Are High Five Gummies Vegan? A Definitive Guide

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

With approximately 6% of the US population identifying as vegan, understanding product ingredients is more important than ever. The simple question, "Are High Five gummies vegan?" requires a nuanced answer because it refers to two completely different brands, each with its own specific vegan policy.

Quick Summary

The vegan status of High Five gummies varies by brand. HIGH5 sports energy gummies are confirmed vegan, while High Five cannabis edibles from certain manufacturers may also offer plant-based options, though verification is necessary.

Key Points

Brand Distinction: The vegan status depends on whether you are referring to HIGH5 sports gummies or High Five cannabis edibles, which are produced by different companies.
HIGH5 Sports Gummies are Vegan: The sports nutrition brand HIGH5 uses a plant-based formula, replacing gelatin with modified starch and confirming its energy gummies are vegan.
High Five Cannabis Edibles Vary: The vegan status for High Five cannabis edibles is not guaranteed and depends on the specific product and manufacturer; always check the label.
Check Ingredients List: Always review the ingredients for animal-derived products like gelatin, beeswax, and carmine, or for plant-based alternatives like pectin, agar-agar, or modified starch.
Confirm with Manufacturer: When in doubt, consult the manufacturer's website or packaging for explicit vegan certifications or ingredient details.
Not All Gummies Are Equal: Traditional gummies often rely on animal products, so a gummy's fruit flavor or bright color is not an indicator of its vegan status.
Gluten-Free Confirmation: In addition to being vegan, HIGH5 Energy Gummies are also confirmed to be gluten-free.

The Dual Nature of 'High Five' Gummies

Before determining the vegan status, it is critical to distinguish between the two prominent product lines that share or feature a similar name. The first is HIGH5, a well-known UK brand specializing in sports nutrition for athletes. The second refers to a line of cannabis-infused edibles produced by various manufacturers, often sold under the name 'High Five'. Each product serves a different purpose and, most importantly, contains different ingredients.

HIGH5 Energy Gummies: Confirmed Vegan for Sports Enthusiasts

For those seeking a performance boost, the answer is straightforward: HIGH5 Energy Gummies are vegan-friendly. The UK manufacturer is transparent about its plant-based formulation, confirming that unlike many traditional gummies, these do not contain gelatin. The chewy texture is achieved using alternative ingredients, ensuring that athletes following a vegan diet can use them without concern. The ingredient list confirms the absence of animal products:

Glucose Syrup
Sugar
Modified Starch
Natural Flavorings
Vegetable Oil (Coconut, Rapeseed)
Glazing Agent (Carnauba Wax)
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)

The use of modified starch and carnauba wax are key indicators of its vegan status, replacing traditional gelling agents like gelatin and glazing agents like beeswax.

High Five Cannabis Gummies: A Case-by-Case Basis

For cannabis edibles, the answer is not universal. The High Five brand of cannabis gummies may or may not be vegan, as multiple manufacturers produce these products. For instance, Exhale Wellness produces a line of "High Five" Nano-THC gummies that are explicitly labeled as "Plant-Based & Cruelty-Free". However, other versions of High Five cannabis edibles exist, and their vegan status is not guaranteed across the board.

To ensure a specific High Five cannabis gummy is vegan, it is essential to:

Read the label carefully: Look for explicit vegan or plant-based certifications.
Check the ingredients list: Scan for animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, beeswax, or dairy products.
Research the manufacturer: Investigate the specific producer of the cannabis edible to confirm their vegan claims.

How to Identify Vegan Gummies

For anyone looking to confirm the vegan status of any gummy, understanding common ingredients is the best approach. Here is what to look for:

Common Non-Vegan Ingredients:

Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen, it is the most common non-vegan gelling agent in gummies.
Beeswax: Often used as a glazing agent to give candies a shiny, non-sticky finish.
Carmine (E120): A red dye made from crushed cochineal insects.
Shellac (E904): A resin secreted by the female lac bug, used as a glazing agent.
Lactose/Milk Derivatives: Sometimes found in creamy or milky-flavored gummies.

Common Vegan Gelling Agents and Alternatives:

Pectin: A natural polysaccharide found in fruits, widely used in jams and jellies.
Agar-Agar: A gelatinous substance derived from seaweed, known for its strong gelling properties.
Modified Starch: A versatile plant-based starch that can create a gummy texture.
Carnauba Wax: A plant-based wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm, used as a glazing agent.

A Side-by-Side Comparison: HIGH5 vs. High Five (Cannabis)


Feature	HIGH5 Energy Gummies	High Five (Cannabis) Gummies
Purpose	Sports performance, quick energy	Cannabis-infused edibles for recreation/medicinal use
Vegan Status	Confirmed Vegan	Varies by manufacturer, often vegan but requires verification
Gelling Agent	Modified Starch	Pectin, Agar-Agar, or other plant-based agents
Glazing Agent	Carnauba Wax	Carnauba Wax or similar plant-based alternatives
Primary Ingredients	Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Electrolytes	Cannabis extracts (THC/CBD), natural flavors, plant-based gelling agents

Conclusion: Know Your Brand Before You Buy

Whether you're an athlete looking for a plant-based energy boost or a consumer of cannabis edibles, the key takeaway is to know the brand you are purchasing. The HIGH5 sports energy gummies are reliably vegan and have been confirmed as such by the company. For High Five cannabis gummies, the vegan status depends on the specific product and its manufacturer. While some are explicitly labeled as plant-based, others might not be, making a careful check of the ingredients list and brand information essential. Always prioritize checking the packaging or the manufacturer's website for the most accurate and up-to-date dietary information before consumption.

For more information on the HIGH5 sports nutrition product, you can consult their official FAQ page here: https://highfive.co.uk/pages/faqs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, HIGH5 Energy Gummies, produced by the UK sports nutrition brand, are explicitly stated to be vegan and are made without gelatin.

Not all High Five cannabis edibles are vegan. Some manufacturers, like Exhale Wellness, offer plant-based options, but the vegan status varies. You must check the specific product label.

The most common non-vegan ingredient in traditional gummies is gelatin, which is derived from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals.

Vegan gummies use plant-based gelling agents such as modified starch, pectin, and agar-agar to achieve a chewy texture.

Look for a vegan or plant-based certification on the product packaging. Always review the ingredients list for animal-derived products, and confirm with the manufacturer if uncertain.

Carnauba wax is a plant-based wax sourced from the leaves of the carnauba palm and is a vegan-friendly glazing agent often used in gummies.

Yes, the HIGH5 brand confirms that its Energy Gummies do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.