How Knox Gelatin Is Made

Gelatin is a water-soluble substance produced by rendering animal body parts. These animal byproducts contain collagen, which is a natural form of protein, and results in gelatin when boiled. Knox gelatin, in particular, is primarily formulated for human consumption. It also has pharmaceutical applications, and was used as a blood plasma substitute in World War II. Knox is the first brand of pre-granulated gelatin, and comes in dried, unflavored and unsweetened packets. These packets can be used for making flavored gelatin desserts, jelly,or many other food products.

The process begins with animal parts--skin, bone and other tissues--that are obtained from slaughterhouses. All parts are thoroughly inspected and any unsuitable portions are discarded. The remaining parts are then minced by an automated system. Once they have been chopped into small enough pieces, they are sprayed with a high-intensity water pressure sprayer to remove any additional residue. The pieces are then soaked in hot water to reduce the fat content, and then roasted briefly in a drying oven.

In order to release the collagen from the cleaned and roasted pieces, they are soaked in a vat of lime for five days. This also kills all bacteria and removes excess minerals. At this point, the pieces are boiled in distilled water. The resulting liquid is removed from the water, sterilized, and poured through filters to remove any remaining bits of skin or bone. The water is evaporated out, leaving only solid gelatin behind.

The solid gelatin is pressed into sheets and then ground into powder, which can then be packaged and sold as Knox gelatin. This process occurs in an automated packaging plant. Powdered gelatin is measured and poured into vacuum-sealed packets, which are then placed in a box of Knox gelatin to be sold.