Gelatin for food – nutritious and delicious
Gelatin is truly remarkable in terms of its many functional properties in food applications.
Gelatin is a high-quality ingredient and has many positive properties as a foodstuff. Thanks to its gelling ability, gelatin is indispensable in modern cuisine.
Also, foam formation, stabilization and texturizing are essential properties in the creation of tasty desserts.
Gelatin is also a source of protein. It can effectively replace carbohydrates and fat in many foods and is thus better suited to meet nutritional needs.
Gelatin can function as a gel, a whipping agent to foam and aerate, a protective colloid, a binding agent, a film former, a thickener, a processing aid, an emulsifier, a stabiliser or as an adhesive. In some applications, several of these functions are called upon together.
Gelatin desserts
Gelatin desserts are perhaps the most widely known use of gelatin to people of all ages. They can be traced back to 1845, when a US patent was issued. Over 150 years later, they remain popular worldwide.
Confectionery
Gelatin confections are typically made from a base of sugar, corn syrup and water. To this are added flavour, colours and texture modifiers. Gelatin is widely used in confectionery because it gels, foams or solidifies into a piece that dissolves slowly in the mouth, gently releasing flavours and creating a smooth taste sensation.
Dairy products
Gelatin acts as both a texturiser and a stabiliser in many dairy products, including yoghurts and supreme ice creams. In yoghurts it helps avoid the floury texture of starches, while in ice creams it controls the excess formation of ice crystals. In both yoghurt and ice cream, as with similar dairy desserts or iced confections, gelatin melting at body temperature provides a smooth creamy sensation and allows the full release of flavours and aromas.
Gelatin in meats
There are jellied meat products of many kinds. For example, gelatin is use in gel aspics, glazed and canned meats. Its main function is to absorb meat juices and give form and structure to products that would otherwise fall apart.
Beverages
By acting as a coagulant, gelatin can be used to precipitate impurities during the manufacture of wine, beer, cider and juices. It has the advantages of unlimited shelf life in its dry form, ease of handling, rapid preparation and brilliant clarification.
Low fat and ‘Lite’ foods
Gelatin’s unique properties are utilised in the production of many ‘lite’ foods and items such as margarine and other low fats.
E An ESSENTIAL ingredient in various confectionery products and other foods
D Easily DIGESTIBLE
I Faster INTAKE by the human body
B Free from harmful BACTERIA
L LOW calorie, high protein, sugar-free
E EASY and EXCITING to use
