The History of Percy Pig Ingredients: A Timeline of Change
Marks & Spencer's beloved Percy Pig sweets were first launched in 1992 and, for a significant portion of their history, contained pork gelatine. As a common gelling agent derived from animal collagen, gelatine was responsible for the sweets' signature chewy texture. However, as consumer demands for vegetarian and vegan options grew, M&S began to adapt its recipe to become more inclusive.
- 2011: M&S introduced the first vegetarian version of the sweets, known as "Veggie Percy," which could be identified by its green ears. These sweets replaced gelatine with other gelling agents, a significant step towards a plant-based recipe.
- 2016: The retailer began phasing out gelatine across the entire Percy Pig range, introducing a new gelatine-free recipe for several varieties. This demonstrated a commitment to moving the entire brand towards a vegetarian-friendly standard.
- May 2019: The transition was completed. All standard Percy Pig sweets were officially reformulated to be 100% gelatine-free, using a pectin-based recipe. This move was met with some controversy and public debate, including a vocal reaction from commentators like Piers Morgan. However, M&S assured customers that extensive testing ensured the new recipe retained the same great flavour.
- 2022: The recipe was refined further. M&S removed the last remaining animal-derived ingredient, beeswax, from the standard Percy Pig sweets. This change meant that the sweets were now fully vegan, and packaging was updated with a clear 'vegan' label.
Percy Pig Today: What's in the Sweet?
Today, the ingredients in a standard bag of Percy Pig sweets reflect M&S's commitment to plant-based alternatives. Instead of pork gelatine, the chewy texture is achieved using pectin and modified starches. Key ingredients include:
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Modified Potato Starch
- Dextrose
- Modified Tapioca Starch
- Fruit Juice from Concentrates
- Acid: Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid
- Potato Protein
- Pectin (Gelling Agent)
- Natural Flavourings
- Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates for colour
It is important to note that while the sweets themselves are prepared to a vegan recipe, some varieties or products may carry a 'May Contain Milk' warning due to manufacturing methods. This makes them potentially unsuitable for individuals with severe milk allergies, though they remain dairy-free by recipe.
Comparison: Old vs. New Percy Pig Recipes
| Feature | Original Recipe (Pre-2019) | Current Recipe (2022 onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | Pork Gelatine | Pectin, Modified Potato Starch |
| Glazing Agent | Beeswax (E901) | Carnauba Wax |
| Dietary Status | Not vegetarian or vegan | Fully vegan |
| Texture | Chewy, but slightly different | Chewy, designed to be as close to the original as possible |
| Target Audience | General public | Broadened to include vegetarians and vegans |
What About Other Percy Products?
While the standard Percy Pig sweets are now vegan, M&S has expanded the Percy Pig brand far beyond its initial confectionery. This includes items like biscuits, ice cream, and other sweet treats. Crucially, the ingredient status of each product must be checked individually. The ice cream, for instance, contains dairy and is not vegan. The biscuits may also contain milk or other non-vegan ingredients. When in doubt, always refer to the specific ingredients list on the packaging of any Percy Pig branded item, not just the gummy sweets.
A Wider Look at Gelatine-Free Sweets in the UK
For those seeking other gelatine-free options, the UK market now offers a vast array of vegetarian and vegan sweets. Many brands have followed the trend and reformulated their products to meet the growing demand. Some notable examples include:
- Jelly Tots: These classic fruit gums have long been gelatine-free.
- Candy Kittens: A gourmet candy brand known for its vegan-friendly range.
- Love Hearts: A staple of UK sweets, these are gelatine-free and suitable for vegans.
- Millions: These tiny chewy sweets are gelatine-free and come in a wide variety of flavours.
- Free From Fellows: This brand specialises in gelatine-free and sugar-free options.
This expanding market for plant-based confectionery highlights a major shift in consumer preferences and industry standards, with Marks & Spencer’s Percy Pig leading the charge for a much-loved classic.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "Do Percy Pigs have pork gelatine?" is a definitive no. While the original version of the sweet did contain animal gelatine, Marks & Spencer phased out this ingredient completely by May 2019. Since 2022, the brand has gone even further, removing beeswax to make the standard Percy Pig sweets suitable for a vegan diet. This journey from a gelatine-based recipe to a fully plant-based one makes the iconic sweet accessible to a much broader audience, reflecting modern dietary trends and ethical considerations. Consumers can confidently enjoy today's Percy Pigs, knowing they are entirely free from pork products. For up-to-date information on the Percy Pig range, visit the official M&S website. M&S Percy Pig Information
