What is Gelatin or Gelatine?
One of the most common questions asked by vegans' is about gelatin and what foods contain gelatin. First a little background about gelatin, it's a clear, tasteless solid jelly made from collagen extracted from the bones of animals. Gelatin is added to foods and acts as a thickener and stabilizer in foods, but it also used in make-up and cosmetics. Food labels classify gelatin as a food additive and gelatin is used in marshmallows and other gummy candies.
What is gelatin used in?
Common examples of brands of gelatin desserts are Jello and Knox. Because gelatin is used as a thickening and stabilizing additive to foods gelatin can appear in the following foods and on these food labels:
- Easter candy - especially Peeps and jelly beans
- Vodka Jelly - known as Jello Shots
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Beer and wine
- Fruit Juice
- Toothpaste
- Diet soda
- Soy milk
- Yogurt
- Cream Cheese
- Margarine
- Pharmaceutical capsules
List of top 3 most common gelatin substitutes for vegans
The Japanese use a gelatin substitute called agar made from red seaweed. Agar is a perfect way for vegans to substitute gelatin with the natural thickening plant action or red seaweed. Carrageenan is red algae seaweed found off the coast in Ireland that is sometimes used in kosher cooking as a substitute for gelatine. Pectin is also another great vegan substitute for gelatin. Pectin is extracted from citrus fruits and is commonly used in jams and jellies.
Researching this article really opened my eyes to the wide usage of gelatin in foods. Gelatin in some food products may not be on the labels because they are not food ingredients they are used in the processing of the food. Take beer, wine, vinegar and fruit juice for example; I have never seen a label that lists gelatin used in the clarification process.
Where can I find vegan marshmallows?
If you cannot live without marshmallows for your hot chocolate you can find vegan marshmallows made with carrageenan in your local market or on the internet. I've also found Glennys brown rice marshmallow treats that are certified organic, gluten free and certified vegan.
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