Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent in foods such as Jell-O, marshmallows, and yogurt. It is also used in some non-food products, such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
In this article, we will explore the question of whether or not gelatin is vegan and provide some vegan alternatives to gelatin that can be consumed on a vegan diet.
Is gelatin vegan?
No, gelatin is not vegan. Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen.
Collagen [1]National Library of Medicine: Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis is the main structural protein in connective tissue. It is primarily found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones of animals.
Therefore, as vegans do not eat meat or any animal byproduct, gelatin is not suitable for them.
Ingredients of gelatin
Gelatin is mainly composed of water and protein. However, it doesn’t contain all the essential amino acids that make-up protein.
In order to make gelatin, collagen must be extracted from animal tissue first. Once the collagen is derived from the animal, it undergoes hydrolysis.
The hydrolysis [4]National Library of Medicine: Hydrolyzed Collagen – Sources and Applications process involves using water and enzymes or acids to break down the protein into smaller peptides. After the hydrolysis process, the collagen is purified and dried.
Once the collagen has been extracted, it is then purified and dried. The resulting substance is gelatin powder.
Products that contain gelatin
Gelatin is colorless and has no flavor of its own. It can be easily added to a wide variety of products without affecting the taste. Industries like food, cosmetics, and medicines use gelatin as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Here is a list of store-bought products where gelatin is commonly found.
Common foods that contain gelatin
Yogurts
Puddings
Cream cheese
Peanut butter
Certain coated and seasoned snacks
Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine
Candies that contain gelatin
Gummy candies
Jelly beans
Candy corn
Marshmallows
Gelatin in skincare and cosmetics
Moisturizers and lotions
Collagen and retinol serums
Dermal fillers and implants
Gelatin in medicines
Ointments
Vitamins and supplements
Vegan alternatives to gelatin
Gelatin is made from animal products, which makes it off-limits for vegans. Here are vegan gelatin alternatives that fit your dietary restrictions.
1. Agar agar
Agar agar is made from red algae. The process begins with grinding the dried algae into powder form, then boiling it in water to extract the agar-agar. It is then dried into flakes, bars, or powdered form and used as a vegan gelatin substitute.
Agar agar has a neutral flavor so that it won’t alter the taste of your dish.
2. Carrageenan
Carrageenan is another common food additive that comes from red seaweed. Carrageenan is mostly used in vegan toothpaste and moisturizers. It’s often used as a thickener or emulsifier in dairy products, but it can also be used to replace gelatin in recipes.
3. Guar Gum
Guar gum is a powder made from the seeds of the guar plant. It’s commonly used as a thickener in soups, sauces, and dressings. It can hold large amounts of hot liquid without changing the taste or color of your meal. However, it is unsuitable for cold dishes because it only absorbs water when heated.
4. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a type of sugar that is commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer in food. It has a neutral flavor which does not alter the taste of your dish.
5. Locust Bean Gum
Locust bean gum is a type of fiber that comes from the seeds of the carob tree. It’s commonly used as a thickener in soups, sauces, and dressings. Although it doesn’t have any flavor, you can mix it with other ingredients to create a unique taste.
6. Pectin
Pectin is a type of fiber that is found in fruits and vegetables. It’s commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer in jams, jellies, and other fruit-based dishes. Unlike agar-agar, pectin has a taste of its own. It comes with a slightly sweet and sour flavor.
7. Vegan Jel
Vegan Jel is a commercial product that is made from plant-based ingredients. It can be used as a direct replacement for gelatin in any recipe. You can find Vegan Jel at most health food stores.
List of gelatin-free vegan products
With the increasing number of people following a vegan lifestyle, more and more companies are now offering vegan products. So, vegan food manufacturers are also creating gelatin-free products.
Here is a list of some popular brands that provide gelatin-free products. While some of these brands are intentionally vegan, others are accidentally vegan.
Annie’s
Dandies
Jelly Belly Gummies
Trader Joe’s
Yum Earth Organic Gummy Fruits
365 Gummy Bears and Stars
Note: Many people mistake kosher as a vegan. But kosher gelatin is made from fish, so it is not vegan. If you see a product that is marked as kosher, check the ingredients list to see if it contains gelatin. If it does, then it is not vegan.
The Bottom Line
Gelatin is an animal by-product, and the meat industry mistreats and slaughters animals to produce gelatin. Thus, common gelatin is not even remotely vegan. However, many vegan alternatives can be used in place of gelatin. With a little creativity, you can still enjoy all your favorite dishes without using gelatin.
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