The Primary “Gross” Ingredient: Gelatin
For many, the most unappealing ingredient in traditional gummy bears is gelatin. This gelling agent is responsible for the candy's signature chewy, elastic texture. Without it, gummy bears would be more brittle or hard. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, which is extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly cows and pigs. The sourcing process is what many find objectionable, particularly those who adhere to vegetarian, vegan, halal, or kosher diets.
How Gelatin Is Made
The process of creating gelatin is industrial and involves multiple steps. The raw materials—animal skin and bones—are first cleaned and processed to extract the collagen. This collagen is then treated with acid or alkali to break it down, a process called hydrolysis. The resulting gelatin solution is purified, concentrated, dried, and ground into the powder used in many food products. While this is a standard food manufacturing process, the imagery of boiling animal parts is what gives gelatin its "gross" reputation for some.
The Shiny Coating: Confectioner's Glaze
Another ingredient that might make some people reconsider their favorite candy is confectioner's glaze, also known as shellac. This is the ingredient that gives some gummy bears and other candies their shiny, glossy finish, and it helps prevent them from sticking together.
The Truth About Confectioner's Glaze
Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, a small insect native to forests in India and Thailand. To produce the glaze, manufacturers scrape the resin from the trees where the bugs live and combine it with alcohol to create a food-grade glaze. Because of its insect origin and the potential for bugs to be incidentally harvested and processed with the resin, confectioner's glaze is not considered vegan. Animal welfare organization PETA, for example, urges candy companies to use vegan alternatives due to the number of insects killed in the process.
Traditional vs. Alternative Gummy Ingredients
As consumer awareness grows regarding ingredient sourcing, manufacturers have started offering alternatives to traditional gelatin-based and shellac-coated gummies. Plant-based gelling agents like pectin and agar-agar have become popular substitutes, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences.
Common Ingredients in Traditional Gummy Bears
- Corn Syrup and Sugar: These are the primary sweeteners, offering high calories with little nutritional value.
- Gelatin: The animal-derived gelling agent responsible for the chewy texture.
- Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac): The insect-derived coating that adds shine and prevents sticking.
- Artificial Flavors and Colors: Used to provide the taste and vibrant appearance.
The Nutrition Diet Perspective
Beyond the potential "gross" factor of some ingredients, gummy bears offer little nutritional benefit and are high in empty calories from sugar and corn syrup. From a nutrition diet standpoint, they are best consumed in moderation. Vegan and vegetarian options, which often use pectin or agar-agar, can sometimes offer a slightly better nutritional profile due to the fiber content in these plant-based ingredients. However, they often contain similar high levels of sugar.
Alternative Gummy Ingredients: A Comparison
| Feature | Traditional (Gelatin) Gummies | Alternative (Pectin/Agar) Gummies |
|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent Source | Animal collagen (pork/beef) | Plant-based (fruit/seaweed) |
| Chewiness/Texture | Elastic, bouncy, 'melt-in-your-mouth' | Softer, cleaner bite-through |
| Dietary Restrictions | Not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, halal, or kosher diets | Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and other plant-based diets |
| Coating (Optional) | Often confectioner's glaze (shellac) | Often carnauba wax or a sugar-based coating |
| Heat Stability | Melts when heated | Heat-resistant, maintains shape |
| Nutritional Benefit | High in sugar, low in other nutrients | Similar high sugar content, but may have slight fiber benefit |
Conclusion
While ingredients like gelatin and confectioner's glaze may seem unsettling once their origins are understood, they are standard food additives approved for consumption in many countries. However, for those with dietary restrictions or simply a preference for plant-based ingredients, the sourcing process can be a deal-breaker. The growing market for vegan and vegetarian gummies offers plenty of delicious alternatives that replace animal and insect-derived components with plant-based options like pectin and agar-agar. Regardless of the ingredients, all gummies are primarily a source of sugar and should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced nutrition diet.
Learn more about alternatives to animal-derived foods from trusted sources like Vegan.com.
