Which gummies have pork gelatin? A Guide to Identifying Animal-Based Ingredients

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to industry statistics, gelatin derived from pork skin accounts for a significant portion of the total gelatin produced globally, making it a very common ingredient in many commercially available chewy candies. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, understanding which products contain this ingredient is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to identify which gummies contain pork gelatin by examining ingredient lists and understanding common labeling practices. It details specific brands, highlights suitable plant-based or alternative animal-derived options, and provides a clear comparison to assist in selecting candies free from pork products.

Key Points

Check for 'gelatin': If a label just says 'gelatin' without specifying a source, it's likely pork-based due to cost efficiency.
Look for certifications: Opt for products with kosher, halal, or vegan labels to guarantee no pork is used.
Vegan alternatives use pectin: Gelatin-free gummies often use plant-based gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, or starches instead.
Haribo and Trolli often contain pork gelatin: Many standard Haribo and Trolli gummy varieties are known to contain pork gelatin.
Beef gelatin is an option: Some certified halal or kosher products use beef gelatin as an alternative to pork.
Read the fine print: Ingredient sourcing can vary by region and batch, so always check the label, even on familiar brands.

Why Gelatin is Used in Gummies

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of pigs and cattle. It is a versatile and cost-effective ingredient, valued in the confectionery industry for its unique gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Gelatin is responsible for giving gummies their characteristic chewy texture and bouncy, elastic consistency. Because porcine (pork) sources are often the most economical, many mainstream candy manufacturers utilize pork-derived gelatin by default, especially if not catering to specific dietary markets.

How to Determine the Gelatin Source

Identifying the source of gelatin in gummies requires careful inspection of the product's label, as manufacturers are not always required to specify the animal origin. Here’s what to look for:

General "Gelatin" Listing: If an ingredient list simply states "gelatin," there is a high probability that it is derived from pork. Porcine gelatin is the most widely produced type globally, and unless a product is marketed as being halal, kosher, or vegetarian, it is safer to assume it contains pork.
Kosher or Halal Certification: Products certified as kosher or halal are guaranteed to be free of pork products. Kosher gelatin is typically sourced from beef or fish, while halal gelatin must come from animals slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws. Look for certification symbols from recognized organizations, such as the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) or a kosher symbol.
Vegan or Vegetarian Labeling: A product labeled as vegan or vegetarian will not contain any animal-derived gelatin, including pork. These gummies use plant-based gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, or tapioca.

Popular Gummies That Often Contain Pork Gelatin

Many classic gummy brands on the market use standard gelatin in their recipes. Common offenders include:

Haribo Goldbears: The standard formula of Haribo Goldbears, particularly those made in countries like Germany, contains pork gelatin. However, it is worth noting that Haribo does produce some halal-certified gummies for specific markets, primarily those manufactured in Turkey. Always check the specific packaging.
Trolli Gummies: Many Trolli products, including their popular Sour Brite Crawlers and gummy worms, list gelatin as an ingredient. Unless explicitly certified as kosher or halal, the gelatin is likely pork-based.
Gummy Lifesavers: Like many chewy candies, Gummy Lifesavers and similar products from Wrigley have historically used gelatin.

Alternatives to Pork-Based Gummies

Thankfully, the market for gelatin-free and alternative-gelatin gummies has grown significantly. Manufacturers now offer many options to accommodate various dietary needs.

Plant-Based Gummies: Brands like YumEarth specialize in vegan, gelatin-free gummies that use pectin as the gelling agent. Other options include Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks and a wide variety of candies found in the vegan sections of health food stores.
Halal and Kosher Gummies: Brands like Ziyad and Kervan USA produce halal-certified gummies using beef gelatin. The Albanese brand also offers a line of gummies made with beef gelatin, but it's important to confirm the specific product's certification.

Comparison of Gummy Types


Feature	Conventional Gummies (Likely Pork Gelatin)	Vegan/Gelatin-Free Gummies	Halal/Kosher Gummies
Gelatin Source	Often unspecified, commonly pork.	None; uses plant-based alternatives like pectin or agar-agar.	Halal (beef/fish) or Kosher (beef/fish), certified.
Texture	Chewy, springy, and elastic.	Can be softer, firmer, or have a fruit-snack-like consistency.	Often similar to conventional gummies, depending on the specific animal gelatin used.
Labeling	May only list "gelatin" or no specification.	Clearly marked as "Vegan," "Gelatin-Free," or uses terms like "pectin".	Features a halal or kosher certification symbol.
Examples	Haribo Goldbears (standard), Trolli, Gummy Lifesavers.	YumEarth, Annie's Organic, Realfruit.	Ziyad, Kervan USA, specific Albanese lines.

Conclusion

Identifying which gummies have pork gelatin is a straightforward process that primarily involves scrutinizing the ingredient list and looking for specific dietary certifications. Since many conventional brands utilize pork-derived gelatin without specifying the source, the safest assumption for those who must avoid pork is to consider any product simply listing "gelatin" as potentially containing it. Fortunately, the expanding market has made it easy to find great-tasting, certified alternatives, whether they are made with beef gelatin or plant-based gelling agents like pectin. For consumers with religious dietary requirements or those who simply prefer to avoid animal products, checking for a kosher, halal, or vegan label provides the assurance needed to enjoy their chewy treats with confidence.

Check the ingredient sourcing and certification on packages for the most accurate information. For further details on the food production industry, resources like the Institute of Food Technologists can provide valuable insights into ingredient sourcing and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, which is found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly pigs and cattle.

Look for a certification mark on the packaging, such as a halal or kosher symbol. If no certification is present and the ingredient list simply says "gelatin," it is prudent to assume it contains pork gelatin.

No. While the standard formula for many Haribo products, like the original Goldbears, contains pork gelatin, some versions are manufactured in Turkey to be halal-certified and are made with beef gelatin.

Plant-based alternatives used in gummies include pectin (derived from fruits like apples and citrus), agar-agar (from seaweed), and starches.

Not always. While vegan gummies will not contain any animal-based gelatin, they could potentially contain other ingredients that are not considered halal, such as alcohol-based flavorings. Always check for specific halal certification if this is a concern.

Yes. Pectin-based gummies often have a softer, more fruit-snack-like consistency compared to the classic chewy and elastic bite of gelatin-based ones.

YumEarth is known for its vegan, pectin-based gummies. Brands like Ziyad, Kervan USA, and specific lines from Albanese produce halal-certified gummies, typically using beef gelatin.