Most common gelatins sold in the average supermarket are not considered 'halal', because they contain animal products. Therefore, to maintain a halal diet, one must seek out 'gelatin substitutes'.
Most people don't realize it, but common gelatin is typically made from the boiled bones, skins, and tendons of animals.
One alternative to gelatin is 'agar-agar', which is derived from seaweed. Another type is made from the roots of the Kuzu plant. Agar-agar is sold in noodle-like strands, in powdered form, or in long blocks, and is usually whitish in color. Some other replacements for gelatin are guar gum and carrageenan.
Some kosher gelatins are made from agar-agar, but most are not. Kosher gelatin is sometimes made from fish bones and/or beef skins. The bones and hides used in kosher gelatin are considered 'pareve', which means they are considered neither milk nor meat. Some people assume this means kosher products are vegetarian, but this is not the case. Pareve certified ingredients can contain animal products, such as fish, eggs, and gelatin. But because they have been processed in a certain way, they are no longer regarded as molecularly the same as 'meat' or 'milk'. (according to Jewish tradition)
If you see 'gelatin' on the ingredient list of any product, you can be assured the product is most likely not vegetarian.
I've been told that Hain makes a vegetarian gelatin, and some 'snack pack' gel snacks are not made with gelatin.
Some Indo/Pak grocery stores sell gelatin made with agar-agar, which comes in a variety of flavors, and sets quicker and with no refrigeration.
Some health food stores also sell agar-agar in bulk.
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