Are you a vegan or vegetarian who loves Lifesaver candies? If so, you may be wondering if Lifesaver gummies contain pork gelatin.
Gelatin is a common ingredient in many candies, but it’s derived from animal parts, making it unsuitable for those who follow a plant-based diet.
In this article, we’ll explore whether or not Lifesaver gummies contain pork gelatin and what other animal-derived ingredients they may contain.
So, if you’re curious about the ingredients in your favorite candy, keep reading to find out!
Do Lifesaver Gummies Have Pork Gelatin?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Lifesaver gummies do contain pork gelatin, which is derived from animal skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and/or bones that are boiled in water. Gelatin is commonly used in many candies to give them a chewy, gel-like consistency.
According to Wrigley, the company that produces Lifesaver candies, the gelatin used in their products sold in the United States comes from a mix of beef and pork. This means that all varieties of Lifesaver gummies contain animal-derived ingredients and are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
It’s important to note that not all Lifesaver candies contain gelatin. The hard candy varieties are completely vegan, and some of the Lifesaver mints may be vegan if they are manufactured with stearic acid derived from plant-based sources. However, it’s always best to check the ingredient list and trace the sources of the ingredients to ensure that the candy you’re consuming is vegan.
What Is Gelatin And Why Is It Used In Candies?
Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling animal cartilage, tendons, skin, etc., in water. It’s usually sourced from cows, pigs, or fish. Gelatin is commonly used in many candies, including gummies, to give them a chewy, gel-like consistency. It’s also used in other food products such as marshmallows, Jell-O, and some dairy products.
Gelatin has been used in candies for over a century and is an essential ingredient in creating the texture and mouthfeel of gummies. Without gelatin, gummies would be hard and crunchy instead of soft and chewy.
While gelatin is commonly used in many candies, it’s important to note that not all candies contain gelatin. Some manufacturers have started using alternative ingredients such as pectin or agar-agar to create vegan-friendly gummies.
For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, it’s crucial to read the ingredient list carefully before consuming any candy or food product. If gelatin is listed as an ingredient, it’s best to avoid the product and look for alternatives that are free from animal-derived ingredients.
Lifesaver Gummies: Ingredients And Nutritional Information
The ingredients of Lifesaver Gummies include corn syrup, sugar, water, modified corn starch, gelatin, less than 2% of citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, mineral oil, colors (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1), and carnauba wax. As mentioned earlier, the gelatin used in Lifesaver Gummies is derived from a mix of beef and pork.
In terms of nutritional information, a serving size of Lifesaver Gummies is 10 pieces (40g), which contains 130 calories, 0g of fat, 0mg of cholesterol, 25mg of sodium, 32g of carbohydrates, 22g of sugar, and 2g of protein. It’s important to note that consuming too much sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity and tooth decay.
While Lifesaver Gummies may be a tasty treat for some people, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients and nutritional information before consuming them. For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or have dietary restrictions due to religious beliefs, it’s best to opt for candies that do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Alternatives To Animal-Derived Gelatin In Candies
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly candy alternatives, there are plenty of options available. Many candy brands have started using plant-based alternatives to gelatin, such as pectin, agar-agar, and carrageenan. Some popular vegan candy brands include Surf Sweets, YumEarth, and Unreal Candy.
Surf Sweets offers a range of certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free gummy candies made with pectin instead of gelatin. Their sweet and sour gummies come in a variety of fruity flavors and are coated in organic sugar.
YumEarth is another popular brand that offers vegan-friendly gummy candies made with organic cane sugar and fruit juice. Their gummy bears and worms come in a variety of flavors, including sour apple, strawberry, and peach.
Unreal Candy offers a range of vegan chocolate candies made with plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil and cassava syrup. Their vegan chocolate gems and peanut butter cups are a great alternative to traditional milk chocolate candies.
When looking for vegan candy alternatives, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully to avoid any unexpected animal-derived ingredients. With so many delicious vegan candy options available, you don’t have to miss out on indulging your sweet tooth!
Other Animal-Derived Ingredients To Look Out For In Candies
Aside from gelatin, there are other animal-derived ingredients to look out for when it comes to candies. One common ingredient is carmine, also known as cochineal extract or natural red 4. It is a red pigment derived from crushed female cochineal insects and is often used to color candies, as well as other foods and cosmetics. Carmine is not vegan, and some people may also have an allergic reaction to it.
Another animal-derived ingredient found in some candies is beeswax. Beeswax is often used as a coating or glaze on candies to give them a shiny appearance. While some vegans may choose to consume bee products, others consider them off-limits due to ethical concerns surrounding the exploitation of bees.
Finally, some candies may contain milk or dairy products, which are obviously not vegan. Milk chocolate is a common example of candy that contains dairy. However, even some non-chocolate candies may contain milk powder or whey protein.
When looking for vegan-friendly candies, it’s important to carefully read the ingredient list and look out for these animal-derived ingredients. While it may seem daunting at first, there are plenty of vegan candies available on the market today that are free from gelatin, carmine, beeswax, and dairy.