Which Gums Don't Have Pork? Your Guide to Pork-Free Chewing Gum

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the International Chewing Gum Association, while many modern chewing gums do not contain animal-derived ingredients, some can and do, particularly certain pellet-style gums containing gelatin. This makes it crucial for those with religious or dietary restrictions to know exactly what to look for on ingredient labels. The key is understanding that ingredients like gelatin, which is commonly derived from animal parts, can be sourced from pigs, making a simple, seemingly harmless product potentially unsuitable for consumption.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the primary animal-derived ingredients that can be found in chewing gum, focusing on pork-based sources like gelatin. It provides a detailed breakdown of how to read labels, what to look for, and highlights specific brands and flavors that are confirmed to be pork-free, vegan, or vegetarian, helping consumers make informed choices.

Key Points

Gelatin is the primary concern: Many pellet gums use gelatin for texture, and this is commonly derived from animal sources, including pigs.
Look for certifications: 'Halal,' 'Kosher,' or 'Vegan' labels are the most reliable ways to confirm a gum is pork-free.
Check for hidden ingredients: Vague terms like 'glycerin' or 'natural flavors' can sometimes hide animal sources. Look for clarification like 'vegetable glycerin'.
Brand-specific variations exist: Some brands, such as Mentos, Extra, and Orbit, have a mix of products. Be sure to check the specific flavor and format.
Stick gums are generally safer: Stick-style gums are less likely to contain gelatin than pellet gums, but checking the label remains the safest method.
Reliable pork-free brands: Brands like The Pur Company, Simply Gum, and Glee Gum are consistently vegan and pork-free across their product lines.

Common Animal-Derived Ingredients to Avoid

Many people are surprised to learn that chewing gum can contain animal products. The primary ingredient of concern for those avoiding pork is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, including pigs and cows. It is used as a gelling or binding agent to create specific textures, especially in pellet-shaped gum products.

Other ingredients that can be derived from animals include:

Glycerin (E422): This can be either plant-based or animal-based. Without a 'vegetable glycerin' label, it can be hard to determine the source.
Stearic Acid (E570): Used as a softener, this can be sourced from animal fats like tallow or from plants.
Lecithin (E322): An emulsifier that can come from sources like soy or eggs.
Natural Flavors: The term is vague and can mask hidden animal products. In some countries, the sourcing does not need to be specified.

To ensure a gum is pork-free, you must look for products labeled specifically as 'vegetarian,' 'vegan,' 'Kosher,' or 'Halal.' These certifications guarantee that no pork or other animal-derived ingredients are used.

Popular Pork-Free and Vegan Chewing Gum Brands

Many major and niche brands offer products that are entirely plant-based. Here is a list of reliable options:

Mentos Pure Fresh Gum: Explicitly states its products are pork-free and do not contain animal-based gelatin.
The Pur Company: This brand focuses on all-natural, vegan, and aspartame-free products. All flavors are free from animal products.
Simply Gum: Uses a natural chicle base instead of synthetic alternatives and is explicitly vegan.
Glee Gum: Made with a natural chicle gum base, making it a reliable vegan choice.
Wrigley's Extra Gum (stick form): Many stick-style flavors, such as Spearmint and Peppermint, are vegan. However, some pellet varieties and flavors with coated crystals, like Polar Ice, contain gelatin.
Wrigley's Juicy Fruit (stick form): The stick format is vegan-friendly.
Hubba Bubba: The chunk and tape gums are also suitable for vegans.
Big League Chew Bubble Gum: This shredded bubble gum is generally free of animal products.

Brands to Examine Carefully

Some brands have a mix of products, requiring closer inspection of the label.

Wrigley's Orbit: Some flavors contain gelatin, particularly in the pellet format. It is crucial to check the specific product and flavor.
Wrigley's 5 Gum: Similar to Orbit and Extra, some varieties are vegan, while others contain gelatin.
Mentos: While many are vegan, some varieties like the 3 Layer and Juice Burst gums contain animal-derived ingredients.

Comparison of Popular Gum Brands


Brand	Pork-Free Status	Key Ingredients to Check	Notes
Mentos Pure Fresh	Yes	No pork, fish, or turkey gelatin.	Explicitly states it's free of animal-based gelatin.
The Pur Company	Yes	Vegan, no animal-derived ingredients.	All-natural, aspartame-free.
Simply Gum	Yes	Natural chicle base, vegan.	Plant-based ingredients, no plastic.
Wrigley's Extra (Stick)	Yes	Some flavors may contain gelatin.	Stick gums typically okay, but pellet varieties need review.
Wrigley's Orbit	Check Label	Gelatin in certain pellet formats.	Always read the label for specific flavors.
Glee Gum	Yes	Natural chicle gum base.	Vegetarian and vegan options available.

How to Read Gum Labels to Avoid Pork

To be certain about a product, you must become familiar with its ingredients list and common certifications. Certifications like Kosher and Halal are the most reliable indicators of a product being free of pork. The 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' label is also a strong sign, though it's always wise to check for specific ingredients if a brand has mixed offerings.

Key terms to look for and the alternatives to seek:

Gelatin: Avoid products listing this unless a non-animal source (like fruit pectin or agar-agar) is specified.
Glycerin (E422): Search for 'vegetable glycerin' or confirmation from the manufacturer.
Stearic Acid (E570): Again, look for a plant-based source or manufacturer confirmation.
Natural Flavors: For strict diets, a company's vegan certification is the best way to be sure.

When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly via their website or customer service line. Many have dedicated product information pages for consumers with dietary questions. You can check the International Chewing Gum Association website for general guidance on ingredients.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While the presence of pork-derived ingredients in gum is not universal, it is common enough, particularly in products containing gelatin, to warrant careful consideration. By understanding which ingredients might be sourced from animals and which brands offer explicitly pork-free or vegan options, consumers can confidently select a product that aligns with their dietary restrictions. Always check the label, look for specific certifications, and do not hesitate to contact a brand directly if there is any ambiguity in the ingredients list.

International Chewing Gum Association

Frequently Asked Questions

No, chewing gum is not all made from pig fat. While some gums may contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, many modern gums use synthetic or plant-based alternatives.

Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. While it can come from cows, pig skin is a common and cheap source.

Brands like The Pur Company, Simply Gum, and Glee Gum use plant-based ingredients and are reliably pork-free. Mentos Pure Fresh also states its products are free of animal-based gelatin.

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the packaging for terms like 'gelatin' or ambiguous ingredients like 'glycerin.' Look for specific 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' labels, as well as 'Kosher' or 'Halal' symbols.

Whether a gum contains pork (or any animal product) depends on the manufacturer's recipe. Some use gelatin for texture, especially in coated pellet gums, while others use plant-based or synthetic alternatives.

No, the term 'natural flavors' is not specific enough to guarantee a product is pork-free. For those with strict dietary needs, it is safer to stick with brands that are explicitly labeled as vegan or have clear certifications.

No, it is not guaranteed. While many stick-style gums from brands like Wrigley's Extra are vegan, it is always best to read the ingredients list to be certain, as some products can have variations.