Think jel shots sound like a jelly good idea? So do we! But no need to have a wobbler if you’re on a special diet and worried that you’re going to miss out on this special party treat. It is possible to find plant-based, sugar-free jel, that everyone can eat. Unless, of course, that “shot” happens to be vodka or tequila! In which case this jel dessert shot is strictly for adults only. If you are serving up for all the family, don’t forget to whisk up a batch of jel for the kids with good old cold water. Tipsy toddlers in the house are not recommended, so best to keep them away from the shots!
If you’re a lover of this classic celebratory dessert, read on to discover how you can enjoy this sweet treat, that’s also vegan-friendly. View our recipes here.
Table of Contents
What Is Traditional Jello Normally Made From?
Jello, a traditional and popular gelatin-based dessert dating back to 1897 is loved for it’s jiggly texture and sweet taste. It’s also a popular product among dieters as it’s low calorie too. But what is jello and is it suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
We’ve already mentioned that the primary ingredient in jello is gelatin. But what people might not realise is how gelatin is made. It comes from animal collagen – so from connective tissues including skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. The bones and hides of animals, in particular cows and pigs, are first boiled, then dried, before being treated with a strong acid or base. This product is then filtered, andhte collagen extracted, ground into a soft powder and sifted to make jello.
How Do You Make Jello?
Jello is usually purchased in powdered format so that you can easily make a batch up at home simply by dissolving in boiling water. This breaks the bonds holding the collagen together so that when the mixture cools and sets into it becomes semi-solid. Hence the much-loved wobble. That’s because water molecules are trapped inside given it that characteristic jiggle!
What Other Ingredients Go Into Regular Jello?
Besides the animal derived gelatin, traditional jello is also likely to feature a host of artificial flavors and sweeteners, with aspartame being one of the most popular making it very low or free in calories. Food colorings will alos often be used. According to Healthline, popular American product, Strawberry Jell-O contains a host of ingredients such as sugar, gelatin, adipic acid, artificial flavor, disodium phosphate, sodium citrate, fumaric acid, and red dye #40.
Is Traditional Jello Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly?
In short, no. Because it is made from gelatin whichis derived from animal skin and bones ot’s not suitable for either vegans or vegetarians.
How Can You Make Vegan-Friendly Jello?
It is possible to have jello but without the animal buy-products. Vegan-friendly jello, the kind that Simply Delish has created, is made from plant-based sums, seaweeds including agar or carrageenan.
Simply Delish Vegan Strawberry Jel
With 0g of fat, 0g of sugar and less than 5 calories per serving Simply Delish natural flavor strawberry jel is ready in 60 minutes and is packed with flavor. You could say that it’s berrylicious.
Each tasty spoonful of this delicious plant-powered dessert instantly transports you back to your youth and those wonderful kids parties you enjoyed where jelly on a plate was always the perfect play date. It’s also totally suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
What Flavor Jel Is In The Range?
We’re focusing on our strawberry flavour today with our Berries & Cream Jel Shots recipe but for all the jel lovers out there, why not build your own box featuring all your favorite flavors and all the colors of the rainbow?
Now you can make every day a delish and healthy dessert day with this vegan-friendly, gluten and lactose-free variety box that is enough to tickle and tantalize everyone’s tastebuds.
Whether you love zesty lime, orange, raspberry, or black cherry, or perhaps you prefer your jel desserts to be altogether more peachy, with this bumper box of 14 jel desserts, you’ll be looking for any excuse to host a party or kids play date.
Try This Berries & Cream Jel Shot Recipe
But let’s get down to business – plant-based, delicious dessert business – with today’s spotlight recipe.
We’ve got @klean.kate to thank for the inspiration behind this one.
With just 10-minutes prep time, and the option to turn this into a boozy dessert with the addition of 1/3 cup of alcohol of your choice, this recipe should come with its own warning!
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to stock up on to create this winning dessert that will delight your dinner guests.
- 1 x pack of fresh strawberries
1 x container of @kroger whipped topping - 1 x box of Simply Delish Strawberry Jel
- Optional! 1/3 cup of your favorite alcohol or substitute for cold water when making child-friendly jel
Instructions
- You want your delish dessert to be a feast for all the senses, the eyes included, so start by cutting the stems and bottoms off your fresh, ripe strawberries, to ensure they can stand up loud and proud on a flat surface.
- Taking your paring knife, hollow out the inside of your strawberries but make sure there’s just enough strawberry left in the bottom so that the jel won’t leak out.
- You’ll find all the instructions you need to make your Simply Delish Jel Dessert on the packet.
- Now for the fun part! Fill your hollowed strawberry cups with the gel mixture and refrigerate until set.
- We recommend you leave for about 2 hours to ensure they are properly set.
- While you’re waiting for them to set, maybe serve up another shot alongside your berries and cream jel shot! Why not?
- When you’re ready to serve, remove your berry-loaded shots from the fridge and finish off with the topping of your choice, such as whipped cream. WOW! What a tasty dream.
What Topping Goes Best With A Vegn-Friendly Jel Shot?
Our favorite topping for this Berries & Cream Jel Shots delight from @klean.kate is @kruger whipped topping. It’s naughty but nice and makes this dessert even more indulgent, yet it’s still keto-friendly.
We hope this guilt-free dessert helps you get your next party started!
Remember, we’re the world’s first ketogenic-certified jels and puddings company, so you can not only shop with confidence but also with the knowledge that our range is perfect for your diet.
