Is Jelly Vegan? How to Make Vegan Jelly

Jellies are a common dessert that is loved by kids and adults alike. A common question asked these days is “Is Jelly Vegan?” Well, Jelly is mostly nonvegan. However, you can still make vegan jelly by replacing gelatin with agar-agar.

The vegan diet has gained a lot of popularity among the generation because of various reasons, including the benefits of a plant-based diet on the human body.

However, a vegan diet puts a lot of restrictions when it comes to packaged food, as most options available are not vegan. Therefore, it becomes quite confusing what food you can and cannot consume. It is important to pay attention to the details and ingredients of packaged food especially when it comes to desserts.

Is Jelly Vegan?

Jelly is a popular dessert that is served with custards, creams, and other delicacies. Even though jelly seems like it should be a part of a vegan diet as it does not contain any dairy product, most store-bought jelly is actually not vegan.

Here are the two ingredients that make jelly questionable for vegans:

1. Gelatin

Gelatin is a major ingredient found in jellies. It keeps the jelly in shape. This ingredient comes from collagen which is extracted from the skin and bones of animal products such as beef and pork cartilage.

Therefore, gelatin is not vegan. It is made by boiling bones, ligaments, and tendons of cows and pigs in water. It is a common thickening agent used in many desserts such as puddings, ice creams, marshmallows, candies, and such.

2. Sweeteners

Jellies mostly contain honey and sugar in jellies which are not vegan. Vegans avoid sugar that contains bone char. Therefore, when you are buying jelly powder make sure to read the ingredients and see if the manufacturer is using certified vegan sugar.

So, as you can see jelly is mostly non-vegan. But you can make vegan jelly at home. The only thing you need to do is replace gelatin with agar-agar. Agar-agar is a vegan substitute made from seaweed. It gives the same texture to jelly, like gelatin.

Why You Will Love Homemade Vegan Jelly

This homemade vegan jelly will steal your heart with its glossy and sugary flavor. Moreover, it is:

• Quick to make and is ready in 10 minutes.
• A perfect dessert option for vegans.
• Incredibly fruity flavor with fresh fruit of your choice.
• Requires a few ingredients that are readily available.
• Loved by adults and kids alike.

What You Will Need For Vegan Jelly

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sugar for jelly
• 1 tbsp agar-agar
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract

Instructions

1. Wash the strawberries and remove their leaves.
2. Transfer them into a saucepan and add 2 tbsp sugar and water.
3. Allows them to simmer over medium-high heat for about 20-30 minutes.
4. Strain the strawberry juice using a strainer and press down on the strawberries to release all the juices.
5. Make sure there is no pulp in the juice.
6. Bring the juice to a boil and add sugar with agar-agar.
7. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Whisk for 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, once the mixture is thick like when you normally make jelly.
9. Allows the syrup to cool and pour it into the jelly bowl.
10. Refrigerate for a couple of hours for the jelly to set. Or you can leave it overnight.
11. Serve chilled with fresh strawberries and cream.

Other Recipes to Try

• Fireweed Jelly
• Chocolate tea
• Sleepytime Tea
• Matcha latte

How to Make Vegan Jelly At Home

Follow this quick recipe to make vegan Jelly at home. It is 100% vegan with fresh strawberries.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sugar for jelly
• 1 tbsp agar-agar
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract

Instructions

 

• Wash the strawberries and remove their leaves.
• Transfer them into a saucepan and add 2 tbsp sugar and water.
• Allows them to simmer over medium-high heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Strain the strawberry juice using a strainer and press down on the strawberries to release all the juices.
• Make sure there is no pulp in the juice.
• Bring the juice to a boil and add sugar with agar-agar.
• Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Whisk for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat, once the mixture is thick like when you normally make jelly.
• Allows the syrup to cool and pour it into the jelly bowl.
• Refrigerate for a couple of hours for the jelly to set. Or you can leave it overnight.
• Serve chilled with fresh strawberries and cream.

Notes

• When you are making strawberry syrup, make sure the liquid, in the end, is clear. If not, strain again for any residual pulp. 
• Make sure there are no bubbles in the jelly before placing it in the fridge. You can smoothen the top with a spoon. 
• You will know the jelly is ready when it sways slightly. 

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