Do Moon Cakes Have Gelatin? A Look at Traditional vs. Modern Varieties

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

While traditional baked mooncakes do not contain gelatin, modern varieties, particularly jelly mooncakes, are frequently made with it. This key difference often depends on the specific type of mooncake you're enjoying during the Mid-Autumn Festival, as recipes have evolved to include a wide array of fillings and textures. For those with dietary restrictions, it is crucial to understand the ingredients used in different styles of mooncakes.

Quick Summary

Mooncakes come in many forms, and their gelling agents vary. Traditional baked mooncakes rely on thick pastes and pastry, but jelly and some snow skin varieties use gelatin or a plant-based substitute like agar-agar for their unique texture. Consumers should check the ingredients based on the specific type of cake.

Key Points

Traditional vs. Modern: Traditional baked mooncakes do not contain gelatin, while modern varieties like jelly mooncakes often do to create their signature texture.
Check the Type: The presence of gelatin depends on the type of mooncake; for instance, snow skin and jelly mooncakes are more likely to contain gelling agents than baked ones.
Vegan Alternatives: Many jelly mooncakes use agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Labeling is Key: Consumers with dietary restrictions should always read the ingredient label to determine if gelatin or a substitute has been used.
Different Textures: Gelatin provides a soft, elastic texture, while agar-agar produces a firmer, more brittle jelly.
Homemade Control: Making mooncakes from scratch is the best way to ensure no gelatin is included and to customize the ingredients.
Not a Universal Ingredient: Gelatin is not a standard ingredient in all mooncakes, but rather a modern addition to create certain textures in contemporary versions.

Traditional Mooncakes: No Gelatin Required

Traditional mooncakes are defined by their baked, pastry-like exterior and dense, rich filling. The most common type, the Cantonese-style mooncake, features a chewy, glossy crust made from ingredients such as golden syrup, lye water, oil, and flour. The signature fillings—like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or mixed nuts—are cooked down into a thick, solidified paste and do not require any gelling agent like gelatin to hold their shape. The rich, fudgy texture of the filling is a natural result of the cooking process and the high sugar and oil content. The classic salted duck egg yolks found inside many traditional mooncakes also contribute to the cake's structure and flavor profile without any need for gelatin.

The Rise of Modern Jelly and Snow Skin Mooncakes

As mooncakes have evolved to appeal to modern palates, new styles and varieties have emerged. Among these are jelly mooncakes and some types of snow skin mooncakes, which intentionally incorporate gelling agents to achieve a different texture.

Jelly Mooncakes

Jelly mooncakes are a departure from the traditional baked variety, offering a lighter, more refreshing dessert, especially popular in warmer climates. These are made by setting a flavored liquid in mooncake-shaped molds. This liquid often contains either animal-derived gelatin or a plant-based alternative.

Made with Gelatin: Many recipes for jelly mooncakes, particularly those using ingredients like coconut milk and fruit flavoring, specifically call for gelatin powder to achieve a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth consistency.
Made with Agar-Agar: Alternatively, many jelly mooncakes, including popular Southeast Asian versions, are made with agar-agar, a gelling agent derived from red algae. This makes them suitable for vegetarians and vegans and gives the jelly a firmer, more brittle texture than gelatin.

Snow Skin Mooncakes

Snow skin mooncakes, which are unbaked and chilled, also vary in their use of gelling agents. The classic snow skin has a mochi-like texture from cooked glutinous rice flour, but some variants have incorporated jelly-like fillings or crusts. It is important to check the specific recipe or product for gelling agents.

Gelatin vs. Agar-Agar: A Comparison

For those seeking vegetarian or vegan-friendly options, or simply curious about the science behind these desserts, understanding the difference between gelatin and agar-agar is key. Their source, properties, and the resulting texture of the final product are distinct.


Feature	Gelatin	Agar-Agar (Kanten)
Source	Animal collagen (bones, skin, connective tissue)	Plant-based (red algae)
Activation	Dissolves in warm liquid; does not require boiling	Requires boiling to activate its gelling properties
Setting Temperature	Sets at cooler temperatures, typically requires refrigeration	Sets at room temperature (around 40°C or below)
Texture	Soft, elastic, and melt-in-your-mouth	Firmer, more brittle, and heat-stable
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans	Suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Checking Ingredients for Dietary Needs

Given the wide range of mooncake variations, it is essential to check the ingredient list carefully if you have dietary restrictions or preferences regarding gelatin. While traditional baked mooncakes with classic fillings are typically free of gelatin, modern and novelty mooncakes are a different story.

Look for 'Jelly' or 'Jello' in the Name: If the mooncake's name includes these terms, it is highly likely to contain either gelatin or a plant-based gelling agent. Always verify the ingredients.
Read the Label: Many commercially produced mooncakes, especially snow skin or custard-filled versions, may list ingredients like 'gelatin' or 'gelling agent.' For a definitive answer, check the packaging.
Look for Vegan or Vegetarian Labels: Many bakeries and brands now offer explicitly labeled vegetarian or vegan mooncakes. These will use plant-based thickeners such as agar-agar instead of gelatin.
Consider Homemade: Making your own mooncakes is the best way to have full control over the ingredients, including ensuring they are free of gelatin.

Conclusion

In short, whether a mooncake has gelatin depends entirely on its type. Traditional baked mooncakes, with their dense pastes and pastry crusts, are naturally free of gelatin. However, modern jelly mooncakes and some contemporary snow skin varieties use gelatin or a vegetarian alternative like agar-agar to achieve a unique, jiggly texture. For anyone with dietary concerns, checking the specific ingredients is the only sure way to know if your celebratory treat contains gelatin. The evolution of mooncakes offers something for everyone, but with that variety comes the responsibility of being an informed consumer. The best course of action is to inquire with the baker or read the product label to ensure your mooncake aligns with your dietary needs.

Homemade Vegan Mooncakes

For those interested in a guaranteed gelatin-free option, explore recipes for homemade vegan mooncakes that utilize plant-based ingredients for their texture and filling. Many vegan mooncakes use agar-agar or rely solely on rich paste fillings like lotus or red bean. You can find numerous recipes online from reputable food bloggers and vegan culinary sites.

Check out the Food Network for a jelly mooncake recipe that discusses gelatin and agar-agar options.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, gelatin is not in all moon cakes. It is typically found only in modern varieties like jelly mooncakes or certain snow skin mooncakes. Traditional baked mooncakes do not contain gelatin.

Traditional mooncakes are often not vegan due to the use of lard in the crust or fillings, and sometimes not vegetarian due to salted egg yolks. However, many modern versions, including those with agar-agar or specific vegan recipes, are explicitly made for vegetarian or vegan diets.

Agar-agar is a plant-based gelling agent derived from red algae, and it is used as a vegan alternative to animal-derived gelatin. It creates a firmer, more brittle jelly that is heat-stable at room temperature.

The most reliable way to tell is by checking the ingredient list on the packaging. Mooncakes named 'jelly' or 'jello' are strong indicators, but confirmation from the label is best.

Traditional mooncake fillings are typically made from rich, thick pastes of ingredients like lotus seeds, red beans, or mixed nuts. These fillings are naturally thick and do not require gelatin to hold their shape.

Some snow skin mooncakes, particularly those with jelly-like fillings or crusts, may use gelatin or agar-agar. However, the classic snow skin is made from glutinous rice flour and does not contain gelatin.

Yes, agar-agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin in many jelly-based recipes. However, they are not a direct 1:1 replacement and result in a different texture. Agar-agar requires boiling to activate and produces a firmer gel.