Do Gummy Bears Have Pigs in Them? An In-depth Look at Gelatin

January 9, 2026 •

2 min read

According to Haribo, the original manufacturer, the gelatin in their classic gummy bears is made from pig skin. While not all gummy bears contain pork, the answer depends entirely on the brand and formulation, a detail often overlooked by consumers.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of pork-based gelatin in many traditional gummy bear recipes is a result of sourcing ingredients from the meat industry. Alternative products made with plant-based gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar exist for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, including vegans and those following kosher or halal diets.

Key Points

Gelatin is the Key Ingredient: The bouncy texture of traditional gummy bears is derived from gelatin, a protein extracted from animal collagen.
Pork is a Common Source: Many gummy bear brands, including certain Haribo products, use gelatin made from pig skin and bones.
Not All Gummies are the Same: Many alternatives are available that use plant-based gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar, suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Labeling is Crucial: To determine the source, consumers should check the ingredient list for 'gelatin' and look for certifications like Kosher, Halal, or Vegan.
Brand and Regional Variations Exist: Some companies change their ingredient sourcing based on the country, offering different gelatin types to meet local dietary laws.
Plant-Based Alternatives have a Different Texture: Vegan gummies made with pectin or agar-agar often have a slightly different, sometimes firmer or stickier, texture compared to their gelatin-based counterparts.

The Surprising Source of Gummy Bear Texture

Many traditional gummy bears owe their chewy texture to gelatin, which is often derived from the collagen found in pork skin and cattle bones. Gelatin is a byproduct of the meat industry, created by boiling animal parts to break down collagen. Pork is a common and cost-effective source for manufacturers.

How to Tell if Gummy Bears Contain Pork

Identifying pork gelatin in gummy bears requires careful label reading. Here's what to look for:

Check ingredient lists: Look for 'gelatin,' but be aware the source might not be specified.
Seek certification: Halal or Kosher symbols indicate the absence of pork gelatin and adherence to specific processing standards.
Look for vegan labels: Vegan products use plant-based gelling agents instead of animal ingredients.
Research brands: Some brands like Haribo specify their gelatin sources online, which can vary by region.

The Rise of Gelatin Alternatives

Growing demand for vegetarian, vegan, and religious dietary options has led to plant-based gelling agents being used in gummy candies. These alternatives offer a similar texture while accommodating various diets.

Common Plant-Based Gelling Agents

Pectin: Found in fruits, it creates a softer, more jelly-like texture.
Agar-Agar: Derived from seaweed, it provides a firmer texture and is a popular vegan substitute.
Carrageenan: Also from seaweed, it acts as a thickener and stabilizer.

Gelatin vs. Vegan Gelling Agents: A Comparison


Feature	Gelatin (Animal-Derived)	Plant-Based Alternatives (Pectin, Agar)
Source	Animal collagen (pigs, cows)	Fruits (pectin), seaweed (agar-agar, carrageenan)
Texture	Characteristic bouncy, chewy consistency	Often softer or firmer, can be slightly sticky
Dietary Restrictions	Not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, Kosher, or Halal diets (unless certified)	Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, Kosher, and Halal diets
Setting Process	Requires cooling to set	Can set at room temperature (pectin) or requires specific conditions
Melting Point	Melts just below body temperature	Higher melting points

Making an Informed Choice

Many classic gummy bears use animal-derived gelatin, often from pigs. However, the market offers many alternatives using plant-based ingredients like pectin or agar-agar, suitable for various diets. Checking labels for ingredients, Kosher, Halal, or 'vegan' certifications is key to making an informed choice. For more details on ingredients, checking official brand websites is recommended, like the Haribo FAQ page. The source of gelatin can also vary by region, with some brands offering non-pork options in certain markets to meet dietary laws.

Conclusion: Navigating the World of Gummies

While many traditional gummy bears do contain pork-derived gelatin, it's not universally true. Gelatin is the common ingredient responsible for the chewiness. A growing number of alternatives use plant-based gelling agents, offering options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. By reading labels and looking for certifications, consumers can confidently choose gummies that align with their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, many brands now offer vegan or vegetarian gummy bears that use plant-based gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar instead of animal-based gelatin.

While many Haribo products in the US and Germany contain pork gelatin, the company produces different formulations for international markets, including versions made with beef or fish gelatin for Kosher and Halal consumers. It's important to check the specific product packaging.

Popular alternatives include vegan gummy candies made with pectin or other plant-based gelling agents, as well as some fruit snack brands that are naturally gelatin-free.

Gelatin is a flavorless, colorless gelling agent derived from animal collagen, typically from pork or cow hides and bones. It gives gummy candies their signature chewy and elastic texture.

Always check the ingredient list for 'gelatin.' For absolute certainty, look for certified Kosher or Halal products, or items explicitly labeled 'vegan' or 'vegetarian,' as these will not contain any pork-based ingredients.

Plant-based gelling agents like pectin and agar-agar provide an option for those with dietary, ethical, or religious restrictions. They also often produce a slightly different texture that some prefer.

Yes, you can easily make homemade gummy bears using fruit juice and plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or pectin. This gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Just like candy, many gummy vitamins also use gelatin for their texture. The source of this gelatin can vary, so it is important to check the label for specific details or look for certified vegan products.