Are Lucky Charms suitable for vegetarians?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to General Mills, the gelatin used to make the marshmallows in Lucky Charms is derived from pork collagen. For this reason, Lucky Charms are not suitable for vegetarians who avoid all animal by-products derived from slaughter.

Quick Summary

Lucky Charms are not vegetarian due to the marshmallows, which contain gelatin made from pork collagen. Vegetarians who avoid animal by-products should not consume this cereal.

Key Points

Gelatin is not vegetarian: Traditional Lucky Charms marshmallows contain pork-derived gelatin, making the cereal unsuitable for vegetarians.
Gelatin's animal origins: Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically sourced from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of pigs and cattle.
Check for other animal products: Some fortified cereals, including some General Mills products, may use Vitamin D3 derived from lanolin, a sheep's wool byproduct.
Vegetarian alternatives exist: Many plant-based marshmallow brands, like Dandies, use non-animal gelling agents such as agar-agar or carrageenan.
Ingredient labels are key: Vegetarians should always read food labels carefully, as animal-derived ingredients like gelatin can be present in many processed foods, including candies and some yogurts.
Definitions of vegetarianism vary: While some vegetarians might consider products with gelatin acceptable if it's not meat, stricter interpretations and vegan diets avoid it completely.

The Surprising Truth About Lucky Charms and Vegetarianism

For many, Lucky Charms is a nostalgic breakfast food, but for those following a vegetarian diet, a closer look at the ingredient list reveals a significant issue. The core reason that Lucky Charms are not suitable for vegetarians lies in its most celebrated feature: the marshmallow pieces. General Mills has confirmed that the gelatin used in their marshmallows, or "marbits," is derived from pork collagen. This means that any vegetarian who avoids animal-based products that are not eggs or dairy will find this cereal unsuitable for their diet.

What is Gelatin and Why is it Not Vegetarian?

Gelatin is a translucent, tasteless protein derived from the collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. It is primarily sourced from cows and pigs during the slaughtering process. During manufacturing, the collagen is hydrolyzed to create the gel-like substance that gives marshmallows their chewy texture and shape. Because it is a direct by-product of the meat industry, gelatin is unequivocally not vegetarian.

There are many variations of vegetarianism, and individuals' decisions often come down to personal beliefs or ethical considerations. A lacto-ovo vegetarian, for example, typically consumes dairy and eggs but avoids meat, poultry, and fish. A stricter interpretation of a vegetarian diet, however, would exclude any product derived from an animal's slaughter, including gelatin. For this reason, a significant portion of the vegetarian population will need to avoid Lucky Charms.

Beyond Gelatin: Other Potentially Non-Vegetarian Ingredients

While gelatin is the primary concern for most vegetarians, it is worth noting that some strict vegetarians and most vegans might also want to scrutinize other ingredients.

Vitamin D3: Some versions of Lucky Charms and other fortified cereals contain Vitamin D3. This vitamin can be sourced from lanolin, a substance extracted from sheep's wool. While sheep are not killed for their wool, some strict vegetarians find this sourcing unacceptable due to ethical concerns regarding the wool industry. Many brands, however, now use a plant-based Vitamin D2 or synthetically produce D3.
Refined Sugar: The sugar used in many processed foods, including cereals, can be filtered using bone char, which is a charcoal-like substance made from the bones of cattle. While the final product does not contain any bone char particles, strict vegetarians and vegans may object to the processing method.

Common Surprising Foods with Hidden Gelatin

Gelatin can be found in many food products where you might not expect it, so always check the label. Some common examples include:

Gummy candies and fruit snacks
Certain varieties of yogurt and cream cheese
Some frosted cereals and candy corn
Certain medications, especially gel capsules
Marshmallows, including those used in baking or packaged s'mores

Finding Vegetarian-Friendly Marshmallow and Cereal Alternatives

For those who love the idea of a sweet cereal with marshmallows but want a vegetarian option, there are many choices available. Here is a comparison of traditional Lucky Charms versus plant-based alternatives.


Feature	Traditional Lucky Charms	Vegetarian-Friendly Alternative (e.g., Dandies)
Marshmallow Ingredients	Contains pork-derived gelatin	Uses plant-based gelling agents like tapioca starch or carrageenan
Vegan Status	Not vegan	Can be vegan, depending on brand
Primary Cereal Base	Whole grain oats, corn, and sugar	Varies by brand, often uses oats or other plant-based grains
Ingredient Scrutiny	Requires checking for Vitamin D3 and refined sugar	Generally avoids animal by-products entirely

For a truly vegetarian marshmallow experience, you can explore brands like Dandies or Yummallo, which explicitly state they are vegan or vegetarian. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own vegetarian marshmallows at home using ingredients like agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent derived from seaweed.

Conclusion: The Importance of Reading Labels

The magically delicious taste of Lucky Charms comes with a caveat for the vegetarian community. Because the marshmallows are made with pork-derived gelatin, the cereal is not vegetarian. While this is disappointing for many, it serves as an important reminder to always check ingredient labels, as animal-based products can appear in unexpected places. Fortunately, the growing market for plant-based foods means that delicious and cruelty-free alternatives are readily available. Whether you opt for a certified vegetarian brand or make your own, it's possible to enjoy a treat that aligns with your dietary values. For a fun activity, you can look up how to make your own vegan marshmallows!

For those concerned about animal welfare in food production, organizations like PETA have actively campaigned for General Mills to use vegan alternatives in their products, highlighting the availability of plant-based options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The marshmallows, also known as "marbits," contain gelatin, which is a protein derived from animal collagen, specifically pork collagen in the case of Lucky Charms.

Gelatin is typically made by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals like cows and pigs. It is a byproduct of the meat industry.

While the definition of vegetarianism excludes meat, most vegetarians also avoid gelatin because it is an animal-derived byproduct. The decision can depend on personal and ethical beliefs, but many choose to avoid it.

Many brands now offer vegan or vegetarian marshmallows that use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or tapioca starch instead of gelatin. Look for brands such as Dandies or explore homemade recipes.

No, Lucky Charms is not suitable for vegans because it contains both animal-derived gelatin and Vitamin D3, which can come from lanolin, a substance from sheep's wool.

While the marshmallows have been a staple since 1964, General Mills has made other ingredient adjustments over the years, such as using natural and artificial flavors and changing colors. However, the presence of animal-derived gelatin has remained consistent in the classic version.

The consumption of gelatin is not a health risk, but if it contradicts your personal or ethical beliefs, you can now make a more informed choice moving forward. Many vegetarians have consumed products unknowingly containing gelatin due to its prevalence.