Breakfast…it’s the most important meal of the day, right? Well, some might argue that jelly (or jam or preserves) is the most important condiment of breakfast! If you’re a fan of spreading jams and fruit jellies on your morning toast and have asked yourself the question, “Is jelly vegan?”, I’ve got good news for you! Many off-the shelf brands are vegan, but you do need to be careful.
In short, the answer to the question, “Is jelly vegan?” is “it depends.” Some brands use animal-derived gelling agents like gelatin to bind ingredients together, so these products are obviously not suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Read on to learn more about what to watch out for on the ingredients list so you can enjoy this tasty treat without compromising your vegan lifestyle.
Is Jelly Vegan? The Answer Lies in the Ingredients
When considering whether jelly is vegan, it’s essential to take a closer look at the ingredients. As mentioned earlier, the core components of jam (fruit,
Gelatin: The Not-So-Vegan Gelling Agent
Gelatin is made from the collagen found in animal bones, skin, and connective tissue. If a jelly contains gelatin, it’s not vegan-friendly. As a side note, this includes jelly candies and gummy candies as well (yup, traditional Gummy Bears are not vegan!).
When shopping for jelly, be sure to read the label and steer clear of any products that include gelatin.
White Refined Sugar : Nope, It’s Not Vegan!
When I first became plant-based in 2013, finding out that white refined
Luckily, there are other kinds of
Pectin: The Vegan and Vegetarian’s Best Friend
Now that we know gelatin is a no-go for vegans and vegetarians, let’s turn our attention to the plant-based alternative: pectin.
Pectin is a natural starch derived from fruits and vegetables. When heated and combined with
Finding Vegan Jellies: Tips for Navigating the Supermarket
To make your shopping experience a breeze, remember these simple tips when searching for vegan jellies:
- Read the label: Look for jellies that specifically mention they are vegan or plant-based.
- Check for gelatin: Avoid any jelly that contains gelatin as a gelling agent.
- Look for pectin: Choose jellies that contain pectin as the primary gelling agent.
With a little bit of label-reading and a keen eye for ingredients, you can confidently enjoy vegan jelly and all the tasty treats that come with it. Happy spreading!
Feeling Adventurous? Try Making Your own Jam!
Don’t be intimidated…homemade jam doesn’t have to involve boiling jars and lots of pots and pans! This simple, 4-ingredient 10-Minute Chia Seed Jam from Gimme Some Oven requires a single pan and no special equipment. There’s no added
The chia seeds thicken the jam, and you can use pretty much any juicy fruit–berries, peaches, pineapple, plums, and more!