Out of Gelatin, one case
Vegan gelatine substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Agar agar
Same amount as the gelatin
Agar agar is the best choice for vegan cheesecake. Use a 1:1 ratio and make sure to bring the mixture to a full boil for 1-2 minutes to activate the gelling properties. It will set firmer than gelatine, so you might want to use slightly less for a softer texture.
- The tweak —
- Dissolve in hot liquid, bring to boil for 1-2 minutes, then cool
- Best for —
- jellies
One casethe full gelatin card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gelatin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agar agarjellies | Same amount |
| 2 | Carrageenandairy-free desserts | Same amount |
| 3 | Pectinfruit jellies | Same amount |
| 4 | Xanthan gumsauces | ¼ tsp per 1 tsp gelatine |
| 5 | Arrowroot powderfruit pies | 2 × the amount |
Agar agar
neutral taste · firmer than gelatine
Seaweed-based thickener that sets firmer than gelatine
- Best for
- jellies, panna cotta, mousses, cheesecakes, gummy candies
- Prep
- Dissolve in hot liquid, bring to boil for 1-2 minutes, then cool
Sets at room temperature, doesn't melt easily, good for warm climates.
Carrageenan
neutral taste · smooth and creamy
Red seaweed extract with excellent gelling properties
- Best for
- dairy-free desserts, puddings, ice cream, cheese alternatives
- Prep
- Mix with cold liquid first, then heat to activate
Works well with dairy alternatives, provides smooth texture.
Pectin
neutral taste · firm and clear
Fruit-based thickener, great for fruit desserts
- Best for
- fruit jellies, jam, fruit desserts, tart fillings
- Prep
- Mix with sugar first, then add to hot liquid
Works best with acidic fruits, natural choice for fruit-based recipes.
Xanthan gum
neutral taste · smooth and glossy
Bacterial fermentation product, excellent for small amounts
- Best for
- sauces, soups, glazes, small desserts
- Prep
- Blend with liquid using a whisk or blender
Very powerful, use sparingly, creates smooth texture.
Arrowroot powder
neutral taste · clear and glossy
Root starch that creates clear, glossy gels
- Best for
- fruit pies, tart fillings, puddings, sauces
- Prep
- Mix with cold liquid, then add to hot mixture
Creates clear, glossy finish, good for fruit-based recipes.
The longer answer
About this case
Finding the good vegan gelatine substitute doesn't have to be challenging. Whether you're making jellies, panna cotta, or cheesecakes, there are excellent plant-based alternatives that provide the same firm, jellied texture without any animal products.
Tips for substituting gelatin
8 tips- Agar agar sets at room temperature and won't melt in warm weather like gelatine
- For best results with agar agar, bring the mixture to a full boil for 1-2 minutes
- Carrageenan works exceptionally well with coconut milk and other dairy alternatives
- Pectin requires sugar and acid to set properly - good for fruit desserts
- Xanthan gum is incredibly powerful - start with small amounts and increase gradually
- Arrowroot creates a clear, glossy finish that's good for fruit tarts
- Test your vegan gelatine substitute in small batches before making large quantities
- Some vegan alternatives set faster than gelatine, so work quickly once mixed
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for gelatine in cheesecake?
Agar agar is the best choice for vegan cheesecake. Use a 1:1 ratio and make sure to bring the mixture to a full boil for 1-2 minutes to activate the gelling properties. It will set firmer than gelatine, so you might want to use slightly less for a softer texture.
Can I use agar agar instead of gelatine in any recipe?
Yes, agar agar can replace gelatine in most recipes, but it sets firmer and at room temperature. It's good for jellies, panna cotta, and mousses. Just remember to bring the mixture to a boil for 1-2 minutes to activate the gelling properties.
Why doesn't my vegan gelatine substitute set properly?
Common issues include not bringing agar agar to a full boil, using too little thickener, or not allowing enough cooling time. Agar agar needs to boil for 1-2 minutes, and most vegan alternatives need time to cool and set properly.
What's the difference between agar agar and carrageenan?
Agar agar sets firmer and at room temperature, while carrageenan creates a softer, more gelatine-like texture and works better with dairy alternatives. Agar agar is better for firm jellies, while carrageenan is ideal for creamy desserts and puddings.
Can I make gummy candies with vegan gelatine substitutes?
Yes! Agar agar is excellent for making vegan gummy candies. Use a 1:1 ratio with gelatine, bring to a boil, then pour into molds. The texture will be slightly firmer than traditional gummies but still delicious.