What is the Difference Between Gelatin and Jello?

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The main difference between gelatin and Jello lies in their composition, source, and usage. Here are the key differences:

  1. Composition: Gelatin is a flavorless, colorless, and translucent substance derived from collagen, which is obtained from various raw materials. Jello, on the other hand, is a food product prepared by boiling gelatin and contains artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, and sugar.
  2. Source: Gelatin is a generic term that can refer to any product that gels, such as animal collagen or seaweed (agar agar). Jello is a brand name for a prepackaged dessert that consists of animal collagen, sugar, and flavoring.
  3. Usage: Gelatin is used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, pharmacology, and photography. Jello is only used in the food industry and is typically consumed as a dessert.
  4. Taste and Color: Gelatin is flavorless and colorless, while Jello has added flavors and can be made in any color.

In summary, gelatin is a natural, unflavored substance derived from collagen, while Jello is a sweetened, flavored, and colored food product made from gelatin.

Comparative Table: Gelatin vs Jello

Here is a table comparing the differences between gelatin and Jello:

Feature Gelatin Jello
Flavor Flavorless Contains artificial flavors
Color Colorless Can be made in any color
sweetener No sweeteners Contains artificial sweeteners and sugar
Ingredients Derived from collagen Made from flavored and sweetened gelatin
Preparation Dissolved in hot water and set Dissolved in hot water, chilled, and set with added flavorings and sugar
Additives No additives Contains food coloring and other additives such as adipic acid, fumaric acid, and sodium citrate
Brand Name Not a brand name An American brand name for a gelatin dessert

Gelatin is a flavorless, colorless, and translucent protein derived from collagen, while Jello is a sweetened and flavored food product made from gelatin. Jello is an American brand name for a gelatin dessert and is often used colloquially to refer to all gelatin desserts.