How do I go about substituting gelatine sheets for a vegetarian setting agent? Sarah, Aberdeen“The truth is, there’s no exact substitute for gelatine, because it has an incredibly unique texture,” says Richard Phillips, head of pastry at Timberyard in Edinburgh. An agar jelly is somewhat opaque and has a more crumbly texture than a gelatine jelly.” “I still prefer gelatine, though – it has a softer, more delicate texture because of that lower melting point.” “If Sarah goes about this by saying: ‘I want to swap gelatine for something else’, then it won’t work; if she wants success, then follow a recipe that doesn’t contain gelatine.”