Is it vegan? Ingredients
Is gelatin vegan?
Quick answer: No. Gelatin is made by boiling animal skin, bones, tendons and ligaments, usually from pigs or cattle, so it is never vegan.
Also called: gelatine, gelatin, hydrolysed collagen, collagen peptides
Why it isn’t vegan
Gelatin is a protein obtained from collagen in animal skin, connective tissue and bones. PETA describes it as a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments and/or bones in water. Fish gelatin is also made from fish skin and bones.
It is used to set jellies, gummy sweets and marshmallows, to stabilise yoghurts and desserts, to make capsules, and in some wine and juice fining. In the EU and UK gelatin is classed as a food ingredient rather than an additive, so it has no E-number.
What to look for on the label
- gelatin or gelatine
- beef gelatin, pork gelatin, fish gelatin
- hydrolysed collagen
Where it’s found
- Gummy sweets, jelly babies and marshmallows
- Jelly and some yoghurts, mousses and cheesecakes
- Capsules and vitamin gummies
- Some wines, beers and juices (fining)
Vegan alternatives
- Agar (E406)
- Pectin (E440)
- Carrageenan (E407)
- Starch-based gels
Frequently asked questions
Is gelatin vegan?
No. Gelatin is made by boiling animal skin, bones, tendons and ligaments, usually from pigs or cattle, so it is never vegan.
Is kosher or halal gelatin vegan?
No. Kosher and halal gelatin still come from animals (often fish or cattle).
Do gelatin capsules come in vegan versions?
Yes. Look for capsules made from HPMC (hypromellose), pullulan or modified starch.
Sources
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
- Ingredient questions and answers — The Vegetarian Resource Group
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.