What Candy Has Pork in It?

I know it may seem strange, but did you realize that the sweets you like are not vegan? What is the connection between sweets and veganism? Nothing, it seems. In truth, quite a bit. One little element is the key cause. Gelatin. It’s obvious that candies include gelatin. Many people are unaware that the gelatin used in such sweets is derived from animal organs, mostly pig. But why is pig gelatin used in candies?

Gelatin is a component used in sweets as a stabilizer or thickening agent. Furthermore, the usage of gelatin is what gives candy like gummy bears and marshmallows their chewy, gel-like feel.

The logical next question is, what exactly is gelatin comprised of? Gelatin is a collagen-based protein found in pig and cow bones, skin, cartilage, and fat. Unlike sweets, if you are vegan or contemplating becoming vegan, this post is for you.

List of Candy With Pork Gelatin

The following is a list of sweets that include pig gelatin. Continue reading for vegan choices that do not have pig gelatin in their components.

Gummy Bears 

Let’s start with the cutest and most tasty sweet ever: Gummy Bears. Gummy worms, and basically anything gummy, may also fall into this category, which is unfortunate for many. Why is this the case? Because gelatin is a key component in gummy sweets. Gelatin is the component that gives bears, worms, or whatever form they are offered in modern days its bouncy feel.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are typically prepared with three ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. What is the purpose of the gelatin in marshmallows? Gelatin aids in the stabilization of the froth and gives marshmallows their delicious gooey feel. The good news is that vegan marshmallows are now available.

Candy Corn

Pork gelatin is one of the major components in the little pyramid-shaped treat with a warm vanilla and creamy marshmallow flavor. The use of gelatin in candy corn serves the same purpose as it does in gummy bears and marshmallows: it gives this sweet its distinctive texture.

Starburst Gummies

I’ll start by saying that not all Starburst products include pig gelatin. The chews are created using beef gelatin (an animal-derived component, but not pig), while their minis have no animal-derived ingredients. However, pig gelatin is listed as a component in their gummies. Even though these sweets are not presently available in the United States, I recommend that you read the product label before adding them to your shopping basket.

Nerds

Nerds have been one of America’s best-selling candy for the last four decades. Unfortunately, these colorful little balls with a unique fruity flavor are largely comprised of sugar and pig gelatin. The Nerds Ropes, which are created from the same components as the Gummy Clusters, are the same.

Altoids

I understand what you’re thinking. Gelatin cannot be used in the small little mints supplied in that unique and iconic metal tin. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but they do. The sugar-free and Artic variants, which do not include pig gelatin or any other animal-derived component, are exceptions. If you are a vegetarian, all hope is not lost. If you can find one of these two versions, you can keep the classic metal tin in your handbag or pocket.

Chewing Gums 

Although gelatin is not found in all chewing gums, it is present in certain. Pellet-style ones, for example, include gelatin to give them that chewy feel. Gelatin is also utilized in this sort of gum to help mold it into that certain rectangular shape. Before purchasing chewing gums, check the ingredients list to see whether they include pig gelatin or any other animal-derived substances.

Do Skittles Have Pork?

Good news for those of us who like skittles: they do not include gelatin or any other animal-derived substances. In a nutshell, these are vegan sweets! At least the original Skittles variations are. Because certain limited editions may include animal-derived components, my best recommendation is to carefully check the label. More information about identifying pork in confectionery may be found below.

Are Jolly Rancher Gummies Made with Pork?

Although certain Jolly Rancher sweets are produced with pork, Jolly Rancher Gummies do not include any pork or gelatin. This implies that if you are vegan and are reading this, you can consume Jolly Rancher Gummies guilt-free.

The gummies aren’t the only vegan sweets available at Jolly Rancher. Vegan alternatives include their Hard Candy, Lollipops, Stix Candy, Candy Canes, Awesome Twosome Bites, and Jelly Beans, which contain no pig gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients. The same cannot be true about their Chews or Jelly Hearts, which include gelatin as a primary component. Still, consumers looking for animal-free candy will find plenty of selections at Jolly Rancher.

Do Haribo Gummy Bears Have Pork Gelatin?

Pork gelatin is one of the key components of Haribo Gummy Bears. The exception is those manufactured in Turkey. Turkey-manufactured Haribo Gummy Bears are prepared using beef gelatin rather than pig gelatin. Despite the fact that they still include an animal-derived component, making them not vegetarian friendly, Haribo Gummy Bears manufactured at the company’s Turkey plant are Halal certified.

How to Know if a Product Contains Pork?

Reading the labels and ingredient lists the old-fashioned manner. You’d be astonished at how many goods include pork. From toothpaste to shampoo to wine. The list is lengthy.

What should you look for on labels to avoid items containing pork? I developed a list to help you understand:

Gelatin derived from porcine skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones

Lard made out of melted pork fat

As the name implies, Animal Fat is manufactured from hog fat.

Animal Glyceride derived from the fat extracted from pig bones

Hydrolyzed Animal Protein derived from pig flesh

Glycerin made out of pork fat

Is this to say that if you’re vegan, vegetarian, or halal, you can’t consume any candy? Thankfully, that is not the case. If you want to avoid using gelatin or other animal-based components in your candy, seek for sweets that include agar-agar, carrageenan, pectin, or guar gum in their ingredients list.