Brown seaweeds, such as Undaria pinnatifida (wakame), contain sodium alginate, which can affect postprandial blood glucose levels. We previously reported the effects of wakame on postprandial glycaemia in humans; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the influence of ingested wakame on postprandial blood glucose levels. We conducted in vitro studies to determine the inhibitory activity of wakame on the glucose release rate and in vivo studies to determine the acute effects of wakame on postprandial blood glucose levels. The in vitro study was used to assess low-sodium wakame powder, low-sodium and low-fat wakame powder, soluble and insoluble fractions obtained from dried wakame, and commercially available sodium alginate. Glucose release rate was measured using an in vitro digestion model. The in vivo study was conducted using a crossover method, wherein healthy young adult participants were given 150 g of rice with or without wakame (2 g or 4 g dried wakame). The glucose release rates of all wakame extracts and sodium alginate were significantly lower than that of the control. The soluble fraction significantly inhibited the release of glucose. In the in vivo study, blood glucose levels 15 min after ingestion were significantly lower after consuming rice with 2 g of wakame than when consuming rice alone. Moreover, the ingestion of 4 g of wakame resulted in significantly lower blood glucose levels after meal consumption. These results suggest that the highly viscous soluble fraction of wakame, which contains sodium alginate, increases the viscosity of the gastrointestinal contents and delays glucose absorption. (UMIN000047854)