Best Vegetarian Gelatins of 2026
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Vegetarian gelatins are a great alternative to traditional gelatins made from animal bones and skin. These plant-based options are perfect for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or anyone who wants to avoid animal products. They are made from ingredients like agar-agar, carrageenan, and konjac root, which provide a similar texture and consistency to animal-based gelatins. These vegetarian gelatins can be used in a variety of recipes, from desserts and jellies to sauces and soups. They are also free from cholesterol and have a lower calorie count than traditional gelatins.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 4 Vegetarian 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.
Pure Calcium Chloride ⊘ Non-GMO Vegan OU Kosher Certified
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. What is vegetarian gelatin made of?
While traditional gelatin is derived from animal collagen, unflavored vegetarian gelatin substitutes mainly come from vegetable gums and seaweed extracts.
2. Is there such thing as vegetarian jello?
Traditional jello is made with gelatin, which you may or may not know is not vegan. Luckily for us, there is a plant based alternative! Agar Agar is derived from seaweed, and is a gelatinous substance that is perfect for making vegan jello.
3. What gelling agents are vegetarian?
Yes, pectin is indeed vegan! This is because it is completely plant-based; it is extracted from the cell walls of plants only. Certain fruits have naturally high levels of pectin, like apples, which makes them ideal for creating the gelling agent. Pectin makes a great plant-based alternative in recipes to gelatine.
4. How do vegans use jel?
Preparation and Usage One sachet (6.5g) sets 1 pint (570ml) of liquid. To dissolve the Vege-Gel pour at least 200ml of cold liquid into a jug or small bowl. Sprinkle the Vege-Gel onto the cold liquid and stir until completely dissolved. Heat the mixture to boiling point, use in accordance with your recipe.
During our vegetarian gelatin research, we found 24 vegetarian gelatin products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 113,616 customer reviews through our big data system to write the vegetarian gelatins list. We found that most customers choose vegetarian gelatins with an average price of $17.03.
The vegetarian gelatins are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of vegetarian gelatins, including HEARTHY FOODS, It's Just!, Modernist Pantry, 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!