Gelatin Info

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I found this on the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) FAQ page:

 

http://www.ivu.org/faq/gelatine.html

 

Hope this helps.

 

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What is gelatin/gelatine? Is there any alternative to it?

 

Gelatin (US spelling) or gelatine (British spelling) (used to make

Jell-o and other desserts) is made from the boiled bones, skins and

tendons of animals. An alternative substance is called Agar-Agar,

which is derived from seaweed. Another is made from the root of the

Kuzu. Agar-Agar is sold in noodle-like strands, in powdered form, or

in long blocks, and is usually white-ish in color.

 

Some Kosher gelatins are made with agar-agar, most are not. Some

things that are vegan that are replacing gelatin are: guar gum and

carrageenan. Only some 'emulsifiers' are vegan. Gelatin is used in

photography. Although the technology exists to replace photographic

film, its price is currently prohibitive and there is insufficient

demand. Hopefully, with the growth of vegetarianism and veganism,

this situation will soon change.

 

What is kosher gelatine?

 

from the Vegetarian Resource Group:

Kosher gelatin can be made with fish bones, and/or beef skins.

Contrary to assumptions, it is also considered kosher to use it with

dairy products. Kosher law is very complex and the bones and hides

used in gelatin production are considered pareve. The general meaning

of pareve refers to foods that are neither milk nor meat, and many

people assume this means that the product is vegetarian. However, OU

pareve certified ingredients can have animal products, such as fish,

eggs, and gelatin, in them.

" Kosher Gelatin Marshmallows: Glatt Kosher and 'OU-Pareve', " an

article that appeared in Kashrus Magazine, explains the distinctions.

A quote from the article is as follows:

" ...since the gelatin product is from hides or bones - not real

flesh - and has undergone such significant changes, it is no longer

considered 'fleishig' (meat) but 'pareve', and can be eaten with

dairy products. "

 

Is there vegan gelatine?

 

from a reader in Germany:

" Gelatine " is a substance made of animal bones and other parts of the

animal's body. So if there's a product with " gelatine " , it can't be

vegan.

But there exists a big variety of substances which are vegan an which

have the same properties as gelatine: Cellulose (Amid), Agar-Agar,

Biobin, Guar, Xanthan, Carob fruit and others. (Unfortunately I do

not know the exact english names, but maybe this will help you

already.).

So if you read on the ingredient list that gelatine is used, then you

can be sure that this product is NOT vegan. But if one or more of the

other mentioned subsances appear on the list, you can be sure that

you can eat them even as vegan.