Are Percy Pigs healthy? Separating Fact From Fruity Fiction

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite being made with 'real fruit juice', a standard 100g bag of M&S Percy Pigs contains approximately 59.5g of sugar. This startling figure challenges the popular notion that these beloved gummy sweets are a healthy snack option.

Quick Summary

Percy Pigs, while containing fruit juice and now being suitable for vegans, are primarily composed of sugar and glucose syrup. Their high sugar content classifies them as an occasional treat, not a nutritious staple.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: A standard 100g bag contains almost 60g of sugar, far exceeding daily recommendations.
Minimal Nutritional Value: Percy Pigs are low in fat, protein, and fibre, offering empty calories primarily from sugar.
'Real Fruit Juice' is Misleading: The small amount of fruit juice concentrate does not make them healthy; it's a marketing tool to disguise the high added sugar.
Vegan Recipe Doesn't Equal Healthy: The recipe change to remove gelatine and beeswax addresses ethical concerns but does not alter the high sugar content.
Treat, Not a Staple: Percy Pigs are a confectionery item and should be consumed as an occasional indulgence, not as a regular snack.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Real fruit, dark chocolate, and homemade snacks are superior options for satisfying a sweet tooth.

The Sweet Science: Dissecting the Percy Pig Ingredients

To understand if Percy Pigs are healthy, one must first look at their ingredients list. The most prominent components are Glucose Syrup and Sugar, followed by various starches and dextrose. While the presence of fruit juice from concentrates (apple, mandarin, elderberry) is highlighted in marketing, it makes up only a small percentage of the overall product composition.

The Nutritional Profile per 100g

According to Marks & Spencer's official nutritional data, a 100g serving of Percy Pigs reveals the following:

Energy: 345 kcal
Carbohydrate: 84.9g
Sugars: 59.5g
Fat: 0.2g
Protein: 0.8g
Fibre: <0.5g
Salt: 0.03g

This breakdown clearly shows that Percy Pigs are a high-calorie, high-sugar, and carbohydrate-dense product with virtually no significant nutritional benefits from fat, protein, or fibre. For context, the sugars in a single 100g bag exceed the entire recommended daily sugar intake for an adult.

The Misleading 'Fruit Juice' Claim

One of the most persistent misconceptions is that because Percy Pigs are made with fruit juice, they are a better choice than other sweets. This is a claim that has drawn criticism from health campaigners. The phrase 'made with real fruit juice' is often used to imply a healthier product, but in reality, the juice is concentrated and far outweighs the health benefits of eating whole fruit, which contains essential fibre. The sweetness overwhelmingly comes from added sugars like glucose syrup and glucose-fructose syrup.

The Vegan and Vegetarian Evolution

In recent years, Percy Pigs have undergone a significant recipe change to be more inclusive. The brand removed pork gelatine entirely in 2019, making the entire range suitable for vegetarians. In 2022, they took a further step by removing beeswax, officially making the original Percy Pig sweets suitable for vegans. While this is a positive ethical and dietary step, it does not alter the fundamental nutritional makeup of the sweet. Some longtime fans have noted a change in texture and flavour following the recipe alterations.

How Percy Pigs Compare to Other Sweets

Here is a comparison of standard Percy Pigs with other confectionery and healthier options:


Item	Serving Size	Sugar (g)	Key Ingredients	Verdict
Percy Pig (Original)	100g	59.5	Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Fruit Juice Concentrates	High sugar, minimal nutrition. An occasional treat.
Percy Pig (1/3 Less Sugar)	100g	39.7*	Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Maltodextrin	Still high in sugar, reduced from original but not 'healthy'.
Haribo Tangfastics	100g	52.3*	Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Starch	High sugar and calories, comparable to original Percy.
Dried Dates	100g	~66*	Dates (Natural Fruit Sugar), Fibre	High natural sugar but also high in fibre and nutrients.
Fresh Grapes	100g	~16*	Natural Fruit Sugar, Water, Fibre, Vitamins	A genuinely healthy, naturally sweet snack.

*Values are approximate based on general nutritional information.

Healthier Alternatives to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

For those looking to reduce their sugar intake without forgoing sweet treats entirely, several healthy options exist:

Fresh Fruit: Nature's own candy. Berries, grapes, and mangoes offer natural sweetness along with fibre and essential vitamins.
Dates: These dried fruits are very sweet and satisfying, providing fibre and nutrients. Pair them with a few almonds for a balanced snack.
Dark Chocolate (70%+): Contains beneficial polyphenols and antioxidants with significantly less sugar than milk chocolate. Enjoy a small serving to curb cravings.
Frozen Fruit: Blending frozen bananas or berries can create a creamy, sweet sorbet-like treat without added sugar.
Fruit Smoothies: Combine whole fruit with yogurt for a filling and nutritious sweet drink. Use whole fruit to retain fibre.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on "Are Percy Pigs Healthy?"

Despite their appealing flavour, colourful appearance, and the misleading perception of health from 'real fruit juice' marketing, Percy Pigs are unequivocally not a healthy food. They are a confectionery product primarily made of sugar and glucose syrup, offering little to no nutritional value. While their move to a vegan-friendly recipe is a commendable ethical change, it does not magically transform them into a wholesome snack. Like all sweets, they should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat within an otherwise balanced diet.

For a deeper dive into fighting sugar cravings with healthier options, visit Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as of 2022, the original Percy Pig sweets are made without gelatine and beeswax, making them suitable for vegans.

A standard 100g bag of Percy Pigs contains approximately 59.5g of sugar.

No, the small amount of concentrated fruit juice is not a health benefit. The vast majority of the sweetness comes from added sugars, not whole fruit.

Percy Pigs have a very similar nutritional profile to other high-sugar gummy sweets. There is no significant health advantage to choosing them over other comparable confectionery.

Excellent alternatives include fresh fruit (like berries or grapes), dates, a small amount of high-cocoa dark chocolate, or homemade fruit-based treats.

Some customers noticed a change in texture and flavour after the recipe was altered to remove gelatine and beeswax, while others did not.

Marks & Spencer introduced 'reduced sugar' versions to offer a lower-sugar option to customers. However, these are still considered high in sugar and are not a truly healthy alternative.