Decoding the Ingredients: Why Starbursts Are Not Vegan in the USA
For anyone on a vegan or plant-based diet, navigating the world of processed snacks can be a challenge. The seemingly harmless and fruity Starburst candies, a staple in American households, are a prime example. The main culprits making most Starburst products in the U.S. non-vegan are gelatin and confectioner's glaze.
The Role of Gelatin
Gelatin is a gelling agent widely used in the food industry to give candies their characteristic chewy and soft texture. For vegans, it's a major red flag because it is derived directly from animals. Specifically, gelatin is made by boiling down the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly cows and pigs, to extract collagen. In the case of classic Starburst fruit chews and gummies in the United States, this ingredient makes them off-limits for anyone following a strict plant-based lifestyle.
Confectioner's Glaze and Other Hidden Ingredients
Beyond gelatin, some Starburst varieties contain other non-vegan ingredients. Confectioner's glaze, also known as shellac, is a key offender found in Starburst Minis and Jelly Beans in the U.S. This shiny coating is made from the excretions of the female lac bug, which is definitively not vegan. Other ingredients, such as certain artificial food colorings like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, are a concern for some vegans because they are often tested on animals. Additionally, many vegans are mindful of the sugar used, as conventional cane sugar can be processed using bone char, a decolorizing filter made from cattle bones. However, this is a less common concern for most vegans, and beet sugar is never processed this way.
The Notable UK Exception
Interestingly, the vegan status of Starburst differs significantly between the U.S. and the United Kingdom. This is a historical quirk stemming from the candy's origin. The original recipe, developed in the UK (where it was initially called Opal Fruits), does not contain gelatin. As a result, classic Starburst fruit chews are considered vegan in the UK. This difference highlights the importance of checking ingredient lists, as a global brand's product can vary depending on the country of sale.
The Search for Vegan Starburst and Alternatives
As the demand for plant-based products grows, Starburst and its parent company, Mars Wrigley, have begun to adapt. In 2021, Starburst launched its first specific vegan gummy candy line in the United States, titled "Plant Based Original Gummies". These are explicitly gelatin-free and a safe bet for vegans. However, if you are looking for alternatives that offer a similar chewy fruit flavor, there are several options available.
Some popular vegan-friendly candy brands offer similar products. For instance, Smart Sweets offers a line of gelatin-free fruit chews and gummies. Lovely Candy Co. also produces organic fruit chews that are vegan and free of high-fructose corn syrup. Other widely available options include Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and certain varieties of Mamba, though ingredients should always be verified as formulations can change.
Comparison of Starburst Varieties vs. Vegan Alternatives
| Candy Type | U.S. Starburst Status | Key Non-Vegan Ingredients | Vegan Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Chews | Non-Vegan | Gelatin | Smart Sweets Fruit Chews, Lovely Candy Co. Chews |
| Gummies | Non-Vegan | Gelatin | Starburst Plant Based Gummies, YumEarth Vegan Gummies |
| Minis | Non-Vegan | Confectioner's Glaze | Mamba Fruit Chews, Skittles |
| Jelly Beans | Non-Vegan | Confectioner's Glaze | Starburst Plant Based Gummies, Other vegan jelly beans |
| Plant Based Gummies | Vegan | None (specifically formulated) | N/A (this is the vegan product) |
Making Informed Choices on a Plant-Based Diet
For those who adhere to a vegan diet for ethical or health reasons, making informed food choices requires diligent label reading. Even seemingly simple products like candy can hide animal-derived ingredients. The presence of gelatin in most U.S. Starburst products is a clear reason they are not vegan. The use of confectioner's glaze in other varieties further cements their non-vegan status. By understanding these ingredients and seeking out explicitly vegan or plant-based alternatives, you can still enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your dietary and ethical values.
For a broader list of accidentally vegan foods, check out PETA's resource.
The Evolution of Vegan Candy
As the vegan movement gains momentum, more companies are responding to the demand for plant-based products. Starburst's introduction of their dedicated "Plant Based Original Gummies" is a clear sign of this shift. This development makes it easier for vegans to find suitable options without having to scrutinize every single ingredient list. It also indicates that more mainstream candy brands may follow suit, offering gelatin-free or entirely vegan versions of their classic products in the future. Until then, the onus remains on the consumer to be vigilant. This awareness is not just about avoiding animal products but also about making healthier, more conscious food choices in general, aligning with the principles of a balanced nutritional diet.
