What Is Kosher Gelatin?

For gelatin to be kosher, it must come from a vegetarian source or be produced in a specific way.

The Jewish religion has specific rules and regulations for the safe consumption of food. Based upon the first five books of the Holy Bible, the Hebrews of Biblical times learned food preparation, acceptable food combinations and which animals were OK to eat. Some Jewish adherents still follow these rules. Kashrut, or kosher, is the name for the rules followed by Jewish adherents. For gelatin to be kosher, it must come from a vegetarian source or be produced in a specific way.

Types

Most gelatin comes from the bones of cattle, but there are other sources of gelatin and each is considered separately for labeling purposes. If a gelatin comes from a source that is neither animal- nor dairy-based, it is pareve, meaning it is a neutral food and Jewish adherents who want to remain kosher may consume it. This type of gelatin comes from carob beans, agar-agar, guar gum and xanthan gum.

Misconceptions

If gelatin comes from an animal, it isn't automatically traif, or forbidden. To be kosher, the gelatin must not come from an animal that Judaism considers unclean, such as swine or certain types of shellfish or shallow-water fish. Deep-water fish may be used in the preparation of kosher gelatin. In short, gelatin may be kosher if the animal it came from was kosher, but all forms of vegetarian gelatin are considered kosher.

Expert Insight

There is no consensus among rabbis on the subject of kosher gelatin from animals. There is disagreement about the gelatin that comes from animal bones unless all traces of flesh are removed from the bones or hides of the animals. Some rabbis speculate that microscopic traces of flesh could render the gelatin non-kosher.

Prevention/Solution

You can make your own kosher desserts, sauces or gelatin molds by using unflavored gelatin certified as kosher. Because kosher gelatin is considered a neutral food item, you may combine it with either meat or dairy (see Resources).

Warning

The only sure way to ensure your diet remains kosher is to look for the kosher label when buying gelatin products. Without the determination on the product, you may not be kosher if you eat items prepared with gelatin, such as marshmallows, yogurt, fruit juices or gummy-type candy treats. If the ingredients list gelatin but do not list which type, it probably isn't a kosher product.

Resources

• Amazon: Great Lakes Unflavored Gelatin, Kosher