Abstract: Thermal insulation is prepared using gelatin foam. Embodiments of gelatin foam insulation which are described include gelatin foam having an anti-wicking agent which is an aromatic compound having as ring substituents: an --NH.sub.2 moiety and/or a hydroxyl moiety and also at least two sulfonate moieties. In another embodiment, the gelatin foam is combined with phyllosilicate mineral lamellae for void control and as a shrinkage deterrent. In yet another embodiment, crosslinked gelatin foam is described which has been crosslinked with a melamine/formaldehyde condensation product, a polyfunctional aziridine and/or an epichlorohydrin/polyamide condensation product.