What Type of Gelatin Is in Twizzlers?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Hershey Company, no traditional Twizzlers products contain gelatin. This may come as a surprise to many, since chewy candies often use gelatin for their texture. The question, "What type of gelatin is in Twizzlers?" is therefore based on a common misconception.

Quick Summary

Twizzlers products, including classic twists and Pull 'n' Peel, do not contain gelatin. Their chewy texture comes from wheat flour and cornstarch, not animal-derived ingredients. This makes most varieties suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those with kosher diets, despite common assumptions about chewy candies.

Key Points

Gelatin-Free Candy: Traditional Twizzlers twists, bites, and Pull 'n' Peel contain no animal-derived gelatin.
Vegan Friendly: The classic candies are considered vegan, vegetarian, and kosher due to their plant-based gelling agents.
Key Ingredients: The signature chewy texture is achieved using corn syrup, wheat flour, and cornstarch.
Source of Misconception: The confusion arises because many other chewy candies, particularly gummies, do rely on gelatin for their texture.
Considerations for Strict Vegans: While free of gelatin, some vegans may avoid Twizzlers due to concerns about the use of palm oil, artificial colors, or how sugar is processed.
Dietary Alternatives: For consumers with specific ethical concerns, other brands like YumEarth and Newman's Own offer fully vegan and organic licorice alternatives.

Debunking the Gelatin Myth

Many people assume that chewy candies like Twizzlers contain gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, but this is a common misconception. The simple truth is that traditional Twizzlers twists, bites, and Pull 'n' Peel varieties do not contain any form of animal gelatin. This makes them a popular snack for those following a vegan, vegetarian, or kosher diet. The misconception likely stems from other similar chewy confections that do use gelatin to achieve their consistency.

The Ingredient List: What Makes Twizzlers Chewy?

So, if not gelatin, then what gives Twizzlers their signature chew? The answer lies in a combination of plant-based ingredients.

Corn Syrup: Provides a significant part of the chewiness and acts as a binder.
Enriched Wheat Flour: The gluten in the wheat flour helps bind the other ingredients together, providing the foundational structure for the twists.
Cornstarch: Works alongside the flour to help achieve the final, slightly rubbery texture.
Palm Oil: A vegetable-based oil used to lubricate the mixture and provide a smooth mouthfeel.
Glycerin: Often plant-derived in food products, it is added to help maintain moisture and chewiness.

Gelatin vs. Other Gelling Agents

Gelatin is just one of many gelling agents used in the food industry. For a chewy candy, manufacturers can choose from a range of alternatives to create their desired texture. In the case of Twizzlers, the reliance on wheat flour and cornstarch creates a texture that is dense and elastic, rather than the more bouncy and soft chew of a traditional gummy candy made with gelatin.

Comparison of Chewy Candies: Twizzlers vs. Gelatin Candies

To better understand the difference, let's compare the ingredients and properties of Twizzlers with a typical gummy candy that relies on gelatin.


Feature	Twizzlers (Gelatin-Free)	Gummy Candies (with Gelatin)
Primary Gelling Agent	Wheat Flour, Cornstarch, Corn Syrup	Gelatin (animal-derived)
Texture	Dense, pliable, and slightly waxy	Bouncy, soft, and rubbery
Dietary Restrictions	Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher	Not Vegan or Vegetarian (typically)
Common Ingredients	Corn syrup, wheat flour, palm oil, artificial flavors, soy lecithin	Corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, water, coloring, citric acid
Example	Classic Strawberry Twists, Cherry Pull 'n' Peel	Gummy Bears, many forms of jelly candy

Why Are Some Candies Still Confusing?

The confusion regarding gelatin in Twizzlers and other candies is understandable. Many consumers associate a chewy texture with gelatin and are not aware of the alternative gelling agents that exist. For candies where the vegan status is unclear, ingredients like glycerin, sugar, and artificial coloring can be sources of confusion for strict vegans. Hershey, the manufacturer, clarifies that certain flavors and varieties are explicitly vegan-friendly, which provides further reassurance.

Potential Concerns for Strict Vegans

While traditional Twizzlers are free of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, some vegans may still avoid them due to other factors:

Sugar Processing: Some standard sugar is refined using bone char, a process that strict vegans may object to. Hershey sources from both cane and beet sugar farms, but the process is not specified on the label.
Palm Oil: The production of palm oil is associated with deforestation and habitat destruction, leading some environmentally conscious vegans to avoid it.
Artificial Colors: Artificial dyes, such as Red 40, are frequently tested on animals, a practice many ethical vegans find unacceptable.

The Evolution of Vegan-Friendly Confectionery

The demand for plant-based and allergen-free products has led many candy manufacturers to reformulate or introduce new product lines. Companies are increasingly transparent about their ingredients, and many have moved away from animal-based components. This trend has made it easier for consumers with dietary restrictions to find suitable and delicious options. Twizzlers' historical formulation already aligns with this shift, positioning it as a naturally vegan-friendly classic. Brands like YumEarth and Newman's Own offer fully vegan and often organic options, further expanding consumer choices in the market.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to what type of gelatin is in Twizzlers is that there is none at all. Their characteristic chewiness is achieved through a combination of corn syrup, wheat flour, and cornstarch, making them suitable for many with dietary restrictions. While some strict vegans may have reservations about the sourcing of certain ingredients like sugar or palm oil, the core product is free of animal-derived gelatin. This makes Twizzlers a reliable, gelatin-free option for those seeking a classic, chewy candy without animal products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional Twizzlers products, including the classic twists and most other varieties, do not contain animal products. Their ingredients are plant-based, making them suitable for a vegan diet.

Twizzlers get their chewy texture from a combination of corn syrup, enriched wheat flour, and cornstarch. Unlike gummy candies, they do not rely on gelatin to achieve their consistency.

Yes, flavors of Twizzlers Pull 'n' Peel are explicitly listed as vegan-friendly by the manufacturer, as they do not contain gelatin or other animal products.

The main difference is the gelling agent. Twizzlers use plant-based ingredients like wheat flour, while most gummy bears use animal-derived gelatin to create their bouncy, chewy texture.

This is a common misconception because a chewy texture is often associated with gelatin, an ingredient common in many other types of candy. However, Twizzlers achieve their chewiness through a different, plant-based formula.

Yes, many Twizzlers varieties, including all flavors of Pull 'n' Peel and Twists, as well as cherry and black licorice flavored Bites and Nibs, are kosher certified by the Orthodox Union.

While palm oil is plant-derived and therefore vegan, its production is linked to environmental issues like deforestation. Some strict vegans who also consider environmental ethics may choose to avoid products containing palm oil.