Some religions have dietary restrictions that prohibit or limit the consumption of gelatin, depending on its source and processing. While not all members of these religions adhere strictly to these rules, the most prominent examples include Judaism and certain interpretations within Islam.
Judaism and Gelatin
In Judaism, kosher gelatin must be derived from kosher sources, typically the bones of kosher fish. Gelatin from non-kosher animals is prohibited. (Reference: "Gelatin, according to one of the two Islamic viewpoints, it is only permissible if it comes from a permissible animal, but according to another Islamic viewpoint, gelatin is halal, whatever its source, due to a chemical transformation, as for Judaism usually kosher gelatin comes from the bones of kosher fish, or is a ..."; "Keeping Kosher: When Jewish Law Met Processed Food ..."; "Comparison of Islamic and Jewish dietary laws") Many processed foods contain gelatin, so careful checking of ingredient lists is necessary for those observing kosher dietary laws.
Islam and Gelatin
Islamic dietary laws (Halal) are complex regarding gelatin. Some interpretations consider gelatin halal only if derived from permissible animals (e.g., halal-slaughtered cattle or fish). Other interpretations permit gelatin regardless of its source, citing the chemical transformation during the manufacturing process as rendering it permissible. (Reference: "Gelatin, according to one of the two Islamic viewpoints, it is only permissible if it comes from a permissible animal, but according to another Islamic viewpoint, gelatin is halal, whatever its source, due to a chemical transformation, as for Judaism usually kosher gelatin comes from the bones of kosher fish, or is a ..."; "Muslims and gelatin : r/NoStupidQuestions"; "Comparison of Islamic and Jewish dietary laws") This difference in interpretation leads to varying practices among Muslims.
Other Religions
While not as strictly defined as in Judaism and Islam, some individuals within other religions may avoid gelatin due to vegetarian or vegan principles. Jainism, for example, prohibits the consumption of gelatin because it is often derived from animal sources and may involve harm to living beings. (Reference: "Jain Diet – Pinki's Palate"; "Jain Food Struggles in America | HuffPost Religion") Hinduism's stance on gelatin is less uniform; some Hindus avoid it due to vegetarian beliefs, while others may consume it. (Reference: "So I'm a Hindu and I live in America meaning that a lot of desserts ..."; "Can a Hindu eat gelatine? - Quora")
