Are There Carbs in Beef Gelatin? Answering the Low-Carb and Keto Question

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, pure, unflavored beef gelatin contains zero carbohydrates. This makes it a highly versatile ingredient for low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles, offering a protein-rich option for thickening, gelling, and supplementing without impacting carb counts.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored beef gelatin is completely free of carbohydrates, as it is a protein derived from bovine collagen. Carbs are only introduced through additives in flavored products.

Key Points

Zero Carbs: Pure, unflavored beef gelatin contains no carbohydrates, making it a perfect ingredient for low-carb and keto diets.
Pure vs. Flavored: The confusion around gelatin's carb content comes from pre-packaged mixes, which add sugar and other high-carb ingredients.
Protein-Rich: Beef gelatin is composed almost entirely of protein, with approximately 6 grams per tablespoon, and contains no fat.
Source of Collagen: Gelatin is derived from bovine collagen and is rich in specific amino acids like glycine and proline, which support connective tissues.
Versatile Ingredient: It can be used as a thickening agent in savory dishes or as a base for keto-friendly desserts like gummies and mousse.
Avoid Sugar Spikes: Because it's carb-free, pure gelatin will not raise your blood sugar levels, unlike many other common thickeners.

What is Beef Gelatin?

Beef gelatin is a translucent, flavorless substance derived from collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. It is made by cooking collagen-rich parts of cattle, such as bones, hides, and connective tissues. Through a process called partial hydrolysis, the collagen's triple helix structure is broken down into shorter protein chains, resulting in the gelling properties characteristic of gelatin. This transformation process does not involve any carbohydrates or sugars. The resulting product is then dried and sold as a powder or sheets, which rehydrate and gel when cooled. Its unique texture and binding capabilities make it a staple in various food products, from desserts and candies to savory sauces and soups.

The Simple Answer: No, Pure Beef Gelatin Has Zero Carbs

For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, the most important takeaway is that pure, unflavored beef gelatin is 100% carbohydrate-free. Its nutritional profile is composed almost entirely of protein, with zero grams of fat, fiber, or sugars. A typical serving, which is around 7 grams or one tablespoon, will provide approximately 6 grams of protein and about 23-25 calories, depending on the brand. This makes it an ideal thickening agent and supplement for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake, as it will not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Why the Confusion About Gelatin and Carbs?

The main source of confusion regarding the carbohydrate content of gelatin stems from the difference between pure gelatin powder and commercial flavored gelatin products. Popular dessert mixes, such as Jell-O, contain significant amounts of added sugars and artificial flavors to create their sweet taste and vibrant colors. A single serving of sweetened, flavored gelatin can contain around 17 grams of carbohydrates, almost entirely from sugar. However, sugar-free versions of these same products use artificial sweeteners and are therefore carb-free, though they often contain other additives. When purchasing gelatin for low-carb cooking or supplementation, it is crucial to read the label carefully and select an unflavored, unsweetened product. These are typically labeled as "beef gelatin powder" or "unflavored gelatin" and will have a nutrition label reflecting 0 grams of carbohydrates.

The Nutritional Profile of Unflavored Beef Gelatin

The nutritional value of pure beef gelatin is primarily defined by its protein content. While it provides a wide array of amino acids, it is considered an incomplete protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan. However, it is particularly rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are beneficial for connective tissues.

Nutritional Breakdown (per 7g serving):

Calories: ~23-25
Protein: ~6g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 0g

In addition to its macro-nutrient composition, beef gelatin contains trace amounts of minerals like sodium, calcium, and phosphorus, though it is not a significant source of vitamins.

How to Use Beef Gelatin on a Low-Carb or Keto Diet

Because of its zero-carb nature, beef gelatin is a staple ingredient in many low-carb and keto recipes. Its gelling properties are perfect for creating desserts, snacks, and thickening sauces without relying on carb-heavy ingredients like cornstarch or flour.

Examples of low-carb uses:

Homemade Gummies: Combine unflavored gelatin with low-carb fruit juice (like lemon) and a keto-friendly sweetener (erythritol) to create healthy, sugar-free gummies.
Thickening Soups and Sauces: Add bloomed gelatin to hot broths or sauces to give them a rich, velvety texture. A ratio of about 1.5 teaspoons per cup of liquid is a good starting point.
Keto Panna Cotta or Mousse: Create creamy, no-bake desserts by blending gelatin with heavy cream and a sugar substitute.
Dietary Supplement: Add unflavored gelatin powder to smoothies or hot cereals for a protein boost and to promote gut health.

Comparison: Gelatin vs. Other Thickeners


Thickener	Carbohydrate Content	Primary Function	Best For	Low-Carb/Keto Friendly?
Beef Gelatin	Zero	Gelling and thickening	Desserts, gummies, thickening sauces	Yes
Cornstarch	High	Thickening, coating	Sauces, gravies, baking	No
Flour	High	Thickening, baking	Gravies, roux, baking	No
Agar-Agar	Moderate	Gelling (plant-based)	Vegan jellies, puddings	Yes (in moderation)
Xanthan Gum	Low	Thickening, emulsifying	Sauces, dressings, baking	Yes

Conclusion

In summary, pure, unflavored beef gelatin is a carb-free protein source, making it an excellent and versatile ingredient for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The key is to avoid flavored, pre-packaged mixes, which are often loaded with sugar and thus high in carbohydrates. By choosing the unflavored powder, you can utilize its unique gelling properties for a wide range of recipes, from healthy gummies to thickened sauces, without compromising your dietary goals. For further information on the broader health benefits of gelatin, including its role in joint and gut health, you can consult reliable sources such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure, unflavored gelatin is entirely keto-friendly because it contains zero carbohydrates. It is an excellent ingredient for thickening and gelling various keto recipes.

Flavored gelatin mixes, like Jell-O, contain significant carbohydrates, typically around 17 grams per serving, almost all from added sugar. Be sure to use unflavored powder for low-carb diets.

No, gelatin is not considered a complete protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan. It should not be used as your sole source of protein.

Both are derived from collagen, but gelatin is partially hydrolyzed, creating a gelling effect when cooled. Collagen peptides (or hydrolyzed collagen) are further broken down into smaller molecules that dissolve in any temperature liquid and don't gel.

Yes, you can use unflavored gelatin as a carb-free alternative to cornstarch for thickening sauces and gravies, especially in a low-carb context. The thickening mechanism is different, as gelatin thickens as it cools, while cornstarch thickens when heated.

While the carb content of pure beef gelatin is consistent across brands, there can be slight variations in the amino acid profile and quality depending on the source (e.g., grass-fed vs. conventional) and processing methods.

You can add unflavored gelatin to hot beverages like coffee or tea for a protein boost. It must be properly 'bloomed' in cold water first and then added to the hot liquid to dissolve fully without clumping.