Do Sour Patches Have Pork in Them?

January 11, 2026 •

2 min read

Over 200 million pounds of gelatin are produced annually, and much of it comes from animal by-products like pork. This fact makes many wonder, 'do sour patches have pork in them?' The answer depends heavily on your location, but in the United States, the classic varieties do not contain any gelatin derived from pork or any other animal.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the ingredients in Sour Patch Kids, distinguishing between regional formulas to address whether the candy contains pork-derived gelatin. It details the specific ingredients used for the US version, compares it to international variations, and explains related dietary concerns like veganism and halal certification.

Key Points

US Formula is Pork-Free: In the United States, Sour Patch Kids do not contain pork or any animal-derived gelatin.
International Versions May Contain Pork: The UK and some European versions of Sour Patch Kids use gelatine, which is often derived from pork.
Texture from Plant-Based Ingredients: The American formula uses modified corn starch and corn syrup for its chewy consistency, not gelatin.
Vegan Status is Debatable: While vegetarian, strict vegans may avoid the US version due to sugar processed with bone char and artificial colors tested on animals.
Always Check Labels: Due to regional differences, it is crucial to read the ingredient list on the packaging, especially when traveling.

Do US Sour Patch Kids Contain Pork?

In the United States, Sour Patch Kids do not contain pork or any other animal-derived gelatin. The chewy texture comes from plant-based ingredients such as modified corn starch and corn syrup. Typical US ingredients include Sugar, Invert Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Corn Starch, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavor, and various artificial colorings. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen and is commonly used in gummy candies. US Sour Patch Kids were developed without gelatin to be suitable for vegetarians.

International Versions: A Different Story

Unlike the US version, Sour Patch Kids in some regions, notably the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, do contain animal-derived gelatin, often from porcine sources. Consumers outside the US should always check the ingredient label due to these regional differences, especially for halal, kosher, or vegetarian diets.

Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan? A Closer Look

The vegan status of US Sour Patch Kids is debated. Concerns for strict vegans include non-organic sugar potentially processed with bone char (made from cattle bones) and artificial colors that were historically tested on animals. The sourcing of natural and artificial flavors can also be a factor.

Comparison of Regional Sour Patch Kids Formulas


Feature	USA Formula	UK / Some European Formula	Notes
Pork-Derived Gelatin?	No	Yes, contains porcine gelatine	This is the key difference for many consumers.
Chewy Agent	Modified corn starch, corn syrup	Gelatine	Plant-based vs. animal-based.
Vegan Status (Strict)	No (due to sugar, dyes)	No (due to gelatine)	Stricter ethical vegans may avoid US version; all vegans avoid UK version.
Halal/Kosher Certified?	Yes, but must check specific packaging for certifications	No (due to gelatine)	Halal status confirmed by some Islamic food authorities for the US product. Kosher status varies by product, and needs specific certification.
Vegetarian Status	Yes	No (due to gelatine)	The US formula is widely considered vegetarian.

Conclusion

While US Sour Patch Kids do not contain pork or animal gelatin, versions in other countries often do. Strict vegans may also avoid the US product due to sugar processing and artificial colors. Always read the packaging for ingredients and dietary certifications. For common ingredients in US Sour Patch Kids and other considerations, see {Link: The Hidden Veggies https://thehiddenveggies.com/are-sour-patch-kids-vegan/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Sour Patch Kids contain pork. The version sold in the United States and Canada is free of any animal-derived gelatin. However, some versions sold internationally, particularly in the UK and Europe, do contain gelatin, which is often sourced from pork.

Instead of animal gelatin, the chewy texture of US Sour Patch Kids is created using plant-based ingredients like modified corn starch and corn syrup.

The vegan status of Sour Patch Kids is debated among vegans. While the US version is free of animal gelatin, some vegans avoid it because the sugar used may be filtered with bone char, and the artificial colors were initially tested on animals.

In countries where they are produced without gelatin, such as the US, Sour Patch Kids are considered halal. However, consumers should always check the package for official halal certification, especially when buying products from a different region.

The simplest way is to check the ingredients list on the packaging. If you see "gelatin" or "gelatine" listed, it is likely not pork-free unless otherwise specified (e.g., "kosher fish gelatin"). If the packaging carries a clear vegan, halal, or kosher certification, it is a reliable indicator.

Bone char is a charcoal-like material made from charred animal bones, often from cattle. It is used as a filter in the refining process of some cane sugar to achieve a whiter appearance. For some vegans, this process of animal exploitation is a reason to avoid products made with non-organic sugar.

No, not all gummy candies are made with pork. Many brands, including US Sour Patch Kids, use alternative gelling agents like modified corn starch, corn syrup, pectin, or agar-agar, which are plant-based. It's always best to check the ingredients list to be certain.