measuring
What We Don't Like
Poor packaging
Challenging return process
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is alum safe for food?

Alum is generally safe for consumption in small quantities. However, consuming large amounts, such as an ounce or more, can be toxic to humans. It is important to use alum in food in moderation and follow recommended guidelines.

2. Why is alum used in food?

Alum powder, which is crystallized potassium aluminum sulfate, is commonly used in pickling recipes to retain crispness. It acts as an astringent and helps maintain the texture of pickles. Additionally, alum is also an ingredient in baking powder and provides a faintly metallic taste.

3. What is alum powder for pickles?

Alum powder is a key component in pickling recipes. It is added to a gallon of water, boiled, and then poured over pickles. After letting it stand overnight, the pickles are drained, rinsed, and prepared according to the pickle recipe.

4. What are the side effects of alum in food?

The side effects of consuming alum in food can include dry skin, skin irritation, burns, dizziness, throat tightness, fluid accumulation around the eye, hives, hypersensitivity reactions, allergic reactions, puffy face from water retention, skin ulcers, and throat swelling. It is important to be cautious when using alum in food and to monitor any adverse reactions.

5. Is alum FDA approved?

Potassium alum, which is an inorganic salt, is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is commonly used in various applications, including food. Potassium alum is predominantly produced in the dodecahydrate form and is considered safe when used according to recommended guidelines.

Alum is no longer recommended for consumption in pickles because the aluminum in the product may be unsafe to consume. Excess consumption of aluminum can have negative health effects. Therefore, other alternatives, such as pickling lime, are preferred for pickling processes.

7. What does alum do to your body?

Alum has astringent properties and can cause cells to shrink. This makes it effective for reducing acne scars and pigmentation marks on the skin. It is also known for its strong healing activity and is sometimes used topically for mouth ulcers. However, it is important to use alum in moderation and follow recommended usage guidelines.

Alum is no longer recommended for pickles because the aluminum in the product may be unsafe to consume. Additionally, pickles made with alum that are stored for too long may not maintain quality and could harbor bacteria, which can cause softening in the pickles. As a result, other alternatives, like pickling lime, are preferred for pickling processes.

Editor's Notes

During our alum thickener research, we found 11 alum thickener products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 27,063 customer reviews through our big data system to write the alum thickeners list. We found that most customers choose alum thickeners with an average price of $6.23.

The alum thickeners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of alum thickeners, including McCormick, Medley Hills Farm, Hoosier Hill Farm, AYURVEDASHREE, Hampton Distribution. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Alum Thickeners Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand McCormick Medley Hills Farm Hoosier Hill Farm AYURVEDASHREE Hampton Distribution Medley Hills Farm Sanniti Herbs Botanica AYURVEDASHREE YELLO TIGER
Units 1.9 Ounce - 16.0 Ounce 7.0548 Ounce 8.0 Ounce 56.0 Ounce 32.0 Ounce - 1.7637 Ounce 3.5 Ounce
Unit Count 1.9 Ounce 32.0 Ounce 16.0 Ounce - 8.0 Ounce - 32.0 Ounce 8.0 Ounce - 3.5 Ounce
Item Weight 2.45 ounces 2 Pounds 1 Pounds 224 Grams - 3.5 Pounds 32 Ounces - - 3.5 Ounces
Item Form Solid - - Powder Powder Powders,Granulated Powders,Liquid Powder Powder -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy