It’s a childhood favorite. A hospital staple. A college student’s creative way to consume alcohol. You know what we're talking about. Jell-O.
Jell-O is the brand name of something called gelatin dessert. It’s a light, bright, sweet treat that can be enjoyed by nearly everyone. But it doesn’t come without controversy – what, exactly, gives Jell-O that springy form and texture?
For those of you that really want to know, we spoke with Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns, to find out what you need to know about Jell-O.
Jell-O: How it's made
Sabat says gelatin dessert is, “typically made by mixing powdered gelatin with hot water, sweeteners, flavorings and sometimes fruit or other ingredients. Once the mixture cools and solidifies, it forms a gel-like consistency.”
Is gelatin still made from animals?
Yes.
“Gelatin, the primary ingredient in Jell-O, is derived from collagen, a protein found in the connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals," Sabat says. "Historically, gelatin was obtained by boiling the bones and tissues of animals, such as cows or pigs, to extract collagen. However, modern commercial gelatin production may involve various processes, including acid or alkali treatment, to extract collagen from animal by-products like hides, bones, or connective tissues."
Is Jell-O good for you?
It’s not unhealthy, but it’s not particularly healthy, either.
Sabat says, “As for its healthiness, gelatin itself is a source of protein and contains essential amino acids, but it lacks other nutrients. It is low in calories and fat, and it doesn't contain cholesterol. However, it is not considered a nutritious food on its own since it doesn't provide significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.”
It could aid in weight loss if you want a treat that’s low in calories. But if you have diabetes, you may need to look out for the sugar content or try sugar-free options.
Jell-O is popular againWhy gelatin is gaining attention as a collagen alternative
Why do hospitals serve so much Jell-O?
There are a few reasons:
- Jell-O is easy to swallow and digest, making it suitable for patients who have difficulty eating solid foods or have digestive issues.
- It's smooth texture and mild flavor make it more tolerable for those with sensitive stomachs or who are recovering from surgery.
- Jell-O can provide hydration, as it is mostly made up of water.
There are also non-nutritional reasons hospitals may use gelatin. Sabat says, “Gelatin can be used to create coatings for pills or capsules, as well as to make the shells of some medical capsules. It can also be utilized in medical research and diagnostic procedures.”
Overall, it can be a fun snack, and there are ways to make it slightly healthier. “I personally recommend using grass-fed gelatin and making a homemade Jell-O with this product. It allows you the same consistency as traditional Jell-O but comes from a healthy source and you can make it using natural fruit juices,” says Sabat.
Is honey good for you?Learn about the buzz here.
FAQs
“Gelatin, the primary ingredient in Jell-O, is derived from collagen, a protein found in the connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals," Sabat says. "Historically, gelatin was obtained by boiling the bones and tissues of animals, such as cows or pigs, to extract collagen.
What is Jell-O gelatin made of? ›
“Gelatin, the primary ingredient in Jell-O, is derived from collagen, a protein found in the connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals," Sabat says. "Historically, gelatin was obtained by boiling the bones and tissues of animals, such as cows or pigs, to extract collagen.
Is gelatin in Jell-O beef or pork? ›
What is gelatin made from? It is usually made from pig skins, bovine hides and beef and porcine bones. This is because they have a high concentration of raw collagen. These raw materials are by-products of the meat industry.
Is Jell-O gelatin good for you? ›
Gelatin is a protein that may promote skin, joint, hair, nail, and gut health. It also provides essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which can provide potent health benefits. The protein and amino acids in gelatin can help the body build more collagen, a vital element in healthy skin.
What is gelatin most commonly made of? ›
Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs.
Why do hospitals serve jello? ›
Hospitals often serve gelatin to patients. It has qualities that make dessert easy to digest, and it melts in the body as a liquid. This allows the body to take in calories without losing them, as some foods can trigger nausea if a patient has taken certain medication or undergone anesthesia.
What are the side effects of taking gelatin? ›
There's some evidence that gelatin in doses up to 10 grams daily can be safely used for up to 6 months. Gelatin can cause an unpleasant taste, sensation of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, heartburn, and belching. Gelatin can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Why is Jell-O no longer popular? ›
Jell-O shifted to single-serve cups and more convenient options as competition for snacks and desserts grew. Kraft in the early 2000's shifted the focus of Jell-O's advertising away from kids and toward adults. It pitched sugar-free Jell-O, for example, as a treat for Atkins dieters.
Who should avoid gelatin? ›
Gelatin is an animal product and so is not suitable for people with vegetarian or vegan diets.
Does gelatin raise blood pressure? ›
As a volume expander, gelatin remains in the vascular space. When used in the treatment of hypovolaemia gelatin can produce a significant increase in blood volume, cardiac output, stroke volume, blood pressure, urinary output and oxygen delivery, increasing volume and pressure 18.
Whole-protein gelatin is better for improving gut health. It helps carry fluid through the intestines and can even coat the lining of the digestive tract as a soothing and protective layer. This is the type used to make gummy snacks and desserts and must be mixed into warm liquids.
Why do Muslims not eat gelatin? ›
Gelatin poses a particularly interesting issue for the halal diet, as it is often extracted from the bones and skins of pigs. There are two points of debate about whether gelatin is halal. First, if the gelatin uses pig bones, then it is automatically not halal. The second point is potentially more nebulous.
What animal is jello made from? ›
Gelatin is made from animal collagen — a protein that makes up connective tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. The hides and bones of certain animals — often cows and pigs — are boiled, dried, treated with a strong acid or base, and finally filtered until the collagen is extracted.
Is gelatin still made from animals? ›
Most gelatin comes from boiling the bones of pigs and cattle. Thankfully, not all gelatinous substances require the death of an animal. One popular and equally fun replacement is agar-agar, a substance derived from seaweed that can be used to make jello, marshmallows, or in a variety of other recipes and foods.
Is the gelatin in Jello the same as collagen? ›
Nutritionally, gelatin is equivalent to collagen. One tablespoon of gelatin contains about 6 grams of protein. Gelatin is not a complete protein, however, and should not be considered a high source of protein. Gelatin and collagen both share the same 19 amino acids.
What nasty ingredient is in Jell O? ›
Gelatin. This probably wouldn't scare you if you found it in an ingredient list. But gelatin (commonly found in Jell-O, yogurt, candy and more) is actually kind of gross. Gelatin is actually made from collagen – a protein taken from animal skins, often pigs.
Can Muslims eat jello? ›
The only way Muslims can make certain the product contains gelatin that is halal is if the product is specifically stamped as halal. One way for Muslims to be certain that gelatin is halal is to buy vegetarian-friendly gelatin.
