Does all Haribo have gelatin? A complete guide to ingredients

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that over 300,000 tons of gelatin are produced annually, much of which is used in confectionery? This is why the question, "Does all Haribo have gelatin?", is so crucial for consumers with dietary restrictions, as the answer depends on the specific product and its country of origin.

Quick Summary

Haribo's use of gelatin is not universal across all products or markets, with classic gummy candies often containing it, while vegetarian, vegan, and Halal versions exist using alternative gelling agents. The exact ingredients can vary significantly depending on the region of sale, making it essential to read the packaging carefully before consumption.

Key Points

Not all products contain gelatin: Haribo's use of gelatin is not universal across all its products or global markets.
Classic gummies contain gelatin: Many traditional chewy gummies, including the original Goldbears in the US and UK, contain animal-derived gelatin.
Gelatin varies by country: Recipes differ significantly by region; for instance, Halal-certified Goldbears in Turkey use beef gelatin instead of pork.
Vegetarian and vegan options exist: Haribo offers specific products formulated without gelatin, using plant-based alternatives like pectin or carrageenan.
Check the ingredients list: The most reliable method to determine if a product is gelatin-free is to read the packaging's ingredient list carefully, as variations are common.
Look for other animal-derived ingredients: Some products may be gelatin-free but still unsuitable for vegans due to ingredients like beeswax or shellac.

Does All Haribo Have Gelatin?

While Haribo is famous for its chewy, gelatin-based gummy bears, not all of its products worldwide contain gelatin. The use of animal-derived gelatin, typically from pork or beef, is standard for many classic gummy recipes, but the company has developed non-gelatin alternatives for various markets. The recipe's composition is heavily influenced by regional dietary laws and consumer preferences, especially concerning vegetarian, vegan, and Halal diets.

The Role of Gelatin in Haribo Candies

Gelatin is an animal protein derived from collagen, usually from pigskins or cattle bones. It provides the characteristic chewy, bouncy texture found in many traditional Haribo gummies. This is why classic Goldbears sold in the US or UK typically list gelatin as a primary ingredient.

Goldbears (Standard): In many Western countries, including the US, the original Goldbears recipe uses animal gelatin.
Starmix (UK): Haribo's UK range, including the popular Starmix, also contains pork gelatin.
Chamallows: Haribo's marshmallows are not vegetarian, as they contain gelatin.
Cross-Contamination: Due to shared production facilities, even products made without gelatin might carry a warning that they could contain traces of it.

Haribo's Gelatin-Free and Alternative Products

Recognizing the growing demand for dietary alternatives, Haribo has expanded its product line to include vegetarian, vegan, and Halal options in specific regions. These products use plant-based gelling agents instead of animal gelatin.

Here are some common gelatin-free alternatives Haribo utilizes:

Starch: Used as a thickener and gelling agent, often derived from corn or wheat.
Pectin: A natural gelling agent extracted from fruits, frequently used in jams and jellies.
Carrageenan: A gelatin substitute derived from seaweed.

Comparing Haribo Products with and Without Gelatin

This table highlights some examples of Haribo products with different ingredient profiles based on regional recipes.


Product Name	Country/Region	Contains Gelatin?	Type of Gelatin (if any)	Key Gelling Alternative
Goldbears (Standard)	US, UK, Germany	Yes	Pork (Germany, UK), Pork/Beef (US)	N/A
Halal Goldbears	Asia, Turkey	Yes	Beef (Halal)	N/A
Rainbow Strips	UK	No	N/A	Starch
Giant Strawbs	UK	No	N/A	Vegetarian (Details vary)
Sour Sghetti	Australia	No	N/A	Corn Starch
Pasta Frutta	Australia	No	N/A	Vegetarian

Variations by Country and the Halal Range

The most significant factor determining whether a Haribo product contains gelatin is its country of origin. This is due to local consumer demand and regulatory requirements.

For example, while standard Goldbears in the US contain a mix of pork and beef gelatin, the Halal-certified version produced in Turkey uses only beef gelatin from halal-slaughtered cattle. Similarly, Haribo's UK division explicitly states that its range contains pork gelatin, with exceptions made for vegetarian and vegan products clearly marked on the packaging. In Australia, specific "veggie" products are listed as free from animal gelatin.

How to Check for Gelatin

Because of these global variations, the only reliable way to know if a specific Haribo product contains gelatin is to read the ingredients list on the packaging. Here are a few tips to guide you:

Bold Ingredients: Look for ingredients listed in bold, as allergen and animal-derived product information is often highlighted this way.
Ingredient Name: Search the list for the word "gelatin" or "gelatine." It will usually be listed near the top of the ingredients for gummy products.
Glazing Agents: Also be aware of other animal-derived ingredients like beeswax (E901) and shellac (E904), which are used for glazing and are not vegan.
Product Claims: Some vegetarian products in the UK carry a green "Suitable for Vegetarians" seal, but checking the ingredient list is always the safest method.

Conclusion

To answer the question, no, not all Haribo has gelatin. The brand offers a diverse range of products, with recipes and ingredients varying significantly across different markets to cater to diverse dietary requirements. While many of the classic gummy candies and marshmallows contain animal-based gelatin, the company has made a conscious effort to produce vegetarian, vegan, and Halal-certified options in specific regions using plant-based gelling agents like pectin, starch, and carrageenan. For the most accurate information, consumers must read the ingredient list on the specific product packaging, as formulations can change and differ depending on the country of purchase.

For more detailed information on ingredients and specific products, you can visit the official Haribo website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the standard Haribo Starmix sold in the UK and other regions is not vegetarian, as it contains pork gelatin.

In their vegetarian and vegan products, Haribo uses plant-based gelling agents such as starch, pectin, or carrageenan to achieve a chewy texture.

Yes, Haribo produces Halal-certified gummies in some markets, such as Turkey, which use beef gelatin instead of pork. These are clearly marked with a Halal certification.

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the packaging. In some regions like the UK, products suitable for vegetarians may be explicitly marked with a green seal.

Yes, the standard Haribo Goldbears sold in the US contain gelatin derived from both pork and beef.

Yes, but they are more limited. Products like UK Rainbow Strips and US Sour Sghetti are examples of vegan options, but availability varies by country.

Recipes are adjusted to accommodate local tastes, consumer dietary needs, and regulatory requirements. This is why the same product can have different ingredients in different countries.