Gelatin is regarded as a special and unique hydrocolloid, serving
multiple functions with a wide range of applications. The
main sources of gelatin include pigskin, cattle bones and cattle
hide. Gelatin replacement has been a major issue in recent
years due to the emerging and lucrative vegetarian, halal
and kosher markets. It has recently gained increased interest,
especially within Europe, with the emergence of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) in the 1980s. In this paper, we
will discuss the unique properties of gelatin, the rationale for
developing gelatin alternatives, the progress to date of research
in development of gelatin alternatives, possible approaches for
developing gelatin alternatives, and future directions for research
in this area.