Is Gelatin Keto?

Baking & Thickeners
Gelatin (Unflavored) sticker illustration
KETO VERDICTYES

Unflavored gelatin is keto-friendly and essentially 0g net carbs. It’s mostly protein and is used to set desserts or thicken liquids. The main thing to watch isn’t carbs—it’s getting the technique right (blooming) and choosing sugar-free recipes.

Gelatin is basically zero-carb and mostly protein.

Use it to set keto desserts (panna cotta, gummies) without flour or starch.

Bloom gelatin first (hydrate in cold liquid) to prevent clumps.

  • Net Carbs (1 Tbsp / ~9g)0g
  • Calories (1 Tbsp / ~9g)~30
  • Net Carbs (100g)0g
  • Keto VerdictYES - zero-carb dessert helper

NUTRITION FACTS

Per 100g (raw)

Net Carbs
0g
Total Carbs
0g
Protein
85.6g
Fat
0.1g
Calories
335

Source: USDA FoodData Central

CARB COUNTS BY SERVING SIZE

ServingNet CarbsTotal CarbsCaloriesNotes
1 tsp (≈3g)0g0g~10Small amount to slightly thicken a drink or stabilize a dessert.
1 packet (≈7g)0g0g~23Common single-use packet size; enough to set many keto desserts.
1 Tbsp (≈9g)0g0g~30A typical recipe amount; adds structure without adding carbs.
2 Tbsp (≈18g)0g0g~60Used for firmer sets or bigger batches.

WHY IT'S KETO-FRIENDLY

  • Essentially zero net carbs—won’t meaningfully impact a keto carb budget
  • Adds structure to desserts without flour or starch
  • Mostly protein, which can increase satiety in keto snacks
  • Works with keto sweeteners to create low-carb gummies and panna cotta
  • Useful for thickening/shaping recipes without adding sugar

HEALTH BENEFITS

  • Provides collagen/gelatin amino acids (like glycine) that support connective tissue structure
  • Can make keto desserts more filling by adding protein
  • Helpful for people who want a higher-protein snack without carbs
  • Lets you make sugar-free desserts that still have a satisfying texture

HOW TO USE IT ON KETO

  • Bloom gelatin in cold liquid for 5–10 minutes before heating to prevent clumps.
  • Do not boil gelatin—gentle heat dissolves it best and preserves setting power.
  • Use gelatin to make keto gummies with monk-fruit-sweetener or erythritol.
  • For a cream dessert, combine gelatin with heavy-cream (or coconut milk) for panna cotta.
  • For thicker shakes, blend a small amount of gelatin (or a pinch of xanthan-gum) into a cold drink.

PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS

KETO GUMMIES

Dissolve gelatin into warm sugar-free flavored liquid; sweeten with keto sweetener; pour into molds and chill.

PANNA COTTA

Bloom gelatin, then whisk into warm cream with vanilla and sweetener; chill until set.

CHOCOLATE GELATIN PUDDING

Combine cocoa-powder, sweetener, and cream with dissolved gelatin; chill for a firm chocolate dessert.

PROTEIN SHAKE THICKENER

Blend a protein-shake with ice and a small amount of gelatin for a thicker texture.

KETO DESSERT TOPPING

Use a tiny bit to stabilize whipped cream so it holds peaks longer for meal prep.

GELATIN (UNFLAVORED) ON KETO: FAQ

Is gelatin keto-friendly?

Yes. Unflavored gelatin is essentially 0g net carbs and is mostly protein, so it’s very keto-compatible.

Does gelatin have carbs?

Unflavored gelatin has negligible carbs. Flavored gelatin dessert mixes can contain sugar, so check the label.

Gelatin vs collagen peptides: what’s the difference?

Gelatin sets and thickens when cooled (great for desserts). Collagen peptides dissolve but usually don’t set. Both are protein-rich, but they behave differently in recipes.

Can gelatin kick you out of ketosis?

Unlikely. It’s essentially zero-carb, but your recipe can become non-keto if you add sugar or high-carb ingredients.

How do I avoid gelatin clumps?

Bloom gelatin in cold liquid first, then gently heat to dissolve. Don’t dump it directly into hot liquid.

Is gelatin vegetarian?

No—gelatin is animal-derived. If you need a vegetarian alternative, look into agar-agar (carbs vary; check labels).

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