What is gelatin made of, and is it good for you?

Gelatin is a common ingredient in soups, broths, sauces, gummy candies, marshmallows, cosmetics, and medications.

This common thickening and gelling agent is an animal-based product that contains high levels of protein.

In this article, learn about the possible health benefits of gelatin and who may want to avoid it.Manufacturers produce gelatin by processing animal bones, cartilage, and skin. They may use the bodies of cows or fish, for example.

The process extracts the collagen, a fibrous protein that connects muscles, bones, and skin, and turns it into gelatin, a flavorless, colorless, jelly-like substance.

Is gelatin vegetarian or vegan?
Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan. It comes from processed animal tissue.

However, vegetarian and vegan gelatin substitutes are widely available in some areas.

Is gelatin gluten free?
Gelatin is gluten free. However, some products that contain it, such as soups and desserts, may also contain gluten.

Is gelatin a protein?
Gelatin is a high protein product. For example, 100 grams (g) of dry gelatin powder contain more than 85 g of proteinTrusted Source.

Amino acids in gelatin
Protein consists of various amino acids, and gelatin contains several of these.

The types of amino acids in gelatin-based foods depend on the specific food, the source of the gelatin, and its processing. TypicallyTrusted Source, the most abundant amino acids in gelatin are glycine and proline.

The bones and organs of some animals contain the amino acids in gelatin, and by eating gelatin, a person can obtain these amino acids.Uses and benefits
Gelatin may provide a number of health benefits.

Healthy body tissues
In its purest, powdered form, gelatin has a high protein contentTrusted Source.

Protein is a macronutrient, which means that the body needs significant amounts to function.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 recommend that adults consume 46–56 gTrusted Source of protein each day, depending on their age and sex. This means that, on average, protein should account for 10–35% of a person’s daily calorie intake.

Proteins are essentialTrusted Source because they:

Build and maintain body tissues.
Support the proper function of various organs.
Act as enzymes and hormones.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests that a supplement combining vitamin C and gelatin may help repair body tissues in athletes and prevent tissue damage. However, the study looked at supplementation rather than dietary intake.

Exactly how much protein do we need? Find out here.

Skin care
Collagen helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. With age, the body loses collagen. The skin becomes less firm, and wrinkles and lines may develop.

Eating gelatin may help boost collagen levels and support skin elasticity. A 2016 studyTrusted Source found that ingesting collagen helped the skin retain moisture and reduced wrinkles in participants.

However, experts are not sure that consuming gelatin would have the same effect.Gelatin is a common ingredient in soups, broths, sauces, gummy candies, marshmallows, cosmetics, and medications.

This common thickening and gelling agent is an animal-based product that contains high levels of protein.

In this article, learn about the possible health benefits of gelatin and who may want to avoid it.Manufacturers produce gelatin by processing animal bones, cartilage, and skin. They may use the bodies of cows or fish, for example.

The process extracts the collagen, a fibrous protein that connects muscles, bones, and skin, and turns it into gelatin, a flavorless, colorless, jelly-like substance.

Is gelatin vegetarian or vegan?
Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan. It comes from processed animal tissue.

However, vegetarian and vegan gelatin substitutes are widely available in some areas.

Is gelatin gluten free?
Gelatin is gluten free. However, some products that contain it, such as soups and desserts, may also contain gluten.

Is gelatin a protein?
Gelatin is a high protein product. For example, 100 grams (g) of dry gelatin powder contain more than 85 g of proteinTrusted Source.

Amino acids in gelatin
Protein consists of various amino acids, and gelatin contains several of these.

The types of amino acids in gelatin-based foods depend on the specific food, the source of the gelatin, and its processing. TypicallyTrusted Source, the most abundant amino acids in gelatin are glycine and proline.

The bones and organs of some animals contain the amino acids in gelatin, and by eating gelatin, a person can obtain these amino acids.Uses and benefits
Gelatin may provide a number of health benefits.

Healthy body tissues
In its purest, powdered form, gelatin has a high protein contentTrusted Source.

Protein is a macronutrient, which means that the body needs significant amounts to function.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 recommend that adults consume 46–56 gTrusted Source of protein each day, depending on their age and sex. This means that, on average, protein should account for 10–35% of a person’s daily calorie intake.

Proteins are essentialTrusted Source because they:

Build and maintain body tissues.
Support the proper function of various organs.
Act as enzymes and hormones.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests that a supplement combining vitamin C and gelatin may help repair body tissues in athletes and prevent tissue damage. However, the study looked at supplementation rather than dietary intake.

Exactly how much protein do we need? Find out here.

Skin care
Collagen helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. With age, the body loses collagen. The skin becomes less firm, and wrinkles and lines may develop.

Eating gelatin may help boost collagen levels and support skin elasticity. A 2016 studyTrusted Source found that ingesting collagen helped the skin retain moisture and reduced wrinkles in participants.

However, experts are not sure that consuming gelatin would have the same effect.Gelatin is a common ingredient in soups, broths, sauces, gummy candies, marshmallows, cosmetics, and medications.

This common thickening and gelling agent is an animal-based product that contains high levels of protein.

In this article, learn about the possible health benefits of gelatin and who may want to avoid it.Manufacturers produce gelatin by processing animal bones, cartilage, and skin. They may use the bodies of cows or fish, for example.

The process extracts the collagen, a fibrous protein that connects muscles, bones, and skin, and turns it into gelatin, a flavorless, colorless, jelly-like substance.

Is gelatin vegetarian or vegan?
Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan. It comes from processed animal tissue.

However, vegetarian and vegan gelatin substitutes are widely available in some areas.

Is gelatin gluten free?
Gelatin is gluten free. However, some products that contain it, such as soups and desserts, may also contain gluten.

Is gelatin a protein?
Gelatin is a high protein product. For example, 100 grams (g) of dry gelatin powder contain more than 85 g of proteinTrusted Source.

Amino acids in gelatin
Protein consists of various amino acids, and gelatin contains several of these.

The types of amino acids in gelatin-based foods depend on the specific food, the source of the gelatin, and its processing. TypicallyTrusted Source, the most abundant amino acids in gelatin are glycine and proline.

The bones and organs of some animals contain the amino acids in gelatin, and by eating gelatin, a person can obtain these amino acids.Uses and benefits
Gelatin may provide a number of health benefits.

Healthy body tissues
In its purest, powdered form, gelatin has a high protein contentTrusted Source.

Protein is a macronutrient, which means that the body needs significant amounts to function.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 recommend that adults consume 46–56 gTrusted Source of protein each day, depending on their age and sex. This means that, on average, protein should account for 10–35% of a person’s daily calorie intake.

Proteins are essentialTrusted Source because they:

Build and maintain body tissues.
Support the proper function of various organs.
Act as enzymes and hormones.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests that a supplement combining vitamin C and gelatin may help repair body tissues in athletes and prevent tissue damage. However, the study looked at supplementation rather than dietary intake.

Exactly how much protein do we need? Find out here.

Skin care
Collagen helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. With age, the body loses collagen. The skin becomes less firm, and wrinkles and lines may develop.

Eating gelatin may help boost collagen levels and support skin elasticity. A 2016 studyTrusted Source found that ingesting collagen helped the skin retain moisture and reduced wrinkles in participants.

However, experts are not sure that consuming gelatin would have the same effect.