Are Haribo Gummy Bears Vegetarian? What You Need to Know

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 survey in the UK, 67% of Brits were unaware that gelatin is an animal byproduct, highlighting a widespread misunderstanding of ingredients in common candies like Haribo gummy bears. While a few international varieties may be, the classic Haribo gummy bears are not vegetarian due to the use of animal-derived gelatin.

Quick Summary

Classic Haribo gummy bears contain animal-derived gelatin, rendering them non-vegetarian. However, Haribo and other brands offer products made with plant-based alternatives like pectin, providing suitable options for vegetarians and vegans.

Key Points

Not Vegetarian: Standard Haribo gummy bears contain gelatin, an animal byproduct derived from boiling animal skin and bones.
Gelatin's Source: The gelatin in most Haribo products comes from pork skin, though country-specific versions exist using other animal gelatins.
Other Animal Ingredients: Some Haribo sweets may also contain beeswax (from bees) or carmine (from insects), both of which are non-vegetarian.
Vegetarian Options Exist: Haribo offers specific vegetarian and vegan products, particularly in the UK and European markets, that use plant-based ingredients like pectin or starch instead of gelatin.
Check Packaging Carefully: Product recipes can differ by country, so always check the ingredient label for gelatin and other animal-derived components, especially looking for vegetarian certification seals.
Many Alternatives Available: For a guaranteed vegetarian or vegan option, numerous other confectionery brands offer delicious gummy treats made with plant-based gelling agents.

Why Classic Haribo Gummy Bears Are Not Vegetarian

For vegetarians, the primary concern with Haribo's classic gummy bears is the inclusion of gelatin. Gelatin is a gelling agent derived from the collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, typically pigs and cows. This makes standard gummy bears unsuitable for a vegetarian diet, which excludes meat and meat byproducts. The use of gelatin is what gives these candies their signature chewy and bouncy texture.

The Role of Gelatin in Confectionery

Gelatin is a staple in the confectionery industry because it is a relatively cheap and effective ingredient for creating specific textures. The process involves boiling animal parts, and the resulting protein is purified and dried before being added to food products. The inclusion of this ingredient is not always obvious to consumers, which is why reading ingredient labels is crucial for those with dietary restrictions. While some vegetarians may be more lenient, most avoid gelatin as it directly supports the meat industry.

Other Non-Vegetarian Ingredients to Consider

Beyond gelatin, vegetarians must also be aware of other animal-derived ingredients that can appear in certain Haribo products, depending on the region.

Beeswax (E901): Many Haribo gummies are coated with beeswax to give them a glossy finish and prevent them from sticking together. Beeswax is a product of bees and is not vegetarian or vegan.
Carmine (E120): This red food dye is sometimes used to achieve a vibrant red color in candies. Carmine is derived from crushed cochineal insects, making it unsuitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.

Haribo's Vegetarian and Vegan Offerings

While the classic gummy bears are a no-go, Haribo has started to respond to the growing demand for plant-based sweets, offering alternatives in certain markets. However, availability can vary significantly by country. In the UK and some parts of Europe, you can find specifically labeled vegetarian or vegan products.

Look for Labels: In some regions, bags of Haribo will feature a green vegetarian or V-label seal, indicating they are free from animal gelatin. Always check the specific packaging.
Ingredient Substitutions: In these vegetarian-friendly varieties, Haribo replaces animal gelatin with plant-based gelling agents like pectin or starch, which are derived from fruits and plants. They also use alternatives to beeswax, such as carnauba wax, which comes from the carnauba palm tree.

Comparison of Classic vs. Vegetarian Haribo Ingredients


Ingredient	Classic Haribo Gummy Bears	Vegetarian Haribo (e.g., UK Sour Rainbow Twists)
Gelling Agent	Animal Gelatin (often pork or beef)	Pectin, Starch, Agar-Agar
Coating	Beeswax (E901), Carnauba Wax	Carnauba Wax (plant-based)
Coloring	Fruit and Plant Concentrates, sometimes Carmine (E120)	Fruit and Plant Concentrates (e.g., radish, carrot, spirulina)
Chewiness	High; firm, elastic texture	Slightly softer, less elastic texture

Finding Vegetarian Alternatives to Gummy Bears

For those who love the gummy texture but want to avoid animal products, many companies specialize in producing entirely plant-based sweets. You no longer have to sacrifice taste for dietary ethics.

Other Brands to Consider

Candy Kittens: A UK-based brand that offers a range of all-vegan and vegetarian gummy sweets.
Surf Sweets: Known for their organic, gelatin-free gummy bears and other treats.
JOM Organic: A Scandinavian brand that is certified vegan and uses pectin for its texture.
Biona Organic Sweets: This brand offers a variety of clean, pectin-based vegan candies.
Swedish Fish: A classic candy that is gelatin-free and a popular alternative for vegetarians.

Conclusion: Read Labels, Know Your Brand, and Explore Alternatives

In summary, the classic Haribo gummy bears are not vegetarian because they contain animal-derived gelatin. However, the landscape for plant-based sweets is evolving, and Haribo offers a selection of vegetarian-friendly products in specific markets. The key is to always read the ingredient list, paying close attention to gelling agents like gelatin and coating agents like beeswax and shellac. With a little research, vegetarians and vegans can find plenty of delicious gummy alternatives from Haribo or other brands that align with their dietary choices. The demand for transparent ingredient labeling is high, pushing manufacturers to be more forthcoming about the contents of their products.

Visit The Humane League for more information on gelatin production and animal-free alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, which is obtained by boiling the skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons of animals, typically pigs and cows.

No, while the classic gummy bears are not, Haribo does offer vegetarian and even some vegan products in certain regions, which are clearly labeled as such. However, availability varies by country.

Check the ingredient list on the package for gelatin, beeswax (E901), or carmine (E120). In some countries like the UK, many vegetarian products will also have a 'Suitable for Vegetarians' or V-label certification mark.

Common plant-based alternatives to gelatin include pectin (from fruit), agar-agar (from seaweed), cornstarch, and carrageenan.

While vegetarian Haribo sweets are well-regarded, their texture can be slightly different from the gelatin-based originals. The plant-based gelling agents create a softer, less elastic consistency.

Haribo produces halal products in their Turkish factory, using bovine (beef) gelatin instead of pork. However, these are still not vegetarian, as they contain an animal product.

In the United States, it is much more difficult to find vegetarian-labeled Haribo products, and none of their standard gummy bear varieties are vegetarian. Consumers in the US must rely on other brands for gelatin-free gummy candies.

Yes, all candies labeled as vegan are also vegetarian, as they contain no animal products whatsoever, including dairy, eggs, and bee products like beeswax.