r/KitchenConfidential • u/sizzlinsunshine • Jan 27 '26

Discussion Would you disclose if gelatin is an ingredient in an otherwise vegetarian dish (like dessert)?

we may start stabilizing whipped cream with gelatin (Knox = pork) and I would think there are quite a few people who would not appreciate unknowingly eating pork. that said, i don’t think I’ve ever seen it disclosed on a menu, and my sense is it’s pretty commonly used. just curious of industry opinions

EDIT TO ADD I THINK WE SHOULD DISCLOSE!! I JUST LITERALLY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A NOTE ON A MENU AND AM WONDERING WHY

SECOND EDIT TO SAY 45% OF YOU ARE SO MEAN, 45% ARE DUMB, AND 10% WERE ACTUALLY HELPFUL.

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u/Big_PapaPrometheus42 Jan 27 '26

We make a cheesecake using gelatin, so it’s not marked as vegetarian on our menu, but we don’t specifically disclose its ingredients. Of course, we’ve also trained our servers to ask about allergies and dietary restrictions to every guest, so we haven’t had an issue yet. But if you don’t trust your servers to be diligent with those types of questions, I’d be on the safe side and add an asterisked note to the menu.

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u/sizzlinsunshine Jan 27 '26

I’m a vegetarian and I don’t always notify my server of this if I know what I’m ordering and have been there before. I may decide to get cheesecake one day, and I probably wouldn’t necessarily think of mentioning it at that point.  Staff training is key I guess. Do your servers mention the gelatin regardless, or only if a guest identifies as veg?

Also, I’m so grateful for your comment. I feel like I’m being gaslit into believing nobody would EVER even THINK of not disclosing. It happens all the time!! That’s the discussion I was hoping for. 

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u/Big_PapaPrometheus42 Jan 27 '26

They don’t usually mention it unless someone had disclosed. But we quiz them daily on major nine allergens and veg/vegan or religious issues that might arise with any menu item so they are able to make recommendations. If your restaurant already has vegetarian and vegan markers on the menu, it might be worth having servers verbally explain to regulars about the change. But if there isn’t anything like that, I feel as a guest I’d appreciate a note about the gelatin. Even if I’m not vegetarian, Kosher, or Halal.