Understanding the Ingredients: Do OLLY Gummies Have Beef Gelatin?

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

While many people enjoy the convenience of gummy vitamins, it’s important to understand what they contain, especially for those with dietary restrictions. A common question that arises is: Do OLLY gummies have beef gelatin? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as OLLY uses different gelling agents depending on the product.

Quick Summary

The gelatin source in OLLY gummies varies by product; the brand utilizes both beef and pork gelatin in many gummy formulations, while some products are explicitly vegetarian or vegan.

Key Points

Gelatin Sources Vary: OLLY gummies contain either bovine (beef) or porcine (pork) gelatin, depending on the specific product.
Not All Gummies Contain Gelatin: Some OLLY products, particularly specific Kids' gummies and Super Foods lines, use pectin as a plant-based gelling agent, making them vegan.
Softgels Use Beef Gelatin: The Ultra Strength Softgel line from OLLY contains bovine (beef) gelatin in its shell.
Always Check the Label: The only way to be certain about the gelatin source is to check the ingredient list on the product bottle or OLLY's official FAQ.
Vegan and Pectin-Based Options Exist: For those with dietary restrictions, it's important to look for pectin-based gummies or OLLY's vegan capsule options.
OLLY Products Are Not Certified Halal or Kosher: OLLY has stated that its products are not halal or kosher, primarily due to the use of pork and beef gelatin.
Texture Differences: Gelatin-based gummies have a traditional chewy texture, while pectin-based gummies are softer and more jelly-like.

Navigating OLLY's Gummy Formulations

OLLY is a popular brand of vitamins and supplements, but for those with dietary considerations related to animal products, the source of gelatin is a key concern. Gelatin is a common gelling agent derived from animal collagen, and OLLY's products use either bovine (beef) or porcine (pork) gelatin in their standard gummy lines. Therefore, the specific product you choose will determine the gelatin source.

Products with Beef Gelatin

According to OLLY's own FAQ and product information, some products specifically contain bovine gelatin. This is particularly true for their Ultra Strength Softgels, where the softgel shell is made from beef gelatin. It's crucial for those avoiding pork for religious reasons (such as Halal or Kosher diets, although OLLY states its products are not Halal or Kosher certified) or personal preference to check the ingredients of each specific item.

Products with Pork Gelatin

Many of OLLY's classic gummy vitamins are made with porcine (pork) gelatin. The company's FAQ provides a comprehensive list of products and their gelling agents, and many standard gummy varieties, including some Men's and Women's Multi and Sleep products, are made with pork gelatin. This makes them unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with certain religious dietary laws.

Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives

For consumers following a vegetarian or vegan diet, OLLY offers products that use alternative gelling agents like pectin. Pectin is a plant-based fiber found in fruits and is a popular substitute for animal-derived gelatin. Pectin-based gummies often have a slightly different texture than gelatin-based ones, but they still provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. Examples include some of their Kids' gummies and Super Foods lines. OLLY also offers capsules and Ultra Strength Softgels, some of which are vegetarian or vegan.

A Deeper Look into Gelling Agents

Understanding the gelling agent is key to making an informed choice. Gelatin provides the classic chewy texture found in many candies and supplements. Its melting point is lower than many plant-based alternatives. Pectin, on the other hand, creates a jelly or gumdrop-like consistency and is derived from fruits like citrus. Agar-agar, a seaweed extract, is another potent vegan gelling agent that creates a firmer texture and has a higher melting point.

Comparison of OLLY Gelling Agents


Feature	Bovine (Beef) Gelatin	Porcine (Pork) Gelatin	Pectin (Vegan)	Agar-Agar (Vegan)
Source	Animal collagen (cow)	Animal collagen (pig)	Plant-based (fruit peel)	Plant-based (seaweed)
Common Use	Standard gummies, softgel capsules	Standard gummies	Some OLLY gummies, kids products	Vegan candy alternatives
Texture	Classic, resilient chew	Classic, resilient chew	Softer, jelly-like consistency	Firmer, gel-like texture
Dietary	Non-vegetarian, Non-vegan	Non-vegetarian, Non-vegan, Non-Halal, Non-Kosher	Vegan, Vegetarian	Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher
Melting Point	Lower melting point	Lower melting point	Higher melting point	Higher melting point

Important Considerations for a Nutrition Diet

Choosing the right supplement is about more than just the gelling agent. It involves considering your overall dietary needs and goals.

Read the Label: Always check the ingredients list on the back of your OLLY bottle. The label will explicitly state if gelatin is included, and OLLY's website specifies the source.
Check Certifications: If you have specific religious or ethical concerns, look for third-party certifications like Halal, Kosher, or Certified Vegan, as OLLY products are not consistently certified for all dietary restrictions.
Consider Sugar Content: Many gummy vitamins contain added sugar to enhance flavor. While the amount in OLLY gummies is relatively low, it's a factor to consider for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Explore Alternatives: For those who need a vegan or gelatin-free option, explore other brands that use pectin or agar-agar, or consider capsule-based supplements, which often come in vegetarian formulas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is a fact that some OLLY gummies do have beef gelatin, specifically in their Ultra Strength Softgels, while others contain pork gelatin. The key takeaway is to never assume the ingredients of a gummy supplement. For those following a strict vegetarian, vegan, or religious diet, checking the specific product details and gelling agent is essential before purchase. Thankfully, OLLY also provides plant-based options using pectin in certain product lines, giving consumers choices that align with their dietary needs. Being an informed consumer empowers you to select the best product for your individual health and ethical considerations. For more information, consulting the official OLLY FAQ page is recommended.

Visit OLLY's official FAQ page for a full breakdown of gelling agents per product.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all OLLY gummies contain gelatin. While many of their standard gummy products use either beef or pork gelatin, OLLY also offers vegetarian and vegan options that utilize pectin as a plant-based gelling agent.

Most OLLY gummies are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians because they contain animal-derived gelatin (either beef or pork). However, some of their products, such as capsules and certain pectin-based gummies, are vegan or vegetarian.

You can find this information on the official OLLY website's FAQ page, which lists specific products and their gelatin source. Alternatively, always read the ingredients list on the bottle, and if it only says "gelatin," it is generally not a vegan or vegetarian product.

OLLY's website provides a list of products made with pectin or in capsule form that are vegetarian or vegan. Examples may include certain probiotic lines or superfoods multi-vitamins.

No, OLLY has stated that its products are not halal or kosher certified. This is because many products contain gelatin derived from non-Halal/Kosher sources, such as pork.

Gelatin is an animal-derived protein that creates a resilient chew, while pectin is a plant-based fiber from fruits that results in a softer, more jelly-like texture. Pectin is a common vegan alternative to gelatin.

Yes, OLLY's Ultra Strength Softgels contain bovine (beef) gelatin in their shell, meaning they are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.