Jelly beans are a popular Easter candy that people of all ages love to snack on. Their burst of sweet flavor and colorful shells make them an iconic treat. But if you enjoy jelly beans, you may have wondered – are they actually made from pork?
In this article we’ll take a close look at the ingredients used to make jelly beans and whether pork plays a role.
The History of Jelly Beans
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s go over a quick history of jelly beans. Jelly beans are believed to have originated in the United States in the 1860s. They were likely inspired by a Middle Eastern candy called Turkish Delight.
Originally, jelly beans were made from sugar and cornstarch. Natural colors and flavors were added to create different varieties. The jelly-like interior texture came from the moisture content and use of cornstarch.
In the early 1900s, jelly beans became associated with Easter. Around this time, they were also linked with a certain Easter bunny who delivered them in baskets! Their egg-like shape and wide range of bright colors made jelly beans a fitting Easter candy.
The manufacturing process advanced through the 1900s to allow for mass production. Jelly beans grew in popularity across America and became available year-round. Today, over 16 billion jelly beans are produced in the U.S. each year!
Do Jelly Beans Contain Pork?
Now let’s look at the big question – do jelly beans contain pork products? The short answer is no. Jelly beans today are primarily made from sugar corn syrup cornstarch, colors, flavors, and other minor ingredients.
Pork or other meat products are not directly used as ingredients during jelly bean production. However, there has been some confusion around whether gelatin, a common ingredient, contains pork.
The Role of Gelatin
In the past, gelatin was commonly used to create the chewy texture of jelly beans. Gelatin is a protein derived from the collagen in animal bones and skin. Pork or beef parts were commonly used as the source.
However, today’s jelly beans no longer contain gelatin. Major brands like Jelly Belly have changed their recipes to remove gelatin completely. They now use substitutes like cornstarch, locust bean gum, and citric acid to achieve the right jelly-like texture.
This change makes most jelly beans safe for vegetarians and those avoiding pork products. However, it’s still smart to check the label since some smaller brands may still use gelatin.
Other Animal-Derived Ingredients
While pork and gelatin have been removed from jelly beans, some brands still use other animal-derived ingredients:
- Beeswax – Provides a waxy coating around the candy
- Confectioner’s glaze – Adds a glossy sheen
These ingredients are made from insects and bugs, not pork. However, they are still animal products Vegans or those avoiding all animal foods may want to avoid jelly beans containing beeswax or confectioner’s glaze
Again, confirming the ingredients on the nutrition label is the best way to know if a product is 100% animal-free. Many brands now offer completely vegan jelly beans.
Typical Jelly Bean Ingredients
Since they no longer contain pork, gelatin or other animal ingredients, what’s actually used to make jelly beans today?
Here are some of the main ingredients:
- Sugar – Provides sweetness and texture
- Corn syrup – Adds moisture and chewiness
- Starch – Helps achieve the jelly-like interior
- Colors – Creates the vibrant candy colors
- Flavors – Includes natural and artificial varieties
- Citric acid – Provides tartness and flavor
- Wax – Coats the outer shell (plant-based)
As you can see, jelly beans today are primarily made from plant-based ingredients like sugar, starches, colors and flavors. This makes them safe for vegetarians and those avoiding pork products.
How Jelly Beans Are Made
Now that we know the main ingredients, let’s look briefly at the manufacturing process:
- Sugar, corn syrup and starch are mixed together in large boilers
- The mixture is heated and water is removed to achieve a thick syrup-like texture
- Natural colors and flavors are added to the syrup
- The syrup passes through tubes to form the signature bean shape
- The beans are coated with an edible wax solution
- The beans are polished and packaged when dried
So while the ingredients and process have evolved over the years, jelly beans themselves remain a beloved candy!
The Bottom Line
After examining the ingredients and production process, we can conclude that jelly beans today do not contain pork products. Gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient, has been removed from most major jelly bean brands.
Jelly beans are now primarily made from plant-based ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, colors and flavors. Some brands still use non-pork animal ingredients like beeswax, so check labels if avoiding all animal foods.
The iconic jelly bean remains a favorite Easter basket treat that kids and adults alike can enjoy – without worrying about mystery ingredients like pork! As long as you check the label for gelatin, they are a veggie-friendly, nostalgic candy.
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FAQ
Can Muslims eat jelly beans?
Do jelly beans contain pork?
Do jelly have pork in it?
What kind of gelatin is in jelly beans?
What are jelly beans made of?
Jelly beans are small bean -shaped sugar candies with soft candy shells and thick gel interiors (see gelatin and jelly ). The confection is primarily made of sugar and sold in a wide variety of colors and flavors. The origin of jelly beans is obscure.
How do you make a jelly bean?
The first step in creating a jelly bean is combining cornstarch, corn syrup, sugar, and water. Once the mixture is hot, flavor-specific additives—anything from fruit juices and purees to peanut butter and oils—are poured in. The candy mixture then goes through a mogul, a machine that adds the mixture into wooden molds lined with cornstarch.
Are jelly beans kosher?
Yes and no. Since the primary source of animal protein in gelatine is pork, which is strictly forbidden in any form in Kosher dietary law, this means that many jelly-bean brands are out. Fortunately, gelatin-free jelly beans may be found at a variety of grocery stores, just pay attention to the ingredients label.
Are jelly beans vegan?
There are a lot of foods that you would think are vegan, but really aren’t — and jelly beans are usually on that list. While the gooey, inside center of a jelly bean usually follows within vegan guidelines, it’s the exterior of most products that removes these candies from the vegan-approved food list.