‘Sea moss’ is a generic term which covers various species of algae which grow in coastal waters, and the most famous of these is Chondrus crispus – commonly called Irish moss or carrageen moss. “This is because Irish moss was [eaten] during the famine of Ireland,”

It grew in popularity after Irish immigrant laborers brought the moss to Jamaica, where locals served it as a drink boiled in milk with sugar or honey, plus various spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. High in calories and rich in protein, Irish moss soon became a favourite among athletes and bodybuilders, and it’s been purported to have a wide range of other health benefits.