What is Haribo Jelly Made Out Of? A Diet and Nutrition Guide

November 8, 2025 •

2 min read

According to a 2023 survey, 67% of British consumers were unaware that the popular chewy candy they love contains gelatin from animal by-products. Understanding what is Haribo jelly made out of goes beyond a simple curiosity; it's a key part of making informed dietary decisions, especially for those who follow vegetarian, vegan, or halal diets. While ingredients can vary by region, a look at common components reveals the true nature of these colorful treats.

Quick Summary

The iconic chewy texture of most Haribo products comes from animal-derived gelatin, and they are primarily made from glucose syrup and sugar. Additional components include fruit concentrates for flavor and color, citric acid, and glazing agents like beeswax. The ingredients and nutritional information highlight their role as an occasional indulgence rather than a nutritious food source within a balanced diet.

Key Points

Gelatin is a Core Ingredient: The iconic chewy texture of most Haribo gummies, including Goldbears, comes from animal-derived gelatin, often sourced from pork or beef skin.
Not Vegan or Vegetarian: Due to the presence of animal-derived gelatin and beeswax, most Haribo products are not suitable for those following vegan or vegetarian diets.
Primary Ingredients are Sugars: Glucose syrup and sugar are the main components by volume, giving the gummies their sweet taste.
Ingredients Vary by Location: Haribo ingredients and additives can differ between countries; US products may contain artificial dyes, while European versions often use natural concentrates.
An Occasional Treat: Haribo gummies are a high-sugar, low-nutrient food that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Vegan Alternatives Exist: Plant-based options from Haribo and other brands use gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar instead of gelatin.
Check Labels for Allergens: For individuals with allergies, it's crucial to check labels, as some products may contain wheat-based ingredients and traces of milk.

The Core Ingredients in Classic Haribo Gummies

Classic Haribo gummies, such as the famous Goldbears, get their distinctive chewy texture from animal-derived gelatin. This is combined with various sweeteners to achieve their well-known taste.

Sweeteners and Flavoring

The primary sweeteners include glucose syrup (from wheat or corn), sugar, and dextrose (also from wheat or corn). Fruit juice from concentrate and other fruit and plant concentrates are used for flavoring and vibrant colors. Natural and sometimes artificial flavorings contribute to the specific fruit profiles.

The Texture and Finish

Gelatin is crucial for the chewy texture and is often sourced from pork or beef skin, making these gummies unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain religious dietary needs. Glazing agents like beeswax and carnauba wax provide a shiny coating and prevent sticking, with beeswax being animal-derived and carnauba wax plant-based. Citric acid adds a tangy balance to the sweetness.

Haribo's Nutritional Profile in a Balanced Diet

A 30g serving of Haribo Goldbears contains about 100 calories and 14g of sugars. Due to their high sugar and low nutrient content, they are considered an occasional treat rather than a nutritious food. Excessive consumption of sugary sweets is linked to issues like tooth decay and weight gain. A balanced diet prioritizes whole foods, with sweets consumed in moderation, keeping free sugar intake below recommended daily limits.

Haribo vs. Vegan Gummy Alternatives

Vegan alternatives are available for those avoiding animal products, using plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin.

Comparison of Gummy Ingredients


Feature	Traditional Haribo Gummies	Vegan Gummy Alternatives (e.g., JOM, Surf Sweets)
Gelling Agent	Animal-derived gelatin	Plant-based pectin, agar-agar, or modified starches
Chewiness	Classic firm, resistant chew	Varies, can be softer or have a different texture
Coatings	Beeswax and Carnauba wax	Carnauba wax only
Colorings	Often fruit/plant concentrates and artificial colors	Often fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates
Suitability	Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians	Suitable for vegans and vegetarians

The Role of Additives and Variances

Haribo ingredients and additives can vary by region. For instance, US products may use artificial dyes, while European versions often use natural fruit and plant concentrates. This highlights the importance of checking labels. Those with sensitivities should also note potential traces of gluten or milk, typically marked on ingredient lists.

Conclusion

Classic Haribo jelly products are primarily made from glucose syrup, sugar, and animal-derived gelatin, along with flavorings and glazing agents. They are a high-sugar treat best enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet. Individuals with dietary restrictions, such as vegans, vegetarians, or those following specific religious diets, should be mindful of the gelatin and beeswax content and seek out vegan-labeled Haribo products or other alternatives. Reading ingredient labels is crucial for informed choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The type of gelatin used in Haribo products can vary by country. In the UK, standard products contain pork gelatin, while some varieties intended for certain religious markets (like Halal gummies) may use beef gelatin. It is always best to check the specific product label.

No, not all Haribo products are non-vegan. While most classic gummies contain animal-derived gelatin and beeswax, the company offers a few vegan-friendly products in certain markets, such as some versions of Haribo Jelly Beans and Rainbow Strips in the UK.

To determine if a gummy candy is vegetarian or vegan, you must check the ingredients list for non-plant-based ingredients. The most common are gelatin and beeswax. Vegan alternatives often use gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, or modified starch.

Yes, many Haribo products, including some Goldbears and Starmix varieties, are made with fruit juice from concentrate. However, the flavoring profile is also supported by other flavorings, and the overall nutritional value is still low.

The very firm and chewy texture of Haribo gummies is primarily due to the type and amount of gelatin used. The high resistance is characteristic of a 100% gelatin-based gummy, as opposed to alternatives that mix gelatin with softer starches or use plant-based gelling agents.

Yes, there can be a significant difference. For example, American versions of Haribo Goldbears may use corn syrup and artificial colors, while German or European versions tend to use natural fruit and plant concentrates.

Haribo gummies have a high sugar content. For example, a 30g serving of Haribo Goldbears contains about 14g of sugar, which contributes significantly to an adult's recommended daily free sugar intake.