Is Jello Vegan? The Surprising Truth
Jello is a popular dessert that is enjoyed by many people all over the world. It is made by combining gelatin, sugar, and various flavorings to create a sweet, gelatinous treat. While Jello is commonly associated with non-vegan diets, there has been some debate about whether it is vegan.
In this article, we will explore Jello’s ingredients and whether they are vegan. We will also discuss some vegan alternatives to Jello for those who are looking for a cruelty-free dessert option. So, let’s dive in and discover the surprising truth about whether or not Jello is vegan!
Is Jello Vegan?
Jello is not vegan because it contains gelatin produced from animal protein. Gelatin is used as a thickener or binding substance in many sweets, including Jello, marshmallows, and gummy chocolates. Gelatin is not a vegan component because it is made from animal bones, skin, and connective parts.
On the other hand, there are some Jello substitutes that are vegan. These substitutes are usually derived from plant-based substances like agar-agar, carrageenan, or veggie gums. These options can be used to achieve a comparable gelatinous texture without using animal products.
Gelatin The Main Ingredient In Jello
Certainly, gelatin is the primary component of Jello. Gelatin is a protein derived from cooking mammal skin, bones, and connective tissue. It is a gelling ingredient in Jello, giving it the distinctive texture many people enjoy. While gelatin is a popular ingredient used in many popular candies like Welch’s fruit snacks, Mike and Ikes, Jelly Beans, making them not vegan-friendly.
As a result, vegans should search for plant-based components such as agar-agar, carrageenan, or vegetable gums that can replace gelatin to produce a comparable texture in Jello and other desserts.
Vegan Jello Brands To Consider
Bakol Vegan Jel Dessert
Bakol is a well-known vegan-friendly gelatin substitute, including their vegan Jel Dessert. Bakol’s veggie Jel Dessert comes in a variety of tastes and is made with plant-based components such as carrageenan and vegetable gums.
Simply Delish
Simply Delish sells vegan Jello substitutes made with plant-based components and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Their goods are also gluten-free and kosher-certified, making them an excellent choice for those who follow a stringent diet.
Lieber Jel
Lieber Jel is another famous vegan-friendly gelatin substitute created with carrageenan, a seaweed-derived plant ingredient. It is available in a variety of varieties and is simple to make, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a fast and easy vegan dessert.
What Is Vegan Gelatin Made Of?
Vegan gelatin is made from plant-based ingredients and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients like traditional gelatin. There are several plant-based ingredients used to make vegan gelatin, including:
- Agar-Agar: Agar-agar is a type of seaweed that is often used as a vegan gelatin substitute. It is tasteless, odorless, and sets at room temperature.
- Carrageenan: Carrageenan is a plant-based ingredient derived from seaweed that is commonly used as a vegan gelatin substitute. It is commonly used in many types of desserts, including Jello.
- Vegetable Gums: Vegetable gums are another plant-based ingredient that can be used as a vegan gelatin substitute. They are often used in processed foods and can be derived from a variety of plants, including corn, soy, and wheat.
Overall, there are many options for creating vegan gelatin that can be used in a wide variety of desserts and dishes, and these plant-based alternatives are a cruelty-free and more sustainable alternative to traditional gelatin.
Vegan Jello Recipe
Vegan Jello Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fruit juice of your choice
- 1 tbsp agar agar powder
- 2-3 tbsp sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, agave nectar, or sugar)
Instructions
- Combine the berry liquid, agar-agar flour, and sweetener in a small pot. To mix, whisk everything together thoroughly.
- Stir continuously over medium-high heat until the agar-agar flour dissolves entirely and the liquid comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue to stir continuously to avoid sticking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the fire and allow the combination to cool significantly.
- Fill a Jello container or shallow bowl halfway with the liquid.
- Chill the Jello for at least 2 hours or until it is completely firm.
- Remove the Jello from the mold or plate once it has hardened, slice, and serve.
Notes
Does Vegan Jello Taste Good?
Vegan Jello can be tasty, but the flavor and texture may vary from conventional gelatin-based Jello. Vegan Jello made with plant-based ingredients like agar-agar, carrageenan, or vegetable gums can produce a comparable gelatinous texture, but the taste may be slightly different depending on the flavorings and ingredients used.
It’s worth mentioning that some people prefer the flavor of vegan Jello to traditional Jello because it’s prepared with natural fruit juices and sweeteners and doesn’t have the slightly artificial taste that traditional Jello has. Furthermore, because vegan Jello is cruelty-free and does not contain animal products, it may be a more attractive choice for those on a vegan diet or who are concerned about using animal products ethically.
Vegan Jello’s flavor can differ depending on the brand or formula used, but it can be a delectable and gratifying treat choice for those looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional Jello.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conventional Jello includes gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, making it inappropriate for those following a vegan diet. However, several plant-based substitutes to gelatin can be used to make vegan Jello, such as agar-agar, carrageenan, and veggie gums.
However, there are various options for vegans that are similar to jello and are vegan in nature such as plant-based gummy bears, sour patch kids, Swedish fish, etc. Finally, the availability of plant-based options means that vegans no longer have to forego savoring a delicious and cruelty-free treat.
