What gummy brands don't use pork gelatin? A comprehensive guide

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to PETA, numerous popular candies are "accidentally vegan" and free of animal-derived gelatin, including pork gelatin, expanding the choices for consumers with dietary restrictions. If you're wondering what gummy brands don't use pork gelatin, a wide array of options is now readily available.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines popular gummy brands that do not use pork gelatin, covering vegan, halal, and kosher alternatives made with plant-based or beef-based gelling agents.

Key Points

Vegan & Plant-Based: Brands like Katjes, Surf Sweets, and YumEarth offer gummies made with plant-derived gelling agents like pectin and agar-agar.
Halal Options: Some companies, like specific lines of Haribo and the Zweet brand, offer gummies made with halal beef gelatin or plant-based alternatives.
Kosher Products: Look for kosher-certified gummies from brands like Only Kosher Candy, which use kosher-appropriate animal or plant-based gelatin.
Check Labels: The most reliable way to know for sure is to read the ingredient list and look for certification symbols like 'Vegan,' 'Halal,' or a specific kosher mark.
Accidentally Vegan: Some mainstream candies like Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish naturally do not contain animal gelatin and are good alternatives.
Pectin and Agar-Agar: These plant-based gelling agents are the most common substitutes for animal gelatin in modern gummy formulations.

Understanding Gelatin and Alternatives

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, commonly sourced from the skin and bones of pigs or cattle. For those with dietary, ethical, or religious restrictions, knowing the source is crucial. Fortunately, many manufacturers are now turning to plant-based or alternative animal-derived gelling agents to meet consumer demand. Common alternatives include pectin (a fruit-derived starch), agar-agar (a seaweed derivative), and kosher or halal-certified beef gelatin.

Popular Vegan and Plant-Based Brands

Vegan gummies use 100% plant-based ingredients, making them a reliable choice for those avoiding all animal products, including pork gelatin. Pectin is a frequent substitute, providing a soft, chewy texture derived from fruit.

Katjes: This German brand is known for its plant-based and palm oil-free gummies. Their product lines are clearly labeled as vegan and use no animal gelatin.
Surf Sweets: Offering organic, gelatin-free options, Surf Sweets uses plant-based pectin to create its popular gummy bears and other candies.
YumEarth: This company specializes in organic and allergy-friendly products. Many of their gummy candies are gelatin-free, relying on vegan ingredients.
Sour Patch Kids: The classic candy is made with cornstarch, not gelatin, making it a well-known "accidentally vegan" option.
Swedish Fish: Like Sour Patch Kids, this popular candy uses cornstarch for its chewy texture and contains no animal gelatin.
Trader Joe's Scandinavian Swimmers: A plant-based favorite, these gummies use pectin and are a direct competitor to other gelatin-filled versions.

Halal-Certified and Kosher Options

For those following religious dietary laws, halal and kosher gummies are a dedicated category. Halal-certified products are made according to Islamic law, typically using beef gelatin from halal-slaughtered cattle. Kosher products adhere to Jewish dietary laws and use either kosher-certified animal gelatin or plant-based alternatives.

Haribo Halal Gold Bears: Specific Haribo products produced in their factory in Turkey are made with halal beef gelatin and are clearly marked.
Zweet: The Zweet brand offers a range of halal-certified gummies, including neon worms and watermelon slices.
Kervan: This brand produces a variety of gummy candies made in Turkey and certified halal, available in bulk through online retailers.
Only Kosher Candy: As the name suggests, this brand offers a wide selection of gummies and other sweets that are certified kosher.

Gelatin-Free vs. Halal/Kosher vs. Vegan

For consumers with specific dietary needs, it's essential to know the distinctions between different certification and ingredient claims. The following table provides a quick comparison to guide your purchasing decisions.


Feature	Vegan/Plant-Based	Halal-Certified	Kosher-Certified
Gelatin Source	Pectin, agar-agar, or other plant-based gelling agents	Beef gelatin from halal-slaughtered cattle, or plant-based	Kosher-certified animal gelatin (beef/fish) or plant-based
Pork Products	Always free from pork and all other animal products	Free from pork and its derivatives	Free from pork and its derivatives
Other Animal Products	Excludes all animal-derived ingredients (beeswax, dairy, shellac)	No restrictions on other non-pork animal products unless specified	Adheres to specific rules regarding meat, dairy, and other ingredients
Certification	May carry a Vegan Society or other vegan certification mark	Requires a specific Halal certification mark	Requires specific Kosher certification symbols (e.g., OU, Star-K)

How to Verify a Gummy Brand's Ingredients

Always read the packaging carefully, as product lines can vary. Even within the same company, one candy may contain pork gelatin while another does not. Look for clear labeling such as "vegan," "gelatin-free," "halal," or a specific kosher symbol. The ingredients list will explicitly name the gelling agent used. If you're unsure, check the brand's website or contact customer service for verification.

Conclusion

Finding gummy brands that don't use pork gelatin has become much easier with the rise of vegan, halal, and kosher options. By understanding the key gelling agents and recognizing certification marks, consumers can confidently choose candies that align with their dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're seeking a plant-based treat from Katjes or a halal-certified Haribo, the marketplace offers a delicious and growing selection. For further reading, PETA maintains a comprehensive guide to accidentally vegan candies, which is a great resource.

More Brands Free of Pork Gelatin

Jelly Belly Gummies: The company has released vegan-friendly gummy products that use plant-based ingredients.
SmartSweets: Many SmartSweets products, known for being low-sugar, are vegan and gelatin-free.
Better Bears: This brand offers low-sugar and plant-based gummy candies.
Sprouts Vegan Gummi Bears/Worms: These store-brand products are certified vegan and offer a great gelatin-free alternative.
Lovely Candy Company: Their organic fruit chews and other candies are often gelatin-free.
Sugarfina Vegan Gummies: This gourmet candy company offers specific vegan gummies made with pectin.

The Rising Popularity of Gelatin Alternatives

The shift away from pork gelatin is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for vegan products, growing awareness of dietary restrictions, and ethical concerns. This has pushed food technology forward, developing effective and flavorful alternatives. The market for gelatin-free confections is a testament to this, with new products constantly appearing to offer consumers more choice.

The Importance of Cross-Contamination Awareness

For those with severe allergies or strict dietary requirements, checking for cross-contamination warnings is also important. Some brands that produce both gelatin-based and gelatin-free products may manufacture them on the same equipment. While not containing pork gelatin, there could be a risk of cross-contamination for those with very specific concerns. Always check the packaging for disclaimers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, a structural protein found in connective tissues. It is often sourced from pork because it is an abundant and cost-effective raw material from the meat industry.

No, not all gummy bears are made with pork gelatin. Many brands, including those that are vegan, halal, or kosher, use alternatives like pectin, agar-agar, or beef gelatin to achieve a similar chewy consistency.

The ingredient list is the best place to check. If it simply lists "gelatin," you should assume it contains an unspecified animal source, which may include pork. Look for labels like "vegan," "gelatin-free," "halal," or a specific kosher symbol to be certain.

Yes. All vegan gummies are gelatin-free, but not all gelatin-free gummies are vegan. Some products may use gelatin from non-pork sources like beef or fish but still contain other animal products like beeswax, which is not vegan.

Pectin is a naturally occurring starch found in fruits. It is used as a plant-based gelling agent and typically results in a softer, less firm gummy texture compared to traditional gelatin-based candies.

Yes. Haribo products manufactured in Turkey are made with halal beef gelatin and are clearly marked with a halal certification. Standard Haribo gummies produced elsewhere typically contain pork gelatin.

Yes, it is possible to make your own gummies using plant-based alternatives. Recipes often call for ingredients like fruit juice, sugar, and gelling agents like agar-agar powder or pectin.