If you’re a label reader, you’ve probably seen pectin listed as a common food additive. If you love to bake, you’ve almost certainly heard of pectin as the secret to the perfect jelly and jam consistency. But even if you haven’t heard of this variety of fiber before, it’s likely that it’s a prevalent part of your everyday life without you even realizing it. This is due to both its frequent addition to a variety of food products and its natural occurrence in some of the most consumed (and beloved) fruits and veggies in America.
What is pectin, exactly, and why is it added to so many food products? Fruit pectin is rich in soluble fiber and is naturally found in fruits and vegetables. It’s often used as an additive to thicken foods and create a more gel-like texture. The gel formed by pectin makes it the ideal additive and stabilizer for “jellies, jams, frozen foods, and candies.” It’s even included in certain milk and yogurt products.
If you’re aiming to use pectin in this way, you can find it in liquid and powder forms in the baking aisle. These products are typically constructed from either citrus peels or apple cores and skins.
Though pectin and gelatin carry out very similar jobs in the kitchen, pectin is derived from plants and is vegan, whereas gelatin is usually created using collagen from animal-based sources.
Beyond being a commonly typecast processed baking ingredient, pectin is actually naturally found in most fruits and veggies and is associated with an impressive amount of health benefits. It serves as a prebiotic in the gut microbiome, supports digestive regularity, helps to bind to cholesterol in the small intestine, regulates blood sugar, and can boost immune health.
The best way to consume pectin is through natural sources like apples, citrus fruits, apricots, cranberries, beans, grapes, carrots, and bananas. These foods are not only delicious but chock full of pectin.
So, regardless of whether you opt for a food, supplement, or baking ingredient pectin option (though food-based is always best), it’s undeniable that this fiber is more than worthy of a place in…
