The Sticky Truth: When Did Starbursts Become Vegan?

October 17, 2025 •

2 min read

The global vegan confectionery market is projected to reach approximately $2.2 billion by 2032, reflecting a growing consumer demand for plant-based treats. This shift has many people asking: When did Starbursts become vegan? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, depending on the product and its country of sale.

Quick Summary

The vegan status of Starburst candy varies significantly by product and region. While classic US Starburst contain animal-derived gelatin, the brand launched a specific, gelatin-free gummy version in the US in 2021. Meanwhile, the original Starburst recipe sold in the UK has been vegan-friendly for many years, relying on plant-based ingredients.

Key Points

No Standard Vegan Starburst: The original Starburst fruit chews sold in the United States are not vegan because they contain gelatin.
2021 US Launch: Starburst first introduced a specific, gelatin-free vegan gummy product in the US in 2021, initially called "Plant Based Original Gummies".
UK Recipe is Different: The original Starburst candy recipe sold in the UK has long been vegan-friendly, made without gelatin.
Check the Label: Always verify ingredients, as product formulations differ significantly by product and region.
Rebranded Goodies: The US vegan gummies are now sold under the name "Starburst Goodies" and contain pectin instead of gelatin.
Plant-Based Ingredients: Vegan alternatives to animal products like gelatin include pectin, a fiber found in fruit.
Vegan Candy in Moderation: While animal-free, vegan candy is still high in sugar and should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced diet.

The Gelatin Problem: Why Classic US Starburst Aren't Vegan

For many years, the classic Starburst fruit chews sold in the United States have been unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians because they contain gelatin. Gelatin is an animal-derived ingredient made from collagen found in animal parts like skin and bones. This makes any product containing it non-vegan. Other Starburst products in the US, such as jelly beans, may also include non-vegan components like beeswax.

The Shift: Starburst’s First Vegan Gummies Arrive

In response to the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, Mars Wrigley introduced its first vegan gummy candy in the US in 2021.

Initial Launch: These gummies were initially called "Plant Based Original Gummies" and offered the traditional Starburst fruit flavors without animal products, including gelatin.
Rebranding: In 2024, the product was rebranded as "Starburst Goodies," highlighting its plant-based, lower-sugar formula with real fruit juice.

UK vs. US Starburst: A Tale of Two Recipes

The vegan status of Starburst also depends on where the candy is purchased due to differing recipes.

UK Starburst (Opal Fruits): The original recipe for Starburst (known as Opal Fruits in the UK) has never contained gelatin and is considered vegan-friendly. However, the presence of palm fat may lead some vegans to avoid it due to environmental concerns.
US Starburst: The American version, developed later, included gelatin from its inception and continues to do so in its classic chews.

The Nutritional Aspects of Vegan Candy

While a vegan diet can offer health benefits, it's important to remember that vegan candy, including plant-based Starburst, is still a treat high in sugar. Vegan alternatives often use ingredients like pectin instead of gelatin. Moderation is key for a balanced nutrition diet, regardless of whether a candy is vegan.

Vegan Alternatives to Starburst

Several other chewy candies are vegan and gelatin-free, offering alternatives for those seeking plant-based options:

Skittles
Sour Patch Kids
YumEarth (organic, vegan brand)
SmartSweets (low-sugar options)
Dots

Starburst Ingredient Comparison


Feature	US Classic Starburst Chews	Starburst Goodies (US Vegan)	UK Starburst Chews
Vegan Status	No (Contains Gelatin)	Yes	Yes (Generally)
Key Gelling Agent	Gelatin	Pectin	Pectin
Colorings	May include non-vegan derivatives	Plant-based ingredients	Plant-based ingredients
Sweeteners	Glucose Syrup, Sugar	Allulose, Sugar	Glucose Syrup, Sugar
Availability	Widely available in US	Available in US	Widely available in UK

Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of Confectionery

The answer to when did Starbursts become vegan? highlights regional differences and a growing trend towards plant-based options in the candy industry. While classic US Starburst contain gelatin and are not vegan, Starburst introduced a specific vegan gummy product (now called Starburst Goodies) in the US in 2021. The original UK Starburst, however, has been vegan-friendly for a longer time due to its different recipe. This evolution underscores the need to check ingredient labels, especially for those following a vegan nutrition diet, and to consume all candy in moderation.

For more information on vegan candy options, resources like The VegNews Guide to Vegan Halloween Candy are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the regular, individually wrapped Starburst fruit chews in the US are not vegan as they contain gelatin, which is an animal-derived ingredient.

Starburst Goodies is the name for the specific line of gelatin-free, plant-based gummies launched by Starburst in the US. They were initially released in 2021 and later rebranded.

The UK and US versions of Starburst use different recipes. The original UK recipe was created without gelatin, whereas the US version has always contained it to achieve its specific chewy texture.

Gelatin is made from the collagen extracted from animal body parts, including bones, skin, and connective tissues, often from pigs and cows.

No, Starburst jelly beans are not considered vegan because they contain beeswax, which is produced by insects.

Many other candies are vegan-friendly, including Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, YumEarth gummies, and Dots. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.

Not necessarily. While vegan candy avoids animal products, it is often still high in sugar. Its overall nutritional value depends on the specific ingredients, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.