A Closer Look at Starburst Ingredients
Many consumers are surprised to learn that certain common food additives are derived from animal or insect sources. For a popular candy brand like Starburst, the presence of these non-vegan ingredients is a critical distinction for people following specific diets. The core of the confusion lies in different product types and past formulations. While the classic Starburst Fruit Chews do not contain bug-derived ingredients in their current U.S. formulation, other related products like Starburst Jelly Beans definitely do.
Starburst Chews vs. Starburst Jelly Beans
The most significant distinction is between the chewy squares and the seasonal jelly beans. The shiny finish on Starburst Jelly Beans is achieved with a substance called confectioner's glaze. This substance is derived from shellac, a resin excreted by the female lac bug. The bugs are cultivated on trees, and their secretions are harvested, melted, and processed into flakes or a glaze. This makes Starburst Jelly Beans and any other product using this glaze definitively non-vegan and insect-derived.
In contrast, the classic Starburst Fruit Chews sold in the U.S. use different ingredients. Their chewy texture comes from gelatin, an animal byproduct made by boiling down the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones of cows or pigs. While not from insects, this does make the original fruit chews non-vegetarian and non-vegan. A key difference to note is that Starburst candies sold in the UK are formulated differently and typically do not contain gelatin, making them vegan in that region.
The Carmine and Cochineal Red History
Another source of confusion regarding bugs in candy relates to cochineal dye. For many years, some red candies, including Skittles and potentially older Starburst formulations, used a food coloring known as carmine or cochineal. This vibrant red dye is derived from the dried, ground-up bodies of female cochineal insects, which live on prickly pear cacti. It takes tens of thousands of these tiny insects to produce just one pound of the dye.
In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that products using carmine or cochineal extract must be clearly labeled as such, as some consumers experienced allergic reactions. This led to many candy manufacturers, including Mars, the maker of Starburst, to switch to synthetic alternatives like Red 40 for their products. As a result, modern Starburst Fruit Chews do not contain cochineal dye.
Artificial vs. Natural Ingredients: A Comparison
To better understand the difference in ingredients, here is a comparison of past and present formulations and their key differences.
| Feature | Classic U.S. Starburst Fruit Chews | Starburst Jelly Beans | Past Red Dye Formulations | UK Starburst (Opal Fruits) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insect-Derived Glaze (Shellac) | No (uses alternative coatings like carnauba wax) | Yes (uses confectioner's glaze) | No | No (uses plant-based glaze) |
| Animal-Derived Gelatin | Yes | Yes | Yes (if applicable) | No |
| Insect-Derived Red Dye (Cochineal) | No (uses Red 40) | No (uses Red 40, etc.) | Yes (historically) | No (uses alternatives) |
| Vegan Status | No | No | Historically Non-Vegan | Yes |
How to Verify Ingredients
For conscientious consumers, the best course of action is to always check the ingredient label. Ingredient lists can vary by product type (e.g., chews versus jelly beans) and geographic location (e.g., U.S. versus UK). For example, the official Starburst website for the U.S. shows Red 40 as the coloring for original fruit chews, not cochineal. Similarly, the presence of gelatin and confectioner's glaze can be confirmed on the product's packaging. This simple practice empowers consumers to make informed choices based on their dietary preferences and ethical considerations.
Conclusion
The claim that Starburst has bugs in it is not entirely false, but it requires careful qualification. While the classic Starburst Fruit Chews no longer contain bug-derived cochineal dye and instead use synthetic Red 40, they still contain animal-derived gelatin. Other Starburst products, specifically the Jelly Beans, use confectioner's glaze, a product of insect secretions. Ingredient variations also exist between different countries. Ultimately, consumers concerned about insect or animal-derived ingredients should read product labels closely, especially for different types of Starburst candy, to ensure they align with their dietary needs. The truth is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, reflecting the complex nature of modern food production and labeling.
