Pectin is vegan because it’s a naturally occurring soluble fiber found in the cell walls of plants, specifically in their fruits and vegetables.
It’s used as a thickening and gelling agent in the food industry to provide texture and stability to various food products.
Some of the best sources of pectin include citrus peels, apples, and other citrus fruits. Pectin has several health benefits, such as aiding digestion, lowering cholesterol, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Non-Vegan Ingredients in Pectin Vegan
There are no non-vegan ingredients in pectin, as it is entirely derived from plants.
However, it is essential to keep an eye on other ingredients in food items containing pectin, as they may only sometimes be vegan.
For example, some jams, jellies, or fruit fillings might use animal-derived gelatin, which is unsuitable for a vegan diet. Therefore, checking the entire ingredient list is crucial to ensure no animal-derived ingredients are used alongside pectin.
Vegan Alternatives to Store-Bought Pectin
Though store-bought brands of pectin (like Sure Jell) are vegan and can be used as a gelling and thickening agent, you may choose to create your own homemade pectin using the best sources of plants containing pectins, such as apple pectin or citrus pectin.
Homemade pectin can be easily made by boiling and reducing fruit juice, like apple or citrus juice, and storing it properly.
Using homemade pectin provides an opportunity to control the sugar content and any additional ingredients, ensuring that all elements are plant-based and vegan.
The Bottom Line
Pectin is vegan-friendly because it’s derived from plants, specifically fruits and vegetables, without animal-derived products or by-products.
However, when purchasing food items containing pectin, it’s always a wise choice to double-check the ingredient list to ensure that no other non-vegan components are present, such as gelatin or additional additives.