Can you eat jello when pregnant?

By TheWholePortion
Page last updated: 07/07/2022 | Next review date: 07/07/2024
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In this article we are going to answer: can you eat jello when pregnant, what is jello, what is jello made of, what are the benefits of eating jello when pregnant, and what flavors you can eat. 

Can you eat jello when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat jello when pregnant. Jello is safe to eat. You just need to eat it in moderation or choose sugar-free options. The NHS recommends eating a healthy and balanced diet with snacks low in sugar like fruits, vegetables, and proteins. 

Jello can be a high sugar content food and can affect your weight gain and if you have gestational diabetes or insulin resistance it is not recommended. 

What is jello?

Jello is a soft, somewhat elastic dessert product made with gelatin. It has been in America since 1897. It is owned by kraft food and includes a variety of products including jellos, puddings, and other desserts. 

It can be purchased as a powdered mix that you mix at home with boiling water or as a premade dessert ready to eat. 

What are the ingredients in Jello?

Jello’s primary ingredient is gelatin, a protein that makes up the connective tissue in animals. It also contains sweeteners, flavoring agents, and colorings. 

Sweeteners

They may not be safe to eat when pregnant because they usually use aspartame or sugar. Animal and human studies show that aspartame can cause damage to cells and cause inflammation. Also, it has been shown that artificial sweeteners can cause disturbance in the gut microbiome.  

Artificial flavors

Are chemical mixtures that imitate natural flavors. 

Food colorings

Can be natural or artificial. Artificial dyes like red 40 may cause allergic reactions and are not safe to eat when pregnant. 

Food dyes red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6 that contain benzidine, can cause cancer but the FDA has permitted them to use them in small amounts. 

Also, artificial colors have been linked to changes in behavior in kids with ADHD. The amount of artificial color in jello is unknown. 

Is jello healthy to eat when pregnant?

Jello has been used for many years in diet plans, especially sugar-free jello because it is low in calories and fat-free. It is the perfect dessert to fulfill your sugar taste but it doesn’t mean it is healthy. 

1 package of sugar-free jello usually looks like this. 

1 packaged (10 grams)
Calories40 calories
Total Fat0 grams
Sodium280 mg 
Carbohydrates0 grams
Protein1 gram

Jello has nothing but 1 gram of protein, sodium, and chemicals. So bottom line, no jello is not healthy. You can eat it once in a while, it is a good dessert to fill you and don’t add calories but you should eat as healthy and balanced as you can without not too many chemicals. 

What are the benefits of eating jello when pregnant?

Jello by itself does not give any benefits but gelatin does. 

  • healthy body tissues
  • Skin Care
  • Digestion
  • Blood sugar low
  • Bone strength 
  • Sleep
  • Hair

Healthy body tissues

Because of its high content of protein, it is an excellent protein source, the dietary guidelines of Americans 2020-2025 recommend that adults consume 46-56 g of protein each day.

A study from 2017, shows that combining vitamin C with gelatin may help repair body tissues. 

Skin Care

Eating gelatin may help boost collagen production. Several studies show that eating and taking gelatin supplements improve the appearance of hair and skin. It also shows that it can increase the moisture of the skin.

Digestion

Gelatin contains glutamic acid, which may help maintain a healthy mucosa of the small and large intestine. 

Blood sugar low

A study from 2014 may suggest that because of its protein content, it may help to keep the sugar down. 

Bone strength 

Gelatin contains a high quantity of lysine, which is crucial for bone health. 

Hair

Gelatin may promote hair growth

Sugar and chemicals added to jello may do more harm than the benefit of gelatin. It may be better to look for collagen or make jello at home from scratch. 

What flavor of jello can you eat when pregnant?

Jello flavors are all suitable for pregnant women. Here is a link with the best flavors ranked from best to worst. You can look in the label if it’s made with natural or artificial flavors, choose natural flavors. 

How to make jello at home?

Jello at home is a better option. Here is a recipe for you to try at home.

  • 4 cups of juice that you prefer
  • 2 tablespoons unflavored beef gelatin
  • 2 tbsp honey or agave

Add ½ to ¾ cup other juice to a bowl and sprinkle with gelatin powder.

Whisk together to combine and allow to sit for 5 minutes. The granules of gelatin will bloom.

Pour the remaining juice into a medium saucepan and heat over medium until almost boiling. 

Remove from the heat and add the honey and then the gelatin mixture, stir to dissolve. 

Pour into a baking dish or individual glasses. Refrigerate for about 4 hours or until set. 

Conclusion

This article answered can you eat jello when pregnant, what is jello, what are the benefits and risks of eating jello when pregnant, and what flavors you can eat. 

Citation

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/jelly-during-pregnancy_00379799/

Difference Between Gelatin and Jello

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-jello-made-of

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