The Top 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gelatin

Here are the Top 7 most frequently asked questions about gelatin that I get asked all the time on Facebook and on my blog.

What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is a translucent, colorless, brittle, flavorless solid substance, derived from collagen found in animal bones. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, photography, and cosmetic manufacturing. It is found in most gummy candies as well as other products such as marshmallows, gelatin desserts, and some ice cream, dips and yogurt.

Much of the gelatin bought at the store is from feed lot animals which are not healthy and are unable to pass good nutrition along to us. Another issue is that store bought gelatin products are often full of sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup as well as artificial colors. It is better to buy plain gelatin from a company that raises grass fed and humanely raised animals (like this one).

Read my article: 20 Health Benefits of gelatin here

1. What are the difference between the 3 types of gelatin?

This red can, unflavored collagen joint care, is Kosher and gels after it is heated. It is from grass fed cows. It is useful for cooking in gummy recipes.

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The green can, collagen hydrosolate, is good for dissolving in liquids but will not gel for cooking. You could dissolve it in coffee or a smoothie. This one is also from grass fed cows.

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This one is from pigs that are fed a mixed diet and it will gel once heated and dissolved.

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2. Is gelatin gluten free?

Yes, gelatin is made from the skin and bones of gelatin not from any sources of gluten such as barley, rye, oats or wheat (BROW).

3. Does gelatin contain MSG?

Gelatin contains glutamic acid, not MSG, which is naturally occurring in animal foods. Wheat is actually higher in glutamic acid than gelatin, to give a reference point. If someone is very sensitive to MSG they may have a reaction after consuming gelatin but it is uncommon. A reaction to gelatin is probably a sign of bigger issue such as leaky gut. Read my article: heal your leaky gut

4. How much gelatin should someone take?

Gelatin is a food not a supplement so you can take as much as you want. It think a good goal would be about 2 -3 tbsp a day. You can start out slow because gelatin is very cleansing for the liver and may cause some detox reactions.

The best and cheapest source of gelatin is from bone broth which should be your main source of gelatin. I try to eat 2-4 cups of gelatin rich broth each day in the form of soups and stews.

Learn how to make bone broth here:

7 Tips to make bone broth gel here:

5. How are the cattle raised ?

The cattle are grass fed and slaughtered in Argentina and Brazil which is controlled by their respective Department of Agriculture. These countries have the same type of tests and inspections as the United States. It is more common to feed animals grass rather than corn in South America. Beef hides are the only product used to manufacture gelatin in these countries.

Gelatin from slow simmer bones is less processed and can be found from fresh and local farmers. I recommend having a mix of broth and gelatin in your diet since some people will not be able to ingest bone broth everyday.

6. Can I just eat gelatin instead of making bone broth?

No, gelatin is a great start to getting more digestible amino acids into your diet and it will help with gut healing. Bone broth is critical for mineral balance and micro nutrient sufficiency. Making bone broth is like investing in yourself. It says “I love me!” Taking the time to make this healing food is so primal and necessary. Then using the bone broth as a base to cook soups and stews can be so nourishing for your family. Bone broth is more nutritionally complex than boxed gealtin and it is less processed. Gelatin is made only from hides which will not be as mineral dense or rich in collagen as knuckle bones or chicken feet. As usual there is no easy way to outsmart your internal body compass.

7. Can I use gelatin as a protein powder?

Gelatin has about 6 grams of protein per tablespoon. I think it is great option as a protein powder. It is easy to drink in smoothies before work as a quick option. It is not quite a complete protein but you probably not a vegetarian if you are eating gelatin anyway. If you eat meat at other meals you will get plenty of protein for muscle building and maintenance.

There really is no perfect protein powder because whey proteins are usually highly processed and many people are sensitive. Soy and pea protein have hard to digest lectins that cause intestinal inflammation. I think that gelatin is the best choice for a protein powder but real food that is not processed is always the best choice for post or pre- workout. Meals and snacks of foods such as grass fed meats, organic vegetables/fruits and healthy fats, nuts and seeds which are actually the perfect workout fuel.

Bonus Question: Is there a vegan alternative?

I guess some people want a vegan alternative to gelatin. Gelatin and gelatinized bone broth have been staples of traditional diets for thousands of years and have kept people healthy and strong. I truly believe that people can’t have robust health without animal foods. You can leave out gelatin and try an alternative but your bones, skin, joints and teeth will all suffer.

Bonus Question: Is gelatin good for arthritic bones and joints?

Yes, yes, yes!! Gelatin is full of collagen that helps to rebuild aching joints. Read more here: 20 health benefits of gelatin

Here are my gelatin recipes

Further reading:

What you don’t know about gelatin can hurt you

Usual uses for gelatin

Does this sound like you?

Have you heard about how good gelatin is for skin, hair and nails but don’t know how to use it?

Do you intend on getting bone broth in your diet but always forget to make it?

Do you love Jello but don’t know how to use all natural grass fed gelatin?

Do you have kids at home that you are trying to transition from junk food to nourishing real food treats?

This is the the book for you!