Pectin vs Gelatin...same thing?

[Michelle_M]

I went to the store to buy gelatin for a recpie. I didn't see gelatin so I asked an employee for help. She told me that pectin and gelatin were the same thing. I said "ok." and boughtit, but now I'm not so sure. I don't want to use it and screw up my recpie.

So.. are gelatin and pectin the same thing?

Thanks
God bless!

[Ducko]

No, they aren't the same thing. But depending on what you'll use it for they can be substituted for each other.

[musicalisa]

Pectin is vegetable-based and gelatin comes from animals, if that helps.

[Janine]

They are both gelling agents, but no they are not the same. Pectin is naturally found in fruit and because of that has been used for ages to make jams and jellies. Gelatin is a gelling agent made by boiling down animal skin and bones to extract the collagen. You will find gelatin in savory dishes as well as candies, and a lot of non-edible consumer goods, but it is hardly ever used in things like jams and jellies.

[Michelle_M]

I wanted to make home made marshmallows. The recipe calls for gelatin. Can I substituted the pectin in this type of recipe?

Thanks for the help ladies!

[katie's mom]

I think you are going to need gelitan for the marshmallows. I know the recipe I use wouldn't work with the substitution.

[LoveThyScent]

Instead of pectin you can use agar-agar powder.