One of the most popular products in the world that is highly consumed in foods, supplements, pharmaceuticals as well as cosmetics is gelatin. It is used in chewing gummies and desserts as well as capsules and beauty products among other products, which are a significant part of modern manufacturing. But how gelatin is made?
In this highly detailed, SEO-ready manual you will discover the very source of gelatin, its extraction and the way it is further converted into the finished product you are currently functioning on. We will also discuss its relationship with collagen, as well as the reasons why the process of its production is important in terms of quality and health advantages.
What Is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a natural protein that is made by cooking animal parts that are rich in collagen in water. The primary structural protein, which is contained in the skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissues, is collagen. Upon heating and degradation of collagen, it turns into gelatin.
In contrast to synthetic ingredients, gelatin is totally natural and it is appreciated because of its:
- Gelling ability
- High protein content
- Digestive support
There is an improvement in skin and joint health:
Where Does Gelatin Come From?
Gelatin is obtained out of connective tissues of animals. Most typically, these are the sources:
- cow (beef gelatin)
- pig (pork gelatin)
These animals provide:
- Skin (hides)
- Bones
- Tendons
- Cartilage
These by-products are gathered in the meat industry and thus, the production of gelatin is efficient and sustainable, as the wastes are minimal.
The Reason Collagen is the Most Important Ingredient in Gelatin:
The source of gelatin is collagen. It is what enables gelatin to have a unique property of:
- Form a gel
- Thicken liquids
Food and dietary supplement stabilization:
In the production of gelatin, the collagen is broken down in a controlled manner. This turns its tightly coiled structure into one which is soluble in hot water and insoluble in cold water.
The Process of Gelatin Production in Steps:
Gelatin production is a highly monitored multi-step process which guarantees purity, safety and uniformity. The following is a breakdown of each step:
Raw Materials: Picking and Packing:
It starts with the collection of collagen rich materials which include:
- Animal skin
- Bones
- Connective tissues
Cleaning and sorting of these materials are done to eliminate wastes such as fat, hair or impurities. Raw materials that are not of good quality do not pass through the next level.
Pre-Treatment: Acid /Alkaline Soaking:
The raw materials should be processed to make them collagen producing. Two major techniques are applied:
- Acid Treatment
- Used mainly for pig skin
- Takes about 24 to 48 hours
- Produces gelatin faster
- Alkaline Treatment
Bones and hides of cows were primarily used:
Takes several weeks
Obtains extremely pure gelatin:
This process dissolves complicated bonds in the collagen and facilitates in the extraction in the following step.
Extraction of Collagen in Hot Water:
The softened products are then introduced into large extraction tanks that are taken into hot water after pre-treatment. It is here that actual transformation occurs.
Collagen is gradually dissolved in the heat to form gelatin:
- The proteins are dissolved in the water.
- Temperature is closely monitored to ensure that quality of proteins is maintained.
- The process can be repeated to the extent that all the usable gelatin in the raw materials has been removed.
Freezing, Filtration and Purification:
The filtering of the gelatin liquid extract is done repeatedly to remove:
- Solid particles
- Residual fats
- Impurities
Purification will guarantee the resulting gelatin to be:
- Clear
- Odorless
- Free from contaminants
- Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade gelatin are required at this stage.
Evaporation through Concentration:
The filtered water still has a high percentage of water. The solution is then heated gently to bring it to a thick state as the extra water evaporates.
As water is removed:
- The concentration of gelatin increases.
- The solution is made thick and syrup like.
Sterilization for Safety
The thick gelatin is then sterilized before it is solidified in order to kill any bacteria or microorganisms. This renders the gelatin safe towards:
- Human consumption
- Medical and cosmetic use
- The action is taken to protect the high standards of hygiene.
Cooling and Gel Formation:
After the hot gelatin has been sterilized, it is then poured into cooling systems in which it starts freezing into a gel-like sheet.
As it cools:
- Gelatin molecules are connected to each other.
- An elastic, solid gel is formed.
- It is here that gelatin acquires its well known jelly feel.
Drying the Gelatin Sheets
These gel sheets are then taken through drying tunnels whereby moisture is removed by controlled air movement. This step can be observed taking a couple of days.
After drying:
- The gel becomes hard and brittle sheets.
- The level of moisture content is minimized to safe storage limits.
- Ralph Lauren Corp. Grinding To Powder or Granules.
When well dried the gelatin sheets are:
Broken into small pieces
Crush into fine particles.
Filtered to obtain equal size.
It is this last form which you find in the shops as:
- Gelatin powder
- Gelatin granules
- Supplement capsules
The Process of preparing Gelatin, various uses:
Gelatin is not of all kinds prepared to serve the same purpose. The manufacturing process is also modified depending on the way of its use.
- Food-Grade Gelatin
Used in:
- Desserts
- Gummies
- Yogurt
- Marshmallows
Requires:
- High clarity
- Neutral taste
- Strong gelling ability
- Pharmaceutical Gelatin
Used in:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Coatings
Requires:
- Ultra-pure processing
- Strict sterilization
- Controlled strength
- Cosmetic Gelatin
Used in:
- Face masks
- Hair products
- Skincare formulas
Requires:
- Fine particle size
- High protein concentration
- Smooth texture
Does Gelatin make a Natural or Processed product?
Gelatin is a natural protein but it is also treated by means of controlled heating and purification. Gelatin itself can be made without any synthetic chemicals, just by using water, heat and filtration.
Gelatin products that are of high quality are usually:
Non-GMO
Not added to it artificially.
Examined concerning heavy metals and toxins.
The process of Gelatin to a Supplement:
In order to make gelatin a dietary product the manufacturers:
- Further refine the powder
- Standardize protein levels
- Encapsulate or package it
Numerous supplements are also combined with:
- Vitamin C
- Biotin
- Hyaluronic acid
These combinations are beneficial to skin, hair, nails and joints.
The reason why the Manufacturing Process is important to Quality:
Not every gelatin is produced by the same process. The direct influence on gelatin is its production:
- Absorption speed
- Protein strength
- Taste and odor
- Digestive comfort
Good gelatin is one produced of:
- Grass-fed animal sources
- Slow alkaline processing
- Stringent filtration and sterilization You Also like
Poor quality gelatin have:
- Weak gelling power
- Unpleasant taste
- Lower protein value You Also like
Should Gelatin Be Available to All?
Gelatin is non-toxic to the majority of individuals, however, it could not be appropriate to:
- Vegetarians and vegans (animal-based).
- Individuals, who have certain dietary restrictions based on their religion (except certified halal or kosher).
- Patients who have some rare protein sensitivities.
- Purchasing should be checked by sourcing and certification.
Last Reflections: The Gelatin Process and Why It Is Important:
Gelatin is produced in a very complex multi-step process, which converts animal tissues full of collagen into a health-promoting, multi-purpose protein. Careful selection of raw materials and controlled extraction is only the first step leading to filtration, cooling, drying and grinding required to produce safe and high quality gelatin.
Knowing the process of gelatin manufacturing will enable you to make a better consumer choice as the consumer of either supplements, food products, or skincare products. As a sourced and processed correctly gelatin is one of the most useful natural proteins in health and industry.