Gelatin is a thickening agent derived from boiled bones, skin and tendons. Unflavored gelatin is sold as dry powder, as well as sheets and blocks that are sometimes preferred by pastry chefs.
Calories
A single serving of unflavored gelatin weighs ¼ oz. or 7 g. This is the equivalent to 1 tbsp. of dry powder gelatin.The USDA says this serving size contains 23 calories, with all of the calories coming from protein. This serving contains only trace amounts -- 0.01 g -- of fat and no carbohydrate.
Variations
Kosher and halal are terms used to describe the types or handling of the ingredients used to prepare some brands of unflavored gelatin. Kosher and halal gelatins contain the same amount of calories as other types of gelatin. Vegan "gelatins" are not true gelatin because they use agar-agar, a product made from seaweed in lieu of animal protein. Consult the package nutrition information for vegan gelatin calories.
Considerations
Unflavored gelatin is used as a thickening agent in molded foods such as gelatin desserts and terrines, soups such as consume, spreads such as pates and confections such as marshmallows. Always consider the calories of these other ingredients in the final calorie count.
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