Most traditional gummy bears are not vegan, and the reason is one ingredient: gelatin. Vegan gummies do exist, they just use a different setting agent. Here is what is actually inside a gummy and how to tell the two apart.
What gummies are made of
A typical gummy is sugar, glucose or corn syrup, water, flavor, color, and a gelling agent that gives it the chew. That gelling agent is the part that decides whether a gummy is vegan or not.
Why gelatin is the catch
Classic gummies are set with gelatin, which is a protein made from animal collagen. Because it is animal-derived, any gummy made with gelatin is not vegan and not vegetarian. This covers most familiar gummy bears on the shelf.
What makes a gummy vegan
Vegan gummies swap gelatin for a plant-based gelling agent like pectin, which comes from fruit, or sometimes starch or agar. A couple of other things to watch even on plant-set gummies: carmine, a red color made from insects, and beeswax or shellac used for shine. A true vegan product avoids all of these.
How to check
Scan the ingredient list for gelatin first. If you see it, the gummy is not vegan. If it uses pectin or starch and skips carmine and beeswax, you are likely in vegan territory. A clear vegan label takes out the guesswork.
Want a mix to snack on? Browse our gummy lineup, including the Blue Raspberry Ultimate Gummy Mix, and check the label for the details that matter to you.
Frequently asked questions
Why are most gummy bears not vegan?
Because they are set with gelatin, a protein made from animal collagen. That makes them neither vegan nor vegetarian.
What are vegan gummies made with instead of gelatin?
Plant-based gelling agents like pectin from fruit, or sometimes starch or agar.
Besides gelatin, what should vegans watch for in gummies?
Carmine, a red color made from insects, and beeswax or shellac used for shine. A clearly labeled vegan product avoids these.
