You may have noticed ‘Pectin’ listed as an ingredient on food labels. But what is it? And is it suitable for vegans?
Pectin is a type of soluble fibre that is naturally present in a variety of fruits and vegetables. In the food industry, pectin is often added to products for its gelling properties. Since it’s sourced from plants, pectin is considered vegan.
As a fibre, pectin consists of long chains of undigestible carbohydrates that give it its characteristic gelling properties.
Yes! Pectin is naturally found in plants making it a vegetarian gelling agent.
Pectin and gelatin are not the same despite having similar culinary applications.
Pectin is present in various fruits and vegetables, with these fruits having the highest amounts:
Interestingly, producing pectin repurposes the fruit scraps leftover from juice production. Commercial pectin is typically made from apple pomace and citrus peels!
Gelatin, on the other hand, is made by extracting collagen from the bones, connective tissue, and skin of animals. For this reason, gelatin is not considered vegan or vegetarian.
The difference between the two products doesn’t stop at their sources. The table below highlights other characteristics that set them apart.
| Pectin | Gelatin | |
| Sources | Fruits & vegetables | Animal Collagen |
| Texture & Consistency | Firm, spreadable consistency | Elastic, gel-like consistency |
| Setting Process | Requires sugar and acid, and must be brought to a higher temperature to gel Solidifies after heating as it cools to room temperature | Must be dissolved in a warm liquid. The setting process takes a few hours and requires refrigeration |
| Stability | Stable at room temperature | Heat sensitive |
| Dietary Considerations | Suitable for vegans and vegetarians | Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians |
Substituting gelatin with pectin in recipes may require some experimenting as the preparation and finished product differ for each gelling agent.
Certo is one of the most common brands for commercial pectin. But is it vegan?
Although pectin is naturally vegan, it’s always good to double-check packaged products to ensure no animal involvement during commercial processing.
Certo’s website suggests that their product is suitable for vegans. However, it’s worth noting that the product has not undergone certification to ensure it meets vegan standards.
Yes! Pectin is naturally gluten-free. However, it’s best to check product labels to ensure no cross-contamination may have occurred during processing.
Cross-contamination happens when a food is unintentionally exposed to allergens.
Pectin is a soluble fibre, which can have various health-promoting effects including:
Most jams and jellies contain pectin, as that’s what gives them that thick, spreadable consistency.
Other products that may have pectin include:
Pectin is available as either a dried powder or liquid. Both can be used interchangeably, BUT, there is a difference as to when each is added to recipes.
Dried pectin should be added prior to heating the product. Whereas liquid pectin should be added after the product has been brought to a boil.
Pectin itself is vegan since it is derived from plants. Commercial pectin, on the other hand, is considered vegan-friendly, meaning the manufacturer is claiming their product is suitable for vegans, without undergoing certification.
If you have concerns about whether a product is vegan or not you could try making your own pectin at home or consult with a plant-based dietitian to find out more!
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