Why is everyone obsessed with gelatin right now?

It's wobbling into our algorithms

From brightly coloured gummies promising to speed up hair and nail growth to trending ‘gut-friendly marshmallows’ on TikTok, it seems the world can’t get enough of gelatin. But why exactly is this commonly used protein being hailed as a cure-all health food?

No matter how many times I try to scroll past it, in a relentless effort to remove the video from my TikTok algorithm, I keep being served with a clip of a young woman making ‘gut-friendly’ marshmallows. 

And while the idea of cooking up a classic dessert with a healthy twist is very on-brand with my online footprint, the finished product of these marshmallows is probably one of the most unappealing things I’ve ever come across. The video, being served to people’s algorithms as most viral clips do, has left me asking one question: Why on earth are people consuming this kind of content?

Like many trending ingredients on the platform, creators and viewers are going crazy for gelatin, adding it whenever and where they can in an effort to reap the supposed health benefits. 

What exactly is gelatin?

If you’ve spent much of your life thinking gelatin is derived from boiled animal hooves, you’re probably shocked to see the demand for the ingredient surge amongst health-food enthusiasts. While this is a common source of gelatin, for centuries people have been obtaining the gel-like thickening agent from boiled fish bones, animal skin, cartilage and connective tissue, and more recently from the red algae extract agar-agar, a vegan alternative.

Regardless of where it’s sourced today, gelatin is most commonly used as a setting or thickening agent, in desserts such as jellies, marshmallows and pana cotta, as well as soups and sauces. 

The protein, rich in amino acids and collagen, is today found in supermarkets, sold as dehydrated powder or in translucent sheets. But recently, people have been filling their carts with gelatin in an effort to address a range of health concerns. 

@okaycoolgigi

REMAKING THE GUT HEALTHY MARSHMALLOWS wait… i think i actually did it this time

♬ original sound - gigi

When considering how to boost our health, even those of us lacking scientific degrees know to look out for products and ingredients packed with protein– particularly amino acids and collagen. With this in mind, the sudden hype around gelatin in its pure form is hardly unsurprising.

“Gelatin is made up almost entirely of collagen, which is a type of protein that supports connective tissues in our body,” registered nutritionist and sports scientist Amelia Phillips tells Sydney Morning Herald. Collagen, a crucial player in maintaining skin elasticity and hydration, is also essential for the health of our bones, muscles, gut, nails and hair.   

But, like every trending ingredient on the market, not all products containing collagen are created equal, with highly processed ingredients often outweighing the dosages and quality of popular powders, supplements and foods. 

Therefore, it's hardly surprising that recipes involving gelatin – an ingredient so naturally high in collagen – are taking off on TikTok, especially the ones promoting healthier, homemade alternatives to our favourite wobbly desserts. 

Recipes involving gelatin – an ingredient so naturally high in collagen – are taking off on TikTok. Image: Pexels

Is the health hype around gelatin justified?

For those hellbent on increasing their collagen intake – whatever means necessary – embracing the current gelatin obsession on social media may be an effective way to reach their goals, says the registered nutritionist and sports scientist. 

That is, however, as long as they’re being mindful about their sugar intake. Given most gelatin-based foods and recipes are centred around the sweetest meal of the day – dessert – relying on them alone to up your collagen intake can lead to plenty of adverse health effects. 

If you are looking to try your hand at TikTok’s homemade, healthier alternatives, be sure to research your ingredients thoroughly to ensure you’re efforts aren’t leaving you with something that’s no better for you than stock standard supermarket treats.

“One tablespoon of dry gelatin powder is 10 grams in weight and contains 9 grams of collagen,” says Phillips, “which is the recommended daily amount for improving hair, skin, nails and gut health.”

Originally published as Why is everyone obsessed with gelatin right now?