Do you love indulging in sweet treats like gummy bears, candy corn, and marshmallows? Well, you might want to think twice before taking a bite.
These popular candies, along with many others, contain an ingredient that may come as a surprise to some – pork gelatin. That’s right, the chewy texture that we all know and love is often achieved through the use of animal parts like bones, skin, and cartilage.
But fear not, vegans and those who prefer to avoid pork products – there are plenty of delicious vegan-friendly candies out there too.
In this article, we’ll explore which candies have pork in them, how to identify vegan candy options, and some of the best vegan candies for satisfying your sweet tooth.
So sit back, grab a snack (vegan or not), and let’s dive in!
What Candy Has Pork In It?
As mentioned earlier, many popular candies contain pork gelatin. Some of these include gummy bears, gummy worms, candy corn, marshmallows, and licorice. Additionally, some types of jelly beans, Nerds rope, and orange circus peanuts also contain pork gelatin.
It’s important to note that not all candies contain pork gelatin. For example, Skittles and Oreos are both vegan-friendly options. However, it’s always a good idea to read the ingredient list before indulging in any candy to ensure that it aligns with your dietary preferences.
What Is Pork Gelatin And Why Is It Used In Candy?
Pork gelatin is a protein derived from collagen found in the bones, skin, and connective tissues of pigs. It is commonly used in candy as a stabilizing or thickening agent to give the candy its desired texture. Gelatin is particularly prevalent in gummy candies, marshmallows, and candy corn.
The reason for using pork gelatin in candy is due to its unique properties. When heated and then cooled, gelatin forms a gel-like substance that provides structure and chewiness to the candy. It also has a neutral taste, which allows other flavors to shine through.
While pork gelatin is the most commonly used type of gelatin in candy-making, alternatives such as beef or fish gelatin are becoming more widely available to accommodate those who follow kosher or halal diets. However, it’s important to note that not all candies labeled as halal or kosher are free from animal products, so reading ingredient lists carefully is always recommended.
Popular Candies That Contain Pork Gelatin
If you’re a candy lover, you may be surprised to learn that some of your favorite treats contain pork gelatin. Here are some of the most popular candies that contain this animal-derived ingredient:
1. Gummy bears and gummy worms: These chewy and colorful candies are a classic favorite, but unfortunately, they’re made with gelatin derived from pig or cow bones, skin, and connective tissue.
2. Candy corn: This Halloween staple may look innocent enough, but it’s made with gelatin, which gives it its chewy texture. However, there are some vegan options available.
3. Marshmallows: Whether you enjoy them in hot cocoa or roasted over a campfire, marshmallows are a beloved treat for many. However, they’re also made with gelatin derived from animal parts.
4. Licorice: This black or red candy is often flavored with anise and has a chewy texture. However, many varieties contain gelatin.
5. Jelly beans: While some jelly bean brands like Jelly Belly are vegan-friendly, others may contain pork gelatin. Always check the ingredients before indulging.
6. Nerds rope: This popular candy is made with a gummy center that contains pork gelatin.
7. Orange circus peanuts: These soft and chewy candies have a distinct orange flavor, but unfortunately, they also contain pork gelatin.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other candies that contain pork gelatin as well. As always, it’s best to check the ingredient list before consuming any candy to ensure that it aligns with your dietary preferences.
How To Identify Vegan-friendly Candy Options
Identifying vegan-friendly candy options can be a bit tricky, as many candies contain unexpected animal products. However, there are a few key things to look for when trying to identify vegan candy.
First, check the ingredient list for any animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, dairy, or honey. These ingredients are commonly found in many candies and are not suitable for vegans.
Next, look for candies that are explicitly labeled as “vegan” or “plant-based.” These candies are typically made with alternative ingredients such as agar-agar or pectin instead of gelatin.
It’s also important to note that just because a candy is not labeled as “vegan” doesn’t necessarily mean it contains animal products. Some candies may be accidentally vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients but are not marketed specifically towards vegans.
Lastly, consider doing some research online or asking for recommendations from other vegans. There are many resources available that list vegan-friendly candy options and can help make your search easier.
Delicious Vegan Candy Alternatives
If you’re a candy lover following a vegan lifestyle, you may feel like your options are limited. However, there are plenty of delicious vegan candy alternatives out there that you can enjoy guilt-free. Here are some popular picks:
1. Sour Patch Kids: These tart and tangy gummies are a favorite among candy lovers. Luckily, they’re also vegan-friendly! You can find them in most grocery stores or online.
2. Swedish Fish: These chewy, fish-shaped candies are another popular option that happens to be vegan. They’re made with sugar, corn syrup, and modified cornstarch, among other ingredients.
3. Airheads: If you’re looking for a fruity and chewy candy, Airheads are a great choice. They come in a variety of flavors and are vegan-friendly.
4. Dots: These colorful gumdrops are a classic candy that happen to be vegan as well. They’re made with corn syrup, modified food starch, and natural and artificial flavors.
5. Smarties: These small, chalky candies have been around for decades and remain a popular choice among candy lovers. Luckily, they’re also vegan-friendly! They’re made with sugar, dextrose, citric acid, and artificial flavors and colors.
6. Sour Patch Watermelon: If you love Sour Patch Kids but want to mix it up, try their watermelon flavor! These gummies have the same tart and tangy taste but with a refreshing watermelon twist.
7. Twizzlers: These twisted licorice candies are a classic that many people love. Luckily for vegans, they’re also free of animal products.
8. Skittles: As mentioned earlier, Skittles are a great vegan-friendly option for candy lovers. They come in a variety of flavors and can be found in most grocery stores.
9. Jolly Rancher Hard Candy: If you prefer hard candies over gummies or chewy candies, Jolly Rancher has several vegan options to choose from. Their Hard Candy, Lollipops, Stix Candy, Candy Canes, Awesome Twosome Bites, and Jelly Beans are all vegan-friendly.
10. Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears: If you want to indulge in some gummy bears but want to avoid animal products, try these organic fruity bears from Surf Sweets. They’re made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners and are free of gelatin and other animal-derived ingredients.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Candy Consumption
When it comes to candy consumption, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients and make informed choices. While some candies contain animal byproducts such as pork gelatin, others may be vegan-friendly. It’s up to the individual to decide what aligns with their dietary preferences and make choices accordingly.
It’s also important to remember that while candy can be a fun treat, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Coworkers should be respectful of each other’s choices and not pressure anyone into consuming something they are not comfortable with. Ultimately, by being mindful of ingredients and portion sizes, everyone can enjoy candy in a way that works for them.