Best Vegan Gelatins of 2026
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Vegan gelatins are a great alternative to traditional gelatins that are made with animal products. These gelatins are made from plant-based ingredients like agar-agar, carrageenan, and pectin. They are perfect for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, or for those who simply want to avoid animal products. Vegan gelatins come in a variety of flavors and can be used in a variety of recipes, from desserts to savory dishes. They are also free from artificial colors and flavors, making them a healthier option for those who are conscious about their food choices.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.9
#TOP 2
9.8
#TOP 3
9.6
Top 3 Vegan Gelatins
Hearthy Foods Agar Agar Powder (4oz)
Hearthy Agar Agar Powder is a premium 4 oz gelatin substitute made from top-quality red algae. You can gel and thicken your dishes flawlessly with this versatile ingredient. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, the easy-to-follow instructions make it user-friendly for all. The 4 oz value pack offers you more product for your money, allowing you to enhance your culinary creations.
It's Just! Agar Agar Powder, 6oz
It's Just! Agar Powder is a high-quality, plant-based thickener made from Non-GMO red algae, making it an excellent alternative to gelatin for your vegan and vegetarian recipes. You can easily use it to create jellies, custards, and to thicken soups and sauces without compromising flavor. This versatile ingredient works wonderfully in desserts, dairy-free cheeses, and various sauces. It offers consistent gelling power, ensuring a smooth gel texture that’s perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs. Plus, it dissolves quickly in hot liquids, allowing you to achieve the perfect texture in your dishes with ease.
LIVING JIN Agar Agar Powder: A Vegan and Healthy Gelatin Substitute
LIVING JIN Agar Agar Powder is a plant-based substitute for animal-based Gelatin powder. Made from 100% natural Red Seaweed, it's high in dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins, providing health benefits such as improving digestion, enhancing weight loss, relieving constipation, reducing inflammation, and strengthening bones. One tablespoon of powder is equivalent to 6 to 8 tablespoons of Gelatin powder, making it suitable for various recipes such as confectionery, cheese, custard, ice cream, jam, jelly, marshmallow, soup, yogurt, dog treats, and even a vegan facial mask and agar plates. The product has Kosher, Halal, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Allergen-Free certifications, ensuring its top quality on the market. Additionally, the brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a recipe book for customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a substitute for gelatin?
Yes, there are several substitutes for gelatin that are vegan-friendly. Some options include Agar Agar, Kudzu, Pectin, Cornstarch, Vegan Jel, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Arrowroot or Tapioca Starch, Instant Clear Gel, and Carrageenan. These alternatives can be used in various recipes and offer similar results to gelatin.
2. Why is Jello not vegan?
Jello is not vegan because it is made from gelatin, which is derived from animal bones and skin. Gelatin is not suitable for a vegan diet as it comes from animal sources. However, there are vegetarian jello desserts available that are made from plant-based gums or seaweeds like agar or carrageenan.
3. Why can vegans not have gelatin?
Vegans cannot have gelatin because it is made from ground-up animal skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Gelatin is typically derived from animals like pigs or cows, although kosher gelatin is made from fish parts. Since it is an animal-derived ingredient, it does not align with the principles of veganism.
4. What could be a vegan alternative to gelatin?
Agar agar is a popular vegan alternative to gelatin. It is made from algae and is available in flakes, powder, or bar/sheet form. Agar agar can be used to gel, emulsify, and thicken foods, making it an excellent substitute for gelatin in vegan recipes. It provides a firm texture similar to gelatin.
5. Can xanthan gum replace gelatin?
While xanthan gum and gelatin have different properties (thickening vs. gelling), they can be used interchangeably in many cases. Xanthan gum is a common thickening agent and works well in gluten-free baking. It can be a suitable replacement for gelatin in certain recipes, such as cheesecake.
During our vegan gelatin research, we found 24 vegan gelatin products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 146,051 customer reviews through our big data system to write the vegan gelatins list. We found that most customers choose vegan gelatins with an average price of $20.95.
The vegan gelatins are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of vegan gelatins, including HEARTHY FOODS, It's Just!, LIVING JIN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 368 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!