Nutrition and Your Sweet Tooth: Does Haribo Still Use Pork Gelatin?

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

With consumer awareness on the rise regarding food sources, a frequent query emerges: Does Haribo still use pork gelatin? While the answer depends on the specific product and country of origin, it is a fact that gelatin, an animal protein, is a key ingredient in many traditional Haribo gummies. This ingredient, often sourced from pork, gives the candy its signature chewy texture, making it a crucial consideration for those with dietary restrictions.

Quick Summary

Haribo's use of pork gelatin varies by market and product line, with many classic gummies containing it while specific vegetarian, vegan, and Halal-certified options use alternatives like beef, fish, or plant-based agents.

Key Points

Gelatin Varies by Region: The source of gelatin in Haribo products depends heavily on the country of manufacture and sale.
Standard Products Often Contain Pork Gelatin: In many Western markets like the U.S. and Germany, traditional gummies such as Goldbears are made with pork gelatin.
Halal Options Use Beef Gelatin: In markets like Turkey, Haribo produces Halal-certified products that use beef gelatin, which is clearly marked on the packaging.
Plant-Based Alternatives are Used for Vegan/Vegetarian Lines: Haribo offers specific vegetarian and vegan products that replace animal gelatin with gelling agents like pectin or starch.
Consumer Vigilance is Essential: Due to regional variations, the most reliable way to determine a product's suitability for a specific diet is to carefully read the ingredient list and labels on the packaging.

The Complexities of Haribo's Gelatin Use

For many, the iconic Haribo Goldbears are synonymous with gummy candy. However, for individuals avoiding certain animal products due to ethical, religious, or dietary reasons, the ingredients are a primary concern. The key takeaway is that the composition of Haribo products is not uniform worldwide. A Haribo product bought in one country, such as the United States or Germany, may contain pork gelatin, while an identical-looking product in a different market, like Turkey, will be formulated differently to adhere to local dietary laws.

Geographical Differences in Haribo Ingredients

United States, Canada, and Germany: In these and other Western markets, many of Haribo's standard gummy lines, including the classic Goldbears and Happy Cola, are predominantly made with gelatin derived from pork skin.
Turkey: To serve its Muslim population, Haribo operates a factory in Turkey that produces Halal-certified products. The gelatin used in these items is sourced from beef and is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines. These products are clearly marked and often exported to other countries with significant Muslim populations.
United Kingdom: In the UK, the standard Haribo range, which includes popular mixes, contains pork gelatin. However, the UK market also offers a designated range of Halal and vegetarian/vegan products to cater to diverse consumer needs.
Kosher Markets: For Jewish consumers who adhere to Kosher dietary laws, some Haribo products are available through partner distributors and are made with fish gelatin. These are also clearly labeled with appropriate certification.

Gelatin's Role and Alternatives in Confectionery

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, most commonly from pork skin or cattle bones. It is a versatile gelling agent used extensively in food production for its ability to create a desirable chewy, jiggly texture that is a hallmark of many gummy candies. When heated, it dissolves and then sets into a gel upon cooling, a process called thermoreversibility.

Alternatives to Animal-Based Gelatin

To create their vegetarian and vegan products, Haribo and other candy makers use plant-based gelling agents that mimic gelatin's properties. These include:

Pectin: A naturally occurring fiber found in fruit peels.
Starch: Often derived from corn, it provides a chewy texture, though it can feel slightly different from gelatin.
Agar-agar: A gelatinous substance obtained from seaweed.

Haribo's Dietary-Specific Product Lines

Haribo has responded to consumer demand by expanding its offerings to include lines that are free from animal gelatin. These products are manufactured using the plant-based alternatives listed above. It's important to be aware that product availability can vary by region.

Examples of Vegetarian and Vegan Haribo Products (availability varies):

Haribo Sour S'ghetti
Haribo Sour Rainbow Twists
Haribo Giant Strawbs
Haribo Jelly Beans
Haribo Z!ng Sour Streamers

These products will be marked as vegetarian, vegan, or use non-gelatin ingredients and glazes. When shopping, it is crucial to always read the ingredient list to confirm suitability for a specific dietary need, as recipes and labeling can vary.

A Comparison of Haribo's Ingredient Policies


Feature	Standard Haribo Gummy	Vegetarian/Vegan Haribo	Halal Haribo (Turkey-made)
Gelatin Source	Primarily pork, but varies by market.	Plant-based (e.g., pectin, starch).	Beef (from Halal-slaughtered cattle).
Vegan	No.	Yes (check for beeswax and other non-vegan ingredients).	No (contains animal-based gelatin).
Vegetarian	No.	Yes.	No (contains animal-based gelatin).
Halal	No.	Some products are also Halal, depending on all ingredients used.	Yes, certified.
Labeling	Not marked for dietary restrictions.	May include specific vegetarian or vegan seals.	Clearly marked with 'Halal' certification.
Market	Widespread availability in many countries.	Selected markets; online retailers often carry international varieties.	Primarily markets with significant Muslim populations, but available online globally.

Conclusion: Checking Labels is Key

The question of whether Haribo still uses pork gelatin is not a simple yes or no. For many of their classic, widely available products in Western markets, the answer is yes. However, the company has adapted to meet diverse dietary needs by creating specific product lines that use alternative gelling agents. For those adhering to dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or Kosher, the most reliable approach is to check the ingredient list and product labeling for country of origin and specific certifications on the packaging. With a little vigilance, you can still enjoy a Haribo treat that aligns with your nutritional and ethical guidelines.

For more detailed information on ingredients for specific Haribo product lines, you can visit the company's official website in your region. Haribo FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Haribo gummies use pork gelatin. While many of the classic and widely distributed varieties do, Haribo also produces specific Halal, vegetarian, and vegan product lines that use beef, fish, or plant-based alternatives.

In many countries, including the U.S. and Germany, the classic Haribo Goldbears are made with pork gelatin. However, this varies by region, and it is important to check the product label and country of origin.

To identify vegetarian or vegan Haribo candies, you should look for specific seals or language on the packaging. For instance, the UK range marks vegetarian options. Always check the ingredient list for the presence of animal-based gelatin, beeswax, or other animal derivatives.

Yes, Haribo products manufactured in Turkey are Halal-certified and use beef gelatin instead of pork. The packaging for these products will feature a 'Halal Product' certification, confirming they adhere to Islamic dietary laws.

Gelatin is a protein-based gelling agent derived from animal collagen, often from pork or cattle. It is used in gummy candies to provide the characteristic bouncy and chewy texture that solidifies when cooled and melts in the mouth.

Yes, Haribo offers several product lines that are free from animal-based gelatin. These vegetarian and vegan candies use plant-based gelling agents like pectin, starch, or agar-agar to achieve a similar chewy texture.

Yes, for products intended for those specific diets, the packaging will generally feature a clear label, such as 'Suitable for Vegetarians' in the UK or a 'Halal Product' certification for those manufactured in Turkey. For standard products, the ingredient list is the best source of information.