Jello is a popular dessert that has been around for over 100 years. It is known for its bright colors, sweet flavors, and wiggly jiggly texture. However, many people may not realize that traditional jello is not considered vegan or even vegetarian. This is because gelatin, the ingredient that gives jello its unique texture, is made from collagen extracted from animal bones and connective tissues. For those following plant-based diets, it’s important to understand what makes jello off-limits and learn about vegan jello alternatives.
What is gelatin?
Gelatin is a colorless, tasteless thickening agent that is derived from collagen. Collagen is a protein found in animal bones, skins, and connective tissues. To make gelatin, these animal parts go through an extensive extraction process. First, the animal parts are boiled to extract collagen. Then the collagen is partially broken down using acids or alkalis. Finally, the processed collagen goes through filtration and sterilization to produce gelatin powder.
The most common sources of gelatin are beef bones, pork skins, and cattle hides. However, it can also come from fish and poultry. No matter the source, gelatin always originates from animal parts, which is why it is not considered suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
Why is gelatin used in jello?
Gelatin is added to jello to give it a soft, wiggly texture. Without gelatin, jello would simply be sweetened and flavored liquid. Gelatin acts as a gelling agent that enables the jello to set into a soft solid. It creates a protein network that traps the jello liquid and allows it to gel.
The exact gelatin content can vary by brand, but a typical package of jello contains about 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder. This is what allows 3 cups of hot liquid to transform into the familiar semi-solid jello consistency after chilling.
Gelatin is very useful for achieving the unique smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of jello. Food scientists have found it difficult to reproduce the same texture using only plant-based ingredients.
Is all jello made with gelatin?
The vast majority of conventional jello products contain gelatin derived from animal collagen. Well-known brands like Jell-O, Royal, and Knox all use animal-based gelatin as the gelling ingredient in their regular jello powder.
However, there are some exceptions. Kosher jello products are made with a seaweed extract called agar agar instead of gelatin. Many vegan jello brands also use agar agar, pectin, locust bean gum, or other plant-based gums to set their jello.
So while traditional jello contains animal ingredients, there are some gelatin-free jello options available for those following plant-based diets. Reading ingredient labels carefully is the best way to determine if a certain jello product is vegan.
Why can’t vegans eat jello made with gelatin?
There are a few key reasons why conventional jello made with gelatin is not considered vegan:
1. Animal ingredients
Vegans aim to avoid consuming animals or animal-derived ingredients. Since gelatin is extracted from animal parts like skin, bones, and cartilage, it does not align with a vegan diet. Most vegans view using animal by-products for food as ethically wrong, even if the animals are not directly killed for the gelatin itself.
2. Supporting the meat industry
Most gelatin is made from waste parts of animals slaughtered by the meat industry. Some vegans may take issue with supporting an industry that profits from animal slaughter by purchasing its by-products like gelatin.
3. Potential food safety issues
There are concerns around the transmission of diseases like mad cow disease through gelatin derived from cattle. Though rare, these safety issues are another reason some vegans avoid gelatin.
4. Availability of alternatives
Since there are many plant-based alternatives that can create a similar jello texture, vegans feel there is no need to use animal ingredients like gelatin.
What do vegans use instead of gelatin?
Luckily for vegans, there are many substitutes for gelatin that allow jello to set into a solid texture without using animal products:
Agar Agar
Agar agar is a gelatinous substance extracted from red algae. It acts similarly to gelatin and can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio. Agar sets at room temperature rather than requiring refrigeration.
Pectin
Pectin is a soluble fiber found naturally in fruits. It is commonly used to make jams and jellies. Pectin powder can be used to set vegan jello with the addition of an acid like lemon juice.
Locust Bean Gum
This thickening agent comes from the seeds of the carob tree. It only takes a small amount to set vegan jello.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is extracted from guar beans. It can be used alone or with locust bean gum to effectively gel vegan jello.
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is produced by fermenting sugars. It helps thicken liquids and keeps the ingredients in vegan jello evenly dispersed.
Gellen Gum
This highly effective gelling agent is made from algae. Only a tiny amount is needed to set vegan jello.
Are there vegan jello brands?
As plant-based eating grows in popularity, there are more and more pre-made brands offering jello specifically formulated to be vegan:
Dr. Oetker Vegan Jelly
This ready-to-eat vegan jello comes in fun flavors like cherry, orange, peach, and raspberry. It uses patented technology to achieve a gelatin-like texture with non-animal ingredients.
The Honest Stand Vegan Jel
This company makes vegan jel desserts in creative flavors like blackberry hibiscus, matcha coconut, and strawberry chia. They use just 3 simple plant-based ingredients.
Jel Dessert
Jel Dessert offers convenient vegan jello cups in both traditional and exotic flavors. Their jel is made using agar agar.
Sweet & Sara Vegan Marshmallows
For a fluffier vegan jello, Sweet & Sara’s vegan marshmallows can be incorporated. They are gelatin-free.
Surjit’s Jell-O
This Indian brand offers vegan jello made with agar flakes and natural colors and flavors.
The Modern Cottage Vegan Jello
This small business sells all-natural DIY vegan jello mixes online, with fun flavors like cherry pie and margarita.
How to make homemade vegan jello
It’s also easy to make your own vegan jello at home with just a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients
– 3 cups fruit juice or plant-based milk
– 2 tablespoons agar agar powder
– 1⁄4 cup sugar or sweetener
– Assorted fruit for flavor (sliced berries, pineapple chunks, etc.)
Instructions
1. Pour the juice or non-dairy milk into a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the agar agar powder to avoid clumping.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Boil for 2 full minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar or sweetener and any fruit or extracts for flavor.
4. Pour into containers or molds. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely set.
5. Enjoy chilled! Store leftover vegan jello in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Get creative with your own flavor combinations! Vegan jello can be made in any color or flavor by using different plant-based ingredients.
Vegan jello dessert ideas
Vegan jello isn’t just limited to wiggly cubes served in a bowl. There are many fun ways to incorporate it into other desserts:
Jello shots
For adults, add 1-2 ounces of vodka or rum into the liquid before boiling to make “jello shots”. Use silicone molds for fun shapes.
Jello cake
Press vegan jello into a cake pan instead of cubes. Top with frosting after chilled to make colorful jello cake.
Jello fruit tarts
Pour vegan jello into a pre-baked tart crust. Top with fresh fruit like blueberries, kiwi, and strawberries.
Layered jello cups
Layer different flavors and colors of jello in clear plastic cups. Top with whipped coconut cream.
Jello pudding
Mix vegan instant pudding into the jello for a creamier texture. Top with crushed cookies or candy sprinkles.
Fruit and nut parfaits
In tall glasses, alternate layers of cubed vegan jello and fresh fruit with crushed nuts or granola.
Nutrition of vegan vs regular jello
So what are the nutritional differences between traditional gelatin-based jello and vegan jello made with agar agar or other substitutes?
Calories and carbohydrates
There is little difference in calories or carbs between the two types of jello. Plain jello is low calorie and high in sugar and carbs whether it is made with gelatin or agar.
Protein
Gelatin-based jello contains some protein since gelatin is derived from animal collagen. Vegan jello has no protein, though adding nuts or plant-based milk can increase the protein level.
Vitamins and minerals
Neither type of jello offers much nutritional value besides calories and carbs. However, vegan jello made with fruit juice provides more vitamins and minerals than traditional jello made from water.
Health benefits
There are no special health benefits associated with either vegan or regular jello. Neither can be considered a health food. Vegan jello avoids potential risks associated with animal ingredients.
Taste and texture
When prepared properly, vegan jello is indistinguishable from regular jello in taste and texture. The plant-based setting agents mimic the jiggly qualities of gelatin accurately.
So while traditional jello contains some protein, vegan jello made from seaweed, vegetable gums, or fruit pectin is a near identical substitute nutritionally and sensory-wise.
Is gelatin healthy?
Some claims about potential health benefits of gelatin have circulated in recent years. However, there is limited evidence that gelatin offers unique health-promoting properties:
Joint and bone health
Since gelatin is derived from animal bones and cartilage, some believe it may support joint and bone strength. However, research has not confirmed benefits for joint pain or injury recovery.
Skin, hair, and nail health
Collagen is thought to improve skin elasticity and hydration as well as hair and nail growth. But ingesting gelatin is unlikely to provide collagen benefits since it is broken down into amino acids during digestion.
Gut health
Gelatin may have prebiotic effects in the gut, but research is still emerging in this area. Plant sources like seaweed and psyllium provide proven digestive benefits without using animal ingredients.
Weight loss
Although gelatin promotes feelings of fullness, it has not been shown to contribute to weight loss any more than other types of protein.
Overall, there is little clinical evidence that gelatin provides unique health advantages over plant-based alternatives. Eating collagen-rich foods like bone broth may be healthier than highly processed foods, but vegan sources of protein and antioxidants offer similar benefits without relying on animal ingredients.
Is vegan jello healthier than regular jello?
When comparing traditional gelatin jello and vegan jello, neither can be considered a health food. However, there are some potential advantages to choosing a vegan version:
Avoid growth hormones and antibiotics
Commercial gelatin may contain traces of drugs and hormones given to animals in factory farms. Vegan jello avoids this risk.
Lower chance of foodborne illness
The production process for animal-based gelatin carries a slight risk of contamination. Vegan jello has a lower food safety risk.
More fiber
Vegan jello made with fruit juice provides beneficial dietary fiber not found in traditional jello.
No cholesterol
Animal-based gelatin contains small amounts of cholesterol while cholesterol-free plant gums are used to make vegan jello.
Ethical advantages
Vegans report greater life satisfaction when adhering to their ethical principles through food choices.
So while minimal nutritional differences exist between standard and vegan jello, avoiding animal products does offer some potential health and ethical upsides.
Conclusion
While jello may seem like an innocuous treat, traditional jello is not considered vegan due to its use of gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient. Gelatin gives jello its distinctive soft, wobbly texture by acting as a gelling agent. Vegans avoid gelatin because it is made by boiling animal skin, cartilage, bones, and tendons. Luckily, there are many plant-based alternatives that allow jello to set while keeping it vegan. Agar agar, fruit pectin, locust bean gum, and other natural thickeners give the same enjoyably wiggly texture and bright colors without using any animal products. With some simple substitutions, it’s easy to turn jello into a vegan dessert. And brands offering pre-made vegan jello continue to grow in popularity and accessibility. While gelatin-free jello isn’t necessarily healthier, switching to a vegan version aligns better with vegan ethics. So for those looking to follow a plant-based diet or reduce their support of the meat industry, knowing how to swap gelatin for vegan alternatives is key to keeping jello on the menu.