Great Lakes Gelatin Review: The Legacy Brand
Long before grass-fed was a marketing category, Great Lakes was selling gelatin. We checked whether the original still measures up.
Our Take
Great Lakes is the brand most traditional home cooks and fermentation hobbyists already know, it's been around far longer than the current grass-fed supplement wave. The current product line carries grass-fed, pasture-raised sourcing and Kosher certification, bringing a legacy brand up to current sourcing expectations.
Gel strength and performance are comparable to the newer entrants. What you're buying with Great Lakes is a product that's been refined over a long production history, rather than a newer brand's first few years of recipe iteration.
The Basics
Unflavored, Kosher certified, dissolves completely in hot liquid with no taste. See our full gelatin guide for usage and storage detail.
Great Lakes, Available on Amazon
Great Lakes Wellness Beef Gelatin Powder 16oz
One of the original bovine gelatin brands, in continuous production for decades. Grass-fed, Kosher certified, unflavored. The standard reference product for home gelatin cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Lakes gelatin grass-fed?
The product sold today is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle and carries that claim on the label. The brand predates the grass-fed marketing wave by decades, it's one of the original bovine gelatin producers in the US, and has adapted its sourcing to keep up with current standards.
What's the difference between Great Lakes' red and gold canisters?
Great Lakes historically sold two gelatin products, one that dissolves in cold liquid (closer to collagen peptides behavior) and a standard gelling gelatin that needs heat. If you're buying for gummies or a traditional gel, confirm you're getting the gelling version, not the cold-soluble one.
Is Great Lakes Kosher?
Yes, Kosher certified, which is one of the more consistent third-party marks across their product line.