A detailed breakdown of Percy Pig's core components
The iconic Marks and Spencer Percy Pig sweets have undergone a significant transformation since their creation in 1992. Originally containing gelatin, the recipe has evolved to become fully vegan, a change that was finalized in 2022 when beeswax was also removed. The modern Percy Pig's soft, fruity, and chewy texture is achieved through a specific blend of vegan-friendly ingredients. Understanding these components reveals a lot about how the popular treat is made and what has changed over the years.
The primary sugar and starch base
The foundation of Percy Pig sweets is a combination of sugars and starches that provide the core sweetness and structure. These are essential for creating the classic gummy consistency that fans love. The main components include:
- Glucose Syrup: This is a clear, thick syrup derived from starch, often from corn or wheat. It's used to provide sweetness, add volume, and prevent the crystallization of sugar, resulting in a smooth texture.
- Sugar: Standard granulated sugar is a key ingredient, working alongside glucose syrup to control the sweetness and set.
- Modified Potato Starch and Modified Tapioca Starch: These starches are modified to help with gelling and stabilization. They replace gelatin to create the soft, chewy bite that is characteristic of modern Percy Pigs.
- Dextrose: A simple sugar that contributes to the overall sweetness and provides energy.
The fruit and flavour components
What would a Percy Pig be without its signature fruity taste? This is achieved through a combination of fruit juices and natural flavourings.
- Fruit Juice from Concentrates: A key ingredient list often specifies fruit juice from concentrates, typically including apple, elderberry, and sometimes mandarin. This is where the primary fruity flavour is derived.
- Natural Flavourings: These are added to enhance and define the taste profile, ensuring consistency across every batch of sweets.
- Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates: Used for coloring, these are a natural alternative to artificial dyes. Common sources include black carrot, apple, elderberry, and blueberry, which create the signature pink and red hues.
The texture and finishing touches
To achieve the perfect finish, Percy Pig sweets include several ingredients that refine the texture and provide a subtle shine.
- Gelling Agent (Pectin): As the plant-based alternative to gelatin, pectin is responsible for the gummy texture. It's a naturally occurring fiber found in fruits.
- Acids (Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid): These acids are used to balance the sweetness and add a tangy, sour note, enhancing the fruit flavours. Citric acid is often derived from citrus fruits, while malic acid is found in apples.
- Glazing Agent (Carnauba Wax): This plant-derived wax provides the glossy, non-sticky coating on the surface of the sweets. It is a vegan replacement for beeswax, which was used in earlier recipes.
Comparison of Percy Pig variants
Percy Pig has expanded into a range of different sweets. While the original recipe has evolved, other variants contain slightly different ingredients to create new flavour combinations or textures. The table below compares the ingredients of a standard Percy Pig with other popular versions.
| Ingredient | Standard Percy Pig (Vegan) | Percy Pig Fruity Chews (Vegan) | Percy Pig Phizzy Pigtails (Vegan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | No (Replaced with Pectin) | No (Replaced with Pectin) | No (Replaced with Pectin) |
| Beeswax | No (Replaced with Carnauba Wax) | No (Replaced with Carnauba Wax) | No (Replaced with Carnauba Wax) |
| Glucose-Fructose Syrup | Some variants include it | Yes | Yes |
| Acidity Regulator | Not always listed separately | Sodium Potassium Tartrate | Calcium Carbonate |
| Primary Acids | Citric, Malic, Lactic | Citric, Malic | Malic, Citric, Lactic |
| Primary Fruit Juice | Apple, Mandarin, Elderberry | Apple | Mandarin, Elderberry |
| Humectant | None | None | None |
The shift to vegan ingredients
The most notable change in the history of Percy Pig's ingredients was the move towards a completely vegan recipe. This was a response to growing consumer demand for plant-based products and animal-friendly options. The transition was phased, with the initial removal of gelatin in 2011 for a vegetarian version, followed by the more recent replacement of beeswax with carnauba wax to make the sweets 100% vegan. This commitment to evolving consumer ethics and dietary trends is a hallmark of the Percy Pig brand.
Why is the recipe different in the US?
The ingredients in Percy Pig sweets available in the United States, particularly through retailers like Target, can differ from the versions found in the UK and Europe. For instance, some US versions use white grape juice from concentrate, different starch variants, and a slightly different mix of natural colours. These differences are often due to variations in local food regulations, ingredient sourcing, and market preferences. For a global brand, it is common to adapt recipes to suit regional requirements while striving to maintain the core product integrity.
Conclusion
Percy Pig sweets are made from a carefully balanced recipe of plant-based ingredients designed to deliver a specific texture and flavour. The core ingredients include glucose syrup, sugar, various modified starches, and fruit juice concentrates. A key feature of the modern recipe is the use of pectin as a gelling agent and carnauba wax as a glazing agent, making the sweets vegan. The recipe has evolved significantly over the years to keep up with changing consumer demands and ethical considerations, but the result remains the same: a beloved, chewy, and fruity treat for all.
Marks and Spencer Official Website
The list of ingredients in Percy Pig sweets
- Sugar & Starches: Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Modified Potato Starch, Modified Tapioca Starch, Dextrose.
- Acids: Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid.
- Gelling & Glazing Agents: Pectin, Carnauba Wax.
- Flavoring & Colouring: Fruit Juice from Concentrates (Apple, Elderberry, Mandarin), Fruit & Vegetable Concentrates (Black Carrot, Blueberry), Natural Flavourings.
- Miscellaneous: Potato Protein, Caramelised Sugar Syrup, Sunflower Oil.
