Understanding Your Sweets: Does Haribo Use Pig Gelatine?

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Gelatine, a gelling agent derived from animal collagen, is a key ingredient in countless chewy candies, including Haribo products. This fact leads to a common dietary question: "Does Haribo use pig gelatine?", which is especially important for those with religious, ethical, or dietary restrictions.

Quick Summary

Haribo's use of pig gelatine varies by product and country; while many standard versions do contain it, the company also produces vegetarian, vegan, and halal alternatives using different gelling agents.

Key Points

Standard Products Contain Pork Gelatine: In many markets like the UK, Germany, and the US, classic Haribo gummy bears and similar products contain pig gelatine.
Regional Variations Exist: Haribo's ingredients can differ significantly by country to suit local dietary preferences and regulations.
Halal Options Use Beef Gelatine: The company produces halal-certified products, primarily in Turkey, which are made with beef gelatine.
Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives: Haribo offers specific products made with plant-based gelling agents like pectin, which are clearly labeled.
Always Check the Label: Due to manufacturing variations, the safest and most reliable way to confirm ingredients is to read the label on the specific product package.
Look for Other Animal-Derived Ingredients: Vegans should also check for beeswax (E901) and carmine (E120) which are found in some Haribo products.
Different Certification Marks: Halal-certified products will bear a specific mark, indicating they are permissible for those following a halal diet.

The Role of Gelatine in Confectionery

To understand whether a particular Haribo product contains pig gelatine, it is first necessary to know what gelatine is and why it's used. Gelatine is a protein derived from the collagen found in the connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals, typically cows and pigs. It provides the distinctive chewy, bouncy texture characteristic of many gummy candies. For this reason, it's a staple in confectionery worldwide.

Gelatine Sourcing in Haribo's Standard Products

The standard Haribo products found in many markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, predominantly use pork gelatine. This has been confirmed by the company itself through various regional FAQ pages. The iconic Haribo Goldbears, for instance, are made with pork gelatine in these countries, which means they are not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, or halal diets. It is a crucial detail for consumers with specific dietary needs, as the ingredient's animal origin is not always immediately apparent from the product's name or appearance.

Navigating Regional and Dietary Product Variations

Haribo operates globally, and its ingredient sourcing and product formulations can differ from one country to another to cater to local market demands and dietary laws. This creates a landscape of regional variations that can be confusing for consumers.

Halal Products for Specific Markets

To serve consumers who follow Islamic dietary laws, Haribo manufactures halal-certified products in specific factories. For example, Haribo products made in Turkey use beef gelatine that is certified halal. These products are clearly marked with a halal certification on the packaging and are exported to various countries with large Muslim populations. This demonstrates Haribo's effort to provide options that align with different religious dietary requirements.

Vegetarian and Vegan Offerings

Beyond just halal options, Haribo has also been expanding its range of vegetarian and vegan sweets, particularly in European markets. These products are made without any animal gelatine and instead rely on plant-based gelling agents such as pectin, corn starch, or agar-agar. However, it is essential to check the packaging, as availability and specific ingredients can vary. Some examples of non-animal-based Haribo products include:

Haribo Rainbow Strips Z!NG: A vegan-friendly option available in some regions.
Haribo Jelly Beans (select varieties): Certain versions are labeled vegan and use no animal-derived ingredients.
Haribo Sour Rainbow Twists: In some markets, these are prepared to a vegan recipe, free of gelatin and beeswax.
Haribo Pasta Frutta: A vegetarian option found in various markets.
Turkish-made Haribo Soft Jelly Bear: A vegan and halal-certified option available in some locations.

How to Read a Haribo Label

With so many variations, the best way to be certain about a product's ingredients is to read the label carefully. Look for key terms and symbols that indicate the product's suitability for different diets.

Here is a comparison table to help identify different Haribo product types based on their ingredients and labels:


Feature	Standard Haribo Gummy (e.g., US Goldbears)	Haribo Halal Gummy	Haribo Vegetarian/Vegan Option
Primary Gelatine Source	Pork gelatine	Halal beef gelatine	Plant-based (e.g., Pectin, Agar-Agar)
Animal Product Status	Contains animal products	Contains animal products (from beef)	Free of animal products
Key Labeling	May list "Gelatin" without specifying source	Clearly marked with Halal certification	Clearly marked as "Vegetarian" or "Vegan"
Manufacturing Origin	Varies (e.g., US, Germany)	Primarily produced in Turkey	Varies by product and market

Other Animal-Derived Ingredients

For those adhering to stricter dietary rules, such as vegans, it is also important to be aware of other potential animal-derived ingredients besides gelatine. Some Haribo products may contain beeswax (E901) for a glossy coating, or carmine (E120), a red dye made from crushed insects. These ingredients would render a product non-vegan, even if it is gelatine-free. Always check the full ingredient list for these additions.

Conclusion

So, does Haribo use pig gelatine? The answer is yes, many of their classic, standard gummy products do. However, the company also recognizes the diverse dietary needs of its global consumer base and offers specifically formulated halal and vegetarian/vegan alternatives in different markets. The most reliable method for any consumer to determine the ingredients of a specific bag of Haribo is to read the ingredient label and check for certifications. For the most up-to-date and specific information, consulting the official Haribo website for your region is recommended.

: https://www.haribo.com/en-au/about-us/faq

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Haribo does not use pig gelatine in all its products. The standard gummy bears found in many Western countries do, but the company offers halal-certified, vegetarian, and vegan alternatives in specific markets that do not use pork gelatine.

The most reliable method is to read the ingredient label on the product packaging. If it simply lists "gelatine," it is most likely derived from pork or beef, depending on the manufacturing location. Look for specific halal, vegetarian, or vegan labels for confirmation.

Yes, Haribo produces a range of halal-certified products, primarily in its Turkish factories. These products are made with halal beef gelatine and are clearly marked with a halal certification logo on the packaging.

Yes, Haribo offers vegetarian and vegan options in various markets, especially in Europe. These products use plant-based gelling agents like pectin instead of animal-based gelatine. Availability varies by region, so checking the label is necessary.

Gelatine is a protein derived from the collagen of animal connective tissues, bones, and skin. It is most commonly sourced from pigs and cows.

In the United States, most standard Haribo products, including Goldbears, are made with pork gelatine. To avoid it, consumers should look for specific vegan or alternative brand options.

Haribo's halal products are typically manufactured in their factory located in Hadımköy, Istanbul, Turkey.

Some Haribo products may contain beeswax (E901), used for a glossy coating, or carmine (E120), a red color derived from insects. These ingredients are not suitable for vegans.