Decoding the Chewy Texture: What kind of gelatin is used in sweet tart ropes?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 300,000 metric tons of gelatin are produced annually, and in the world of chewy candies, its source is often a point of curiosity. For those wondering what kind of gelatin is used in sweet tart ropes, the answer points toward an animal-derived protein that makes the candy unsuitable for strict vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets.

Quick Summary

Sweet Tart Ropes contain animal-derived gelatin for their signature chewy texture. While the exact source isn't on the label, it is generally considered unsuitable for vegetarian, vegan, and halal diets due to its origin from animal collagen.

Key Points

Animal-Derived: The gelatin in Sweet Tart Ropes is sourced from animal collagen, most likely from beef based on some reports, though older information suggested pork.
Not for Vegans or Vegetarians: Because gelatin is an animal byproduct, Sweet Tart Ropes are not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Unspecified for Halal/Kosher: Since the animal source is not specified on the label, the candy does not meet the requirements for halal or kosher diets.
Pectin is the Plant-Based Alternative: Plant-based gelling agents like pectin (from fruits) and agar-agar (from seaweed) are used in many vegan candy alternatives.
Original SweeTARTS Are Different: The classic, hard SweeTARTS candy does not contain gelatin and is vegan-friendly, unlike the chewy ropes.
High in Sugar: Aside from the gelatin, Sweet Tart Ropes are primarily sugar and offer minimal nutritional value, making them an occasional treat.

The Chewy Truth: What Is Gelatin?

Gelatin is a translucent, tasteless, and colorless gelling agent derived from animal collagen, a protein found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. In the food industry, gelatin is widely used to give products like gummy candies, marshmallows, and desserts their signature chewy and elastic texture. For Sweet Tart Ropes, gelatin is a key ingredient listed alongside sugar, corn syrup, and wheat flour to create the unique bendable and soft-chewy consistency.

The Gelatin in Sweet Tart Ropes

When you check the ingredient list for Sweet Tart Ropes, you will find “gelatin” listed without specifying the source animal. While this lack of detail can be frustrating for consumers with dietary restrictions, it is a common practice in the candy industry. However, public statements and independent analyses have provided more insight over the years:

In a 2021 Facebook comment, SweeTARTS customer service indicated that their ropes were not halal, implying the use of pork gelatin.
Conversely, a 2023 blog post mentioned that the gelatin used in the ropes was sourced from beef.

This conflicting information suggests that the source may have changed over time or varies, but the key takeaway remains consistent: the gelatin is animal-derived. Therefore, Sweet Tart Ropes are not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or strict halal diets.

Gelatin vs. Pectin: A Comparison for Dietary Choices

For those seeking alternatives, particularly for a plant-based diet, understanding the difference between gelatin and other gelling agents is crucial. Pectin is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in fruits and is a popular vegan alternative for creating a jelly-like texture. Here's a quick comparison:


Feature	Gelatin	Pectin
Source	Animal collagen (usually pork or beef)	Plant-based (typically fruit peels)
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or most halal diets	Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets
Texture	Chewy, elastic, and melt-in-your-mouth	Firm, jelly-like, and sometimes brittle
Setting Process	Sets upon cooling; thermally reversible	Sets in the presence of sugar and acid; more stable at room temperature
Common Use in Candy	Gummies, marshmallows, chewy candies	Jellies, jams, fruit pastilles, some vegan gummies

Navigating Dietary Restrictions with Candy

If you adhere to a specific dietary restriction, knowing the ingredients in your favorite candy is essential. For Sweet Tart Ropes, the use of gelatin, regardless of the specific animal source, means they are not a viable option for a vegan or vegetarian diet. For individuals following Islamic dietary laws, the unspecified animal source, especially with historical hints of pork, makes the product haram (forbidden). Halal gelatin, which is available on the market, is specifically sourced from animals slaughtered according to Islamic principles, but it is not what is used in Sweet Tart Ropes.

Plant-Based Alternatives in the Candy Aisle

Fortunately, the market has expanded to offer many delicious candies that use plant-based gelling agents. Look for ingredient lists that contain:

Pectin: A very common plant-based thickener used in jams, jellies, and many types of fruit-based gummy candies.
Agar-agar: A gelling agent derived from seaweed, often used in vegan jellies and desserts.
Carrageenan: Also derived from seaweed, used as a thickener and stabilizer in various food products.

By checking labels and looking for these alternatives, consumers can find satisfying chewy candies that align with their dietary needs. For example, the original, hard Sweet Tart candies do not contain gelatin and are vegan-friendly.

The Broader Picture: Nutrition and Added Sugars

Beyond the gelatin source, it's important to remember that Sweet Tart Ropes, like most candies, are high in sugar and offer very little nutritional benefit. A single serving contains a significant amount of added sugars, which contribute to health problems like tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes when consumed excessively. A balanced diet focusing on whole, unprocessed foods is key for overall health. Treats like Sweet Tart Ropes should be an occasional indulgence, regardless of dietary preferences.

Conclusion

While the exact animal source for the gelatin in Sweet Tart Ropes may have conflicting information depending on when you look, it is definitively an animal-derived product. This makes the candy unsuitable for vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets. The key for navigating candy choices is to always read the ingredient list, especially when adhering to specific dietary principles. Fortunately, a growing number of brands offer plant-based, chewy alternatives using ingredients like pectin or agar-agar, allowing everyone to find a treat that fits their nutritional and ethical considerations.

Visit the official SweeTARTS website to check the latest ingredients for their products

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sweet Tart Ropes are not vegan because they contain gelatin, which is a protein derived from animal collagen.

No, Sweet Tart Ropes are not vegetarian for the same reason they are not vegan: they contain gelatin from an animal source.

No, Sweet Tart Ropes are not considered halal or kosher because the gelatin is from an unspecified animal source, and historically, it has been linked to pork, which is forbidden in both diets.

Gelatin is made from animal collagen, which is extracted by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly cows and pigs.

Gelatin is animal-based and creates an elastic, chewy texture, while pectin is plant-based (from fruits) and creates a firmer, more jelly-like texture.

No, not all SweeTARTS products contain gelatin. The original, hard candies are vegan and gelatin-free, but chewy products like the ropes do contain gelatin.

If you want vegan chewy candy, check the ingredient list for plant-based gelling agents such as pectin, agar-agar, or carrageenan, and ensure no animal products like gelatin are listed.

In the United States, manufacturers are not legally required to specify the exact animal source of gelatin on a food label. This is a common practice unless a product is marketed as certified halal or kosher.