Do Black Forest Juicy Burst Gummies Have Gelatin? A Look at the Ingredients

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3% of US adults identify as vegan or vegetarian, making the presence of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin a crucial consideration for many consumers. The short answer to whether Black Forest Juicy Burst gummies have gelatin is yes, they do, which means they are not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets. This guide delves into what that means for your diet and explores alternatives.

Quick Summary

Black Forest Juicy Burst gummies contain gelatin, an animal-derived protein that makes them unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. This article details the specific ingredients found in these popular fruit snacks and offers a comprehensive guide to gelatin-free alternatives that use plant-based gelling agents like pectin.

Key Points

Contains Gelatin: Black Forest Juicy Burst gummies are made with gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, making them unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Not Vegan or Vegetarian: Because of the gelatin content, these specific fruit snacks do not align with vegan or vegetarian dietary principles.
Gelatin vs. Pectin: Gelatin creates an elastic, bouncy texture, while plant-based pectin, used in vegan gummies, results in a softer, more jelly-like bite.
Look for Alternatives: Vegan-friendly alternatives exist and often use pectin, agar-agar, or cornstarch as gelling agents instead of gelatin.
Always Check Labels: Ingredient lists should be checked for key animal-derived ingredients or vegan certifications to confirm dietary suitability.
Beware of Misleading Tags: Be cautious with online product tags, as some retailers may incorrectly list Juicy Burst as 'vegetarian,' despite containing gelatin.

Black Forest Juicy Burst Gummies Contain Gelatin

For consumers following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, the ingredients in snack foods are a top concern. Based on the official product information from Black Forest and other retailers, Black Forest Juicy Burst gummies have gelatin. This collagen-based protein is what gives the fruit snacks their chewy, elastic texture. Because gelatin is derived from animal parts, such as bones, cartilage, and skin, these gummies are not suitable for those avoiding animal products.

The Role of Gelatin in Gummies

Gelatin is a gelling agent commonly used in confectionery, particularly for its ability to create a springy, bouncy texture. It sets at lower temperatures than plant-based alternatives and can be remelted, offering specific manufacturing benefits. However, its animal origin is the reason it is excluded from vegetarian and vegan diets. The presence of gelatin is a key distinction between traditional gummy candies and their plant-based counterparts, which use different ingredients to achieve a similar, though often less elastic, consistency.

What are the Ingredients in Juicy Burst Gummies?

An examination of the ingredient list on product packaging confirms the use of gelatin. Here is a typical ingredient list for Black Forest Juicy Burst fruit snacks:

Corn Syrup
Sugar
Apple Juice Concentrate
Water
Gelatin
Food Starch-Modified
Contains 2% or less of: Citric Acid, Pectin, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Coconut Oil, Sodium Citrate, Natural Flavors, Carnauba Wax, and various fruit and vegetable juice concentrates for color.

Gelatin vs. Pectin: The Difference Explained

When seeking alternatives, understanding the difference between gelatin and pectin is essential. Many vegetarian and vegan gummies use pectin, a plant-based fiber found in fruits, to achieve their chewy texture.


Feature	Gelatin-Based Gummies (e.g., Juicy Burst)	Pectin-Based Gummies (e.g., YumEarth)
Origin	Derived from animal collagen (bones, skin, etc.).	Derived from fruits, often citrus peels.
Dietary	Not vegetarian or vegan friendly.	Typically vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Texture	Distinctly springy, elastic, and chewy.	Often softer, with a less elastic, jelly-like texture.
Melting Point	Melts easily in heat and can become sticky.	More heat-stable and resistant to melting.
Flavor Profile	Can mask or dull flavor slightly.	Allows flavors to pop and can enhance taste.

Finding Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives

If Black Forest Juicy Burst gummies are off your list, many delicious and readily available alternatives exist. When shopping, look for gummies specifically labeled as "vegan," "vegetarian," or "gelatin-free." Always check the ingredient list for key plant-based gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, or modified starches.

Vegan-Friendly Gummy Options:

YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks: Explicitly marketed as vegan and free of artificial flavors and dyes.
Simply Really Real Gummies: Made from over 90% fruit-based ingredients and use pectin instead of gelatin.
Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks: These fruit snacks use pectin and are a popular alternative.
Certain Black Forest Products: While Juicy Burst contains gelatin, some Black Forest products, such as their fruit strips, are gelatin-free. Be sure to check the specific product's ingredient list, as their Organic Gummy Bears also contain gelatin.
Swedish Fish: A classic candy that traditionally uses corn starch as a gelling agent instead of gelatin.

How to Check for Gelatin

For those who need to be vigilant about ingredients, here are some simple steps to follow:

Read the Label: The most direct method is to read the ingredient list on the product packaging. Look for the word "gelatin" or "gelatine".
Look for Certifications: Products certified as "vegan" or carrying a specific vegan logo are a reliable choice.
Check for 'Vegetarian' Labels: Be cautious, as some products might use the term loosely, or labels can be inaccurate online. For instance, some Amazon listings for Juicy Burst mention 'vegetarian' but are contradicted by the ingredients list. The spoonfulapp.com source directly states Juicy Burst is not vegetarian.
Visit the Brand's Website: Reputable brands will have detailed ingredient and allergen information on their website, as Black Forest does.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In conclusion, Black Forest Juicy Burst gummies do contain gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. Fortunately, the market offers a wide variety of delicious alternatives that use plant-based gelling agents like pectin and agar-agar. By checking the ingredient list and seeking out certified products, consumers can easily find a chewy snack that aligns with their dietary preferences and values. The rise of plant-based options means that sacrificing texture or flavor is no longer necessary, allowing for a delicious and informed choice every time.

Resources

For additional information on Black Forest products and their ingredients, you can visit their official website for details on specific products, such as the Juicy Burst mixed fruit snacks: https://www.blackforestusa.com/fruit-snacks/juicy-bursts/juicy-bursts-mixed-fruit

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Black Forest Juicy Burst gummies contain gelatin, which is an animal-derived product. It comes from the collagen found in animal parts like bones, skin, and cartilage.

No, these gummies are not vegan because they list gelatin as an ingredient, which comes from animal sources.

No, they are not vegetarian. The use of animal-derived gelatin makes them inappropriate for a vegetarian diet.

Gelatin is a translucent, colorless, and flavorless food ingredient derived from collagen, a protein extracted from boiled animal bones, connective tissues, and hides.

There are many vegan alternatives that use pectin instead of gelatin, such as YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks, Simply Really Real Gummies, and Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks.

Some other Black Forest products do, while some do not. For example, some of their Organic Gummy Bears contain gelatin. However, products like their fruit strips are often gelatin-free. Always check the specific product's ingredient label.

Vegan gummies often use plant-based gelling agents like pectin (from fruits), agar-agar (from seaweed), or modified corn starch to achieve their chewy texture.

These labels can be inaccurate. It is essential to double-check the product's official ingredient list from the manufacturer or a reliable nutritional database, as product data can sometimes be entered incorrectly by retailers.

No, not all of them do. While the Juicy Burst line does, other products like the Black Forest fruit strips are explicitly marketed as not containing gelatin. Checking each specific product's ingredient list is the only way to be certain.