Are There Any Kosher Gummies? A Guide to Certified Candy Options

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

The market for kosher-certified products has expanded significantly in recent years, including delicious chewy treats. Yes, there are many kosher gummies available, made with special ingredients to adhere to Jewish dietary laws and providing a safe, enjoyable option for those who observe kashrut.

Quick Summary

Kosher gummies are available and certified by rabbinical authorities. These treats often use plant-based substitutes like pectin or agar-agar instead of traditional animal-derived gelatin.

Key Points

Availability: Yes, there are many kosher gummy options available, produced by both specialty and mainstream brands.
Certification is Key: Always look for a trusted kosher certification symbol (hechsher) on the packaging, such as the OU or Star-K, to ensure the product meets Jewish dietary laws.
Gelatin Alternatives: Most kosher gummies use plant-based gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, or carrageenan, or kosher-certified animal gelatin.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Kosher certification also guarantees that the product was manufactured in a way that prevents contact with non-kosher ingredients and equipment.
Vegan Often Means Kosher: Many vegan gummies, which use plant-based gelling agents, are also kosher, though you must still verify the certification.
Find Them Everywhere: Kosher gummies can be purchased from specialty kosher markets, large grocery stores, and online retailers.
Check Specific Packages: For brands that make both kosher and non-kosher products (like Haribo), always ensure the specific bag has the kosher mark.

Understanding Kosher Certification for Gummies

For a food item like a gummy candy to be considered kosher, it must adhere to the Jewish dietary laws known as kashrut. While many standard gummies contain gelatin derived from non-kosher animal sources, primarily pork, kosher versions meticulously follow strict guidelines. This involves using alternative ingredients and ensuring the entire manufacturing process is free from cross-contamination with non-kosher products. Qualified rabbinical experts inspect and supervise the production to grant certification, which is indicated by a recognized symbol on the packaging.

The Gelatin Question: Why Not All Gummies Are Kosher

The ingredient that most commonly makes a gummy non-kosher is gelatin. Traditionally, gelatin is a colorless, flavorless substance made from animal collagen, often extracted from the bones, cartilage, and skin of non-kosher animals like pigs. Because Jewish dietary law forbids the consumption of products from these animals, conventional gummies are not an option for kosher-observant individuals. This is why kosher gummy manufacturers must use approved substitutes or strictly sourced ingredients.

Kosher Alternatives to Gelatin

To achieve the classic chewy texture, kosher manufacturers use several approved substitutes. These alternatives allow for delicious gummies that are fully compliant with kashrut. The primary alternatives include:

Pectin: A plant-based gelling agent derived from fruits like apples and oranges, widely used in jams and jellies.
Agar-Agar: A seaweed-based gelatin substitute that is both vegan and kosher.
Carrageenan: Another seaweed extract that provides a gel-like consistency.
Kosher-Certified Gelatin: Some gummies use gelatin derived exclusively from kosher animal sources (such as bovine or fish) that have been slaughtered and prepared according to kosher law. This is less common than the plant-based alternatives but does exist. Some certification agencies accept gelatin even from non-kosher sources if highly processed, though this is not a universally accepted opinion within Orthodox Judaism.

How to Identify Certified Kosher Gummies

The most reliable way to confirm if gummies are kosher is to look for a specific certification symbol, known as a hechsher, on the packaging. These symbols are issued by reputable kosher certifying agencies after a rigorous inspection of ingredients, equipment, and production processes. Avoid products with just a plain 'K' symbol, as it is not trademarked and does not guarantee rabbinical supervision.

Common Kosher Certification Symbols

Orthodox Union (OU): One of the largest and most widely recognized symbols, appearing as a 'U' inside a circle 'O'.
Star-K: A trusted certification represented by a star and 'K'.
Kof-K: An easily identifiable certification mark for strict adherence to kashrut.
EarthKosher: A reputable agency that certifies many food products, including candy.

Popular Brands Offering Kosher Gummies

Many brands specialize in or offer kosher versions of their products. It is crucial to always check the specific package for the certification symbol, as some brands may produce both kosher and non-kosher versions in different factories or with different ingredients.

Brands Known for Kosher Options:

Paskesz: A major name in kosher sweets, offering a wide array of gummies.
Only Kosher Candy: As the name suggests, this brand focuses exclusively on kosher-certified products.
Haribo (Kosher Line): The famous gummy bear maker produces specific kosher-certified lines, which must be clearly marked.
California Gummy Bears: Offers both kosher gelatin-based and organic vegan options that are kosher certified.
Sour Punch Gummies: Some varieties of this candy are kosher certified and clearly labeled.
Gimbal's Fine Candies: Another brand with a history of kosher products.

A Comparison of Popular Kosher Gummy Options


Brand	Primary Gelling Agent	Vegan?	Kosher Certification Examples	Where to Find
Paskesz	Varies (often gelatin)	No (unless specified)	Star-K, Kof-K	Kosher markets, online
Haribo (Kosher Line)	Kosher-certified bovine/fish gelatin	No	Rav Westheim, Ichud Harabonim	Kosher markets, online specialty stores
Only Kosher Candy	Varies (often pectin)	Some options	Star-K	Online retailers, kosher markets
California Gummy Bears	Bovine gelatin, pectin (vegan option)	Some options	OU	Online, some specialty stores
Sour Punch Gummies	Pectin (specific varieties)	Some options	OU	Supermarkets, online

Where to Purchase Kosher Gummies

Finding kosher gummies is easier than ever, thanks to increased availability. You can check the following places:

Online Retailers: Sites like Amazon and dedicated kosher retailers (e.g., Candy Warehouse or Gourmet Kosher) offer a vast selection.
Specialty Kosher Markets: Stores in Jewish communities are guaranteed to carry a wide variety of certified candies.
Mainstream Supermarkets: Many large grocery stores have a dedicated kosher foods aisle or section. Always check the labels carefully.
Health Food Stores: These stores often carry vegan gummies made with pectin or agar-agar, which are often also kosher, though verification is necessary.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Certified Gummy Treats

For individuals seeking to enjoy gummy candies while adhering to Jewish dietary laws, the answer to "Are there any kosher gummies?" is a definitive yes. The availability of certified products has grown, offering a wide range of flavors and textures through the use of plant-based alternatives like pectin and agar-agar or specially sourced kosher gelatin. By understanding the importance of the hechsher and checking for reliable certification symbols like the OU, Star-K, or Kof-K, consumers can confidently choose gummies that meet their dietary requirements. With many brands producing kosher lines, from major players like Haribo to dedicated kosher sweet makers, a delicious, certified gummy is always within reach.

For more information on kosher guidelines, you can visit a reliable resource like the Orthodox Union's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredient that typically makes a standard gummy candy non-kosher is gelatin, which is often derived from non-kosher animal sources, such as pigs.

Kosher gummies use alternative gelling agents like pectin (from fruit), agar-agar (from seaweed), and carrageenan (from red algae). Some also use strictly sourced kosher fish or bovine gelatin.

You can identify certified kosher gummies by looking for a kosher certification symbol, or hechsher, on the packaging. Common symbols include the OU, Star-K, and Kof-K.

No, not all gummies from major brands like Haribo are kosher. Some brands produce specific kosher lines, which must be clearly marked with a kosher certification symbol. It is essential to check the label for certification.

While vegan gummies often use plant-based gelling agents like pectin, making them a strong possibility for being kosher, they must still be officially certified. A product's kosher status depends on all ingredients and the manufacturing process, not just the absence of animal products.

In the context of gummies, 'pareve' means the product contains neither meat nor dairy ingredients. Pareve products can be consumed with either a meat or dairy meal, following kosher dietary laws.

Yes, you can make kosher gummies at home using kosher gelatin or plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar powder or pectin, which can be found in specialty stores or online.

Kosher gummies are available online through retailers like Amazon, specialty kosher food websites, and in person at dedicated kosher markets or the kosher section of many large supermarkets.