Science, Tech, Math › Science How Does Jell-O Gelatin Work? Jell-O Gelatin and Collagen Share Flipboard Email Print Jell-O results from weak bonding between amino acids in gelatin, which is comprised of collagen. Envision / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Facebook Twitter Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on February 08, 2020 Jell-O gelatin is a tasty jiggly treat that results from a bit of chemistry kitchen magic. Here's a look at what Jell-O is made from and how Jell-O works. What's in Jell-O? Jell-O and other flavored gelatin contain gelatin, water, sweetener (usually it is sugar), artificial colors, and flavoring. The key ingredient is the gelatin, which is a processed form of collagen, a protein found in most animals. Source of the Gelatin Most of us have heard that gelatin comes from cow horns and hooves, and it sometimes does, but most of the collagen used to make gelatin comes from pig and cow skin and bones. These animal products are ground up and treated with acids or bases to release the collagen. The mixture is boiled and the top layer of gelatin is skimmed off the surface. From Gelatin Powder to Jell-O: The Chemistry Process When you dissolve the gelatin powder in hot water, you break the weak bonds that hold the collagen protein chains together. Each chain is a triple-helix that will float around in the bowl until the gelatin cools and new bonds form between the amino acids in the protein. Flavored and colored water fills in the spaces between the polymer chains, becoming trapped as the bonds become more secure. Jell-O is mostly water, but the liquid is trapped in the chains so Jell-O jiggles when you shake it. If you heat the Jell-O, you will break the bonds that hold the protein chains together, liquefying the gelatin again. Sources Djagnya, Kodjo Boady; Wang, Zhang; Xu, Shiying (2010). "Gelatin: A Valuable Protein for Food and Pharmaceutical Industries: Review". Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 41 (6): 481–492. doi:10.1080/20014091091904Wyman, Carolyn (2001). Jell-O: A Biography — The History and Mystery of America's Most Famous Dessert. Mariner Books. ISBN 978-0156011235. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How Does Jell-O Gelatin Work?" ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/how-jell-o-gelatin-works-607402. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). How Does Jell-O Gelatin Work? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/how-jell-o-gelatin-works-607402 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How Does Jell-O Gelatin Work?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-jell-o-gelatin-works-607402 (accessed May 29, 2023). copy citation