Do now or laters have gelatin? The surprising ingredient breakdown

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Now and Later website, not all of their products are created equal when it comes to ingredients. Many consumers, especially those following plant-based diets, frequently wonder: do now or laters have gelatin? The answer depends entirely on the specific type of candy and requires careful label-reading.

Quick Summary

The presence of gelatin in Now and Later candy varies by product line. While the classic Original Mix is generally gelatin-free, variations like 'Chewy' and 'Shell Shocked' often contain gelatin and egg whites. Always check the packaging for definitive ingredient information based on the specific version and flavor.

Key Points

Original Mix is Gelatin-Free: The classic hard taffy version of Now and Later does not list gelatin in its ingredients.
Chewy Varieties Contain Egg Whites: The softer, 'Chewy' versions of Now and Later include egg whites, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Shell Shocked Bites Contain Gelatin: The candy-coated Shell Shocked variety explicitly lists gelatin as an ingredient.
Always Check the Label: Because ingredients vary significantly by product line, it is crucial to read the specific packaging for the most accurate information.
Gelatin is an Animal Product: Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, making candies that contain it unsuitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Many Alternatives Exist: For those avoiding gelatin, numerous other candies like Sour Patch Kids and Twizzlers are available.

The Different Varieties of Now and Later

For decades, Now and Later candies have been a popular treat, known for their distinctive long-lasting chew and intense fruit flavors. However, the company offers several product lines, and their recipes are not consistent across the board. This is the primary reason for confusion when consumers ask about ingredients like gelatin. The most common varieties include the Original Hard Taffy, the softer Chewy versions, and the candy-coated Shell Shocked bites. Each version has a unique ingredient list, which can be found on its specific product packaging.

Original Mix (Hard Taffy)

This is the classic, individually wrapped taffy that many people grew up with. Its ingredients typically consist of corn syrup, sugar, palm oil, citric acid, salt, artificial flavor, soy lecithin, and various artificial colors. Critically, the standard Original Mix formulation does not contain gelatin, making it a viable option for vegetarians and vegans—assuming they are comfortable with the other artificial ingredients. However, as with any packaged food, consumers should always double-check the label for the most current information, as formulations can change over time and differ by region or production facility.

Chewy Now and Laters

To provide a softer, less jaw-straining experience, Ferrara Candy also manufactures 'Chewy' versions of Now and Later. These products are known to contain egg whites, and some may also contain gelatin. The inclusion of egg whites alone makes this product unsuitable for vegans. Combined with the potential addition of gelatin, it also becomes inappropriate for vegetarians. The chewier texture comes from these added ingredients, so consumers seeking a gelatin-free option should be wary of any product labeled 'Chewy.'

Shell Shocked Candy Coated Chewy Bites

For those who prefer a harder outer shell and a soft, chewy interior, the Shell Shocked line presents another option. A review of the ingredient list for Now and Later Shell Shocked candy confirms the presence of gelatin. In addition to gelatin, these bites also contain corn starch, carnauba wax, and other additives to create their specific texture and coating. This variation is explicitly not suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet due to the animal-derived gelatin.

Why Ingredients Vary

The different textures across the product lines are a direct result of their ingredient composition. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, and it is a common gelling agent used to provide elasticity and a soft, chewy feel in candies and other foods. The original hard taffy does not require this gelling property, but the softer and coated varieties do. Food manufacturers often adjust recipes to create different product experiences, and consumers must be diligent in reading labels to identify these differences.

A Detailed Comparison of Now and Later Products

To help clarify the differences at a glance, here is a breakdown of the common Now and Later varieties.


Feature	Original Mix (Hard Taffy)	Chewy Varieties	Shell Shocked Bites
Gelatin	No	Likely Yes	Yes
Egg Whites	No	Yes	No (typically)
Texture	Hard, long-lasting taffy	Soft, pliable chew	Hard candy shell, soft center
Vegan Friendly	Yes, but check label	No	No
Vegetarian Friendly	Yes, but check label	No	No

Alternatives to Gelatin-Containing Candies

For those who prefer to avoid gelatin, several confectionery options are available. The candy industry has responded to consumer demand for plant-based alternatives, and many products are now clearly labeled as vegan or vegetarian.

Here are some popular alternatives to consider:

Original Now and Later Taffy: As mentioned, the classic version is a good choice, but always verify the ingredients list.
Sour Patch Kids: This is a widely available and popular candy that is known to be gelatin-free and vegan.
Dots Gumdrops: These chewy candies are a classic choice and are also suitable for vegans.
Twizzlers: Classic strawberry Twizzlers are famously vegan and contain no gelatin.
Airheads: These taffy-like candies are another vegan-friendly, gelatin-free option.

Conclusion

When it comes to the question, "do now or laters have gelatin?", the answer is a nuanced one. While the classic Original Mix hard taffy does not contain gelatin, other versions, including the Chewy and Shell Shocked varieties, do. The key takeaway for any consumer with dietary restrictions is to always check the specific product's ingredient label before purchasing. Ingredient information for various Now and Later products can be found on the official brand website at https://www.nowandlater.com/products. Choosing the right Now and Later candy requires more than just picking a flavor; it requires understanding the variety and reading the fine print.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Now and Later candies are vegan. While the Original Mix is generally gelatin-free, other varieties like 'Chewy' and 'Shell Shocked' contain animal-derived ingredients such as egg whites or gelatin.

The Now and Later Shell Shocked candy-coated chewy bites are confirmed to contain gelatin. Some 'Chewy' versions may also contain gelatin, in addition to egg whites.

Yes, the classic Original Mix hard taffy is generally considered vegetarian because it does not contain gelatin. It is also suitable for vegans, but it is always best to check the label for any recent changes.

The difference in ingredients is due to the desired texture. Gelatin is added to some varieties, particularly the Chewy and Shell Shocked versions, to give them a softer, gummier consistency that cannot be achieved with the ingredients used in the hard taffy.

You can find the ingredient list for specific Now and Later products on their packaging. For more general information, the official Now and Later website provides ingredient details for their product lines.

Since some varieties of Now and Later contain animal-derived gelatin or egg whites, they may not be suitable for a Halal diet. It is recommended to check for a specific Halal certification on the product packaging, as ingredient sourcing can be a factor.

Yes, manufacturers can and do change recipes over time to alter product texture, flavor, or to meet production demands. An incident in 1998 related to an incorrect ingredient panel being printed on kosher products serves as a reminder that labels should always be verified.