Tag: Gelatin alternative

The global vegan gummy candy market was valued at over $1.1 billion in 2024 and is growing, fueled by brands like Sour Patch Kids, which eschew traditional animal-based thickeners. This begs the question for many curious consumers: what do sour patches use instead of gelatin to create their iconic, chewy, and irresistibly sour bite?

Pectin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the cell walls of most fruits and vegetables, and is widely used as a gelling agent in foods like jams and jellies. With its clear plant-based origin, the question of 'is pectin safe for vegans?' seems simple, yet a deeper look into commercial processing reveals some important details that conscientious vegans should know before adding it to their pantry.

According to the Plant Based Foods Association, the plant-based food market is valued in the billions, highlighting a growing consumer focus on plant-derived ingredients. For many following this trend, a key question arises about common food additives: is pectin ok for vegetarians? The answer is a resounding yes; pectin is a purely plant-based ingredient, making it perfectly suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.

According to the FDA, pectin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a food substance. This has led many to wonder, is pectin safe in vitamins, especially as it gains traction as a plant-based alternative to gelatin in gummy supplements?

Dietary supplement capsules account for over 10% of all supplement formats, and an increasing number of consumers are seeking plant-based alternatives. This shift is driving innovation in capsule materials beyond traditional gelatin, prompting many to question which capsules are truly vegetarian.

A common misconception is that capsule shells, particularly for supplements, are made of plastic, but this is a myth. In reality, vegetable capsules do not contain petroleum-based plastic and are instead crafted from plant-derived materials, offering a safe and ethical alternative to animal-based options.

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, forming the structural cell walls of all plants. Because it is derived solely from plant sources like wood pulp or cotton, cellulose is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, making it a common and safe ingredient in many food and supplement products.

Many konjac jelly products on the market are explicitly labeled as vegan and vegetarian. So, is konjac jelly vegetarian? While the main component comes from a plant, the vegetarian status of the final product hinges on other ingredients added during manufacturing.

Derived from the corm of the *Amorphophallus konjac* plant, a traditional Asian staple, konjac gum is a 100% plant-based ingredient. Its status as a natural, vegan-friendly thickener and gelling agent makes it a popular alternative to animal-derived additives like gelatin.

According to industry trends, the demand for plant-based and cruelty-free alternatives has surged significantly, driving the popularity of vegetarian capsules in the health and wellness market. These capsules offer a viable and ethical option for consumers who adhere to vegetarian, vegan, or specific religious dietary practices.