Do Sour Patch Kids Bunnies Have Gelatin? The Definitive Answer

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite their famously chewy texture, Sour Patch Kids products in the United States, including the popular Sour Patch Kids bunnies, do not contain gelatin. This fact, however, does not automatically mean they are vegan, as other factors and regional differences must be considered.

Quick Summary

The Easter-themed Sour Patch Kids Bunnies sold in the US are made without gelatin, relying on modified corn starch for their chewy consistency instead. However, the inclusion of cane sugar, which may be filtered using animal bone char, and artificial colors tested on animals raises concerns for some strict vegans.

Key Points

Gelatin-Free in the US: Sour Patch Kids bunnies sold in the United States do not contain gelatin.
Modified Corn Starch is the Substitute: The chewy texture is achieved using modified corn starch, a plant-based ingredient.
Not Always Vegan: Despite being gelatin-free, some vegans may avoid the candy due to concerns over sugar processed with bone char and animal-tested artificial dyes.
Ingredients Vary by Region: Sour Patch Kids sold in the UK and some European regions typically contain gelatin and are not vegetarian or vegan.
Certified Vegan Alternatives Exist: For a truly vegan-friendly option, brands like YumEarth and Project 7 offer sour candies without the controversial ingredients.

Do Sour Patch Kids Bunnies Have Gelatin?

For those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, the question of whether chewy candies contain gelatin is crucial. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen and is a common ingredient in many gummy sweets. Fortunately, for fans in the United States, the answer is no; Sour Patch Kids Bunnies are entirely gelatin-free. The product uses a plant-based alternative to achieve its signature chewy consistency.

The Ingredient That Replaces Gelatin

Instead of gelatin, the US recipe for Sour Patch Kids Bunnies uses modified corn starch. This ingredient, derived from corn, provides the same satisfying texture without relying on animal byproducts. This makes the candy suitable for vegetarians and provides a plant-based base for those with stricter dietary considerations.

Beyond Gelatin: The Full Ingredients List

To make an informed decision, it's essential to examine the complete ingredients list. The standard US formulation for Sour Patch Kids Bunnies includes the following components:

Sugar
Invert Sugar
Corn Syrup
Modified Corn Starch
Tartaric Acid
Citric Acid
Natural and Artificial Flavor
Artificial Colors (Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)
Titanium Dioxide (for color, in some varieties)

Potential Vegan Concerns Beyond Gelatin

While gelatin-free, several ingredients in Sour Patch Kids Bunnies can be a source of ethical conflict for strict vegans. The following are common points of contention:

Controversial Ingredient: Sugar Processing

Most non-organic cane sugar is processed using bone char, a charcoal made from the bones of cattle, to achieve a white color. While the bone char does not end up in the final product, it is an animal-derived component of the processing. Mondelez International, the company behind Sour Patch Kids, has stated that some of their sugar suppliers use this method, while others do not. This makes it impossible to guarantee that the sugar in a particular bag is free from this process, leading some vegans to avoid the product.

Controversial Ingredient: Artificial Colors

Artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, which give Sour Patch Kids their vibrant colors, are periodically tested on animals as part of the approval process. For many vegans, the lifestyle is about avoiding all forms of animal exploitation, including testing. The dyes themselves are synthetic and not animal-derived, but the history of animal testing is enough for some to choose alternatives.

Controversial Ingredient: Natural Flavors

The term 'natural flavor' can be ambiguous. In products not certified vegan, natural flavors can be derived from either plant or animal sources. Mondelez International often cannot confirm the exact source, which creates uncertainty for some consumers.

US vs. UK Sour Patch Kids: A Critical Distinction

It is vital to recognize that the ingredient list for Sour Patch Kids products varies by region. The UK version, for instance, has traditionally contained gelatin, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. This is a key difference for consumers to be aware of, especially when purchasing products online or from international stores.

A Tale of Two Candies: US vs. UK Sour Patch Kids


Feature	US Sour Patch Kids Bunnies	UK Sour Patch Kids
Gelatin	No, uses modified corn starch	Yes, traditionally included
Chewy Texture Source	Modified corn starch	Gelatin
Refined Sugar Concerns	Possible bone char filtering	Possible bone char filtering
Artificial Colors	May involve historical animal testing	May involve historical animal testing
Vegan Status	Debatable for strict vegans due to sugar and dyes	Not vegan or vegetarian

Gelatin-Free and Confirmed Vegan Alternatives

For those who prefer to avoid any potential ethical grey areas, several companies offer truly vegan and gelatin-free sour candy options. These alternatives eliminate concerns about bone char-filtered sugar and animal-tested dyes.

YumEarth Organic Sour Beans: Certified USDA organic and vegan, avoiding bone char sugar and artificial dyes.
Project 7 Sour Gummy Worms: Uses organic cane sugar and is certified vegan, making it a reliable choice.
Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears: A gluten-free and vegan option that avoids controversial ingredients.
Smart Sweets Sour Blast Buddies: Made with non-GMO corn fiber for texture and uses plant-based recipes.
Candy People Sour Viking: Clearly labeled as vegan and gelatin-free.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You

In short, Sour Patch Kids bunnies do not have gelatin in the US market, making them suitable for vegetarians. However, whether they are considered vegan depends on a consumer's personal ethical standards regarding sugar processing and artificial food dyes. The regional variations are also a critical point of awareness. By understanding the full picture of the ingredients and sourcing, individuals can decide if this sour-and-sweet treat aligns with their dietary values. For those who want to be completely certain, numerous certified vegan alternatives are available on the market, offering the same mouth-puckering experience with none of the ethical ambiguity. Learn more about the ethics of food processing from the Vegan Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sour Patch Kids bunnies sold in the United States do not contain gelatin. They use a plant-based ingredient called modified corn starch for their chewy texture.

The US version of Sour Patch Kids bunnies is often considered 'accidentally vegan' as they are free of animal ingredients. However, strict vegans may avoid them due to concerns about bone char-filtered sugar and artificial colors tested on animals.

Modified corn starch is a plant-based thickening agent derived from corn. It is used as a gelatin substitute to provide a soft, chewy texture in candies like Sour Patch Kids.

No, but it depends on the region. While the standard candy in the US is gelatin-free, many varieties sold in the UK and other parts of Europe do contain gelatin. It's important to check the ingredient list for your specific product.

Non-organic cane sugar may be refined using bone char, which is made from animal bones. Since the company uses multiple suppliers, it cannot confirm if bone char was used, leading some strict vegans to avoid products with standard cane sugar.

The artificial dyes used in the candy, such as Red 40 and Blue 1, were tested on animals to receive FDA approval. For vegans who oppose all forms of animal exploitation, including testing, these ingredients are a concern.

Several brands offer confirmed vegan sour candies. Examples include YumEarth Organic Sour Beans, Project 7 Sour Gummy Worms, and Smart Sweets Sour Blast Buddies.