Tag: Plant based thickeners

According to a 2024 study, the global pectin market is estimated to reach $1.5 billion by 2025, driven largely by demand for plant-based ingredients. So, is pectin a meat product, as some believe? Absolutely not—it is derived entirely from fruits and vegetables.

According to the Vegetarian Society, vegetarians are people who do not eat the products or byproducts of animal slaughter, which includes gelatin. This fact is critical for understanding the often-confusing question: **Can vegetarians eat fish gelatin?** The short answer, though many are surprised, is no, as gelatin—regardless of its source—is an animal product.

According to food scientists, pectin is a naturally occurring soluble fiber found in the cell walls of most fruits and vegetables. This complex carbohydrate is a critical component for giving jams and jellies their gel-like consistency. However, the concentration of pectin varies significantly between different plants and even based on ripeness, influencing cooking applications. This guide reveals precisely what foods naturally have pectin.