A detailed look at Percy Pig fruity chew ingredients
The ingredient list for Percy Pig fruity chews is carefully formulated to deliver a sweet and chewy experience while catering to dietary requirements, particularly for vegans. The key components work together to provide the desired taste, texture, and appearance without relying on artificial colours or flavourings. This section breaks down the main ingredients and their functions.
Sugars and sweeteners
Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, and Maltodextrin provide the primary sweetness, contribute to the chewy texture, and act as a bulking agent.
Thickeners and gelling agents
Modified Potato Starch, Modified Tapioca Starch, Pectin, and Potato Protein are crucial for the chews' consistency and structure. Pectin, derived from fruits, is a key gelling agent in the vegan recipe.
Flavour, colour, and finish
Apple Juice from Concentrate contributes to the fruity flavour, while natural flavourings enhance the taste. Fruit, Plant, and Vegetable Concentrates provide natural colours from sources like carrot and black carrot. Sunflower Oil helps with processing, and Carnauba Wax provides a shiny, non-stick finish.
Acidity regulators and other additives
Acidity Regulators like Sodium Potassium Tartrate and Potassium Citrate, along with Citric Acid, balance sweetness and tartness and aid gelling.
Evolution of Percy Pig recipes: The comparison table
| Ingredient Category | Original Recipe (pre-2019) | Modern Vegan Recipe (post-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | Pork Gelatin | Pectin (from fruit) |
| Glazing Agent | Beeswax (E901) | Carnauba Wax |
| Sweets | Mostly vegetarian versions available | Entire range is vegan |
| Colours and Flavours | No artificial colours or flavours | No artificial colours or flavours |
| Inclusivity | Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans | Suitable for vegans and vegetarians |
| Texture | Generally firmer and slightly more rubbery | Softer and more jammy |
Conclusion
Understanding what are the ingredients in Percy Pig fruity chews highlights the shift to a vegan-friendly recipe using plant-based alternatives like pectin and carnauba wax in place of gelatin and beeswax. The use of fruit juice and vegetable concentrates ensures natural flavour and colour.
How Percy Pigs are made vegan
Achieving the vegan status for Percy Pig fruity chews involved replacing animal-derived ingredients with plant-based options. Gelatin was substituted with pectin, a gelling agent from fruits, and beeswax was replaced by carnauba wax. Fruit and vegetable concentrates are used for colouring, ensuring the sweets are free from animal products.
Why are some Percy Pigs different?
The Percy Pig range includes various products, and while the main lines are now vegan, slight ingredient variations can exist between different types, such as gummies versus chews or special editions. Always checking the specific packaging is recommended to confirm the exact ingredients for any particular Percy Pig product.
