Does Brach’s Candy Corn Contain Pork Gelatin?

Come Halloween season, candy corn is an iconic treat that conjures feelings of nostalgia and spooky fun. But many candy lovers wonder – with its smooth, gel-like texture, does candy corn like Brach’s contain controversial animal ingredients like pork gelatin?

In this article, we’ll take a close look at how popular candy corn brands like Brach’s are made, including the types of gelatin used. Read on to find out if your favorite Halloween candy contains pork!

Gelatin Gives Candy Corn Its Signature Texture

First, let’s cover the basics. Candy corn has a signature smooth, gummy texture thanks to the use of gelatin Gelatin is derived from collagen, the main structural protein found in animal bones, skins, and tissues It acts as a gelling agent to give confections their chewy-yet-melty consistency.

Gelatin can be derived from cattle/beef sources or pork. Traditionally, pork-based gelatin was very commonly used since it offered certain advantages. But the rise of religious dietary restrictions that prohibit pork has led some brands to explore alternative sources.

Brach’s Confirms Use of Pork Gelatin

Brach’s is the largest and most ubiquitous candy corn brand during the Halloween season. So do their candy corn kernels contain pork gelatin?

According to a statement provided to Cooking Light, Brach’s confirmed that their candy corn does contain gelatin sourced from pork. Specifically, they stated that the gelatin comes from pig skins and bones.

So those avoiding pork for religious reasons will want to avoid typical Brach’s candy corn and look for gelatin-free alternatives instead.

Why Do Brands Use Pork Gelatin?

Pork gelatin offers some advantages that have made it a popular choice for major candy brands:

• Cost – Pork-based gelatin has traditionally been very inexpensive and abundant. This helps keep manufacturing costs down.

• Availability – Pork gelatin has been widely available for consistent use across global production facilities.

• Characteristics – It provides ideal gelling properties suited to candy corn’s signature texture.

However, the rise of plant-based gelling agents offers comparable functionality without animal ingredients. So brands catering to special diets are exploring next-gen options.

Religious Objections to Pork Gelatin

The two major religious groups that prohibit pork consumption are:

• Jewish consumers – Jewish kosher dietary laws classify pigs as unkosher. So pork-derived ingredients like gelatin are avoided.

• Muslim consumers – In Islam, pigs are considered haram or forbidden. Most Muslims refrain from pork-based gelatin when alternatives exist.

Candies certified kosher or halal generally indicate the use of beef or vegetarian gelatins. Candy corn from Brach’s lacks any such religious certification due to its use of pork gelatin.

Gelatin Alternatives for Special Diets

The growth of vegetarian, kosher, and halal diets has led some brands to explore innovative new ways to create gelatin-free candy corn:

• Pectin – Pectin from fruit can mimic gelatin’s gelling properties. It is often used to make gelatin-free gummy bears and jelly beans.

• Agar agar – This vegetarian gel substitute is derived from seaweed. It has strong gelling capabilities ideal for chewy candies.

• Carrageenan – Sourced from red seaweed, carrageenan forms rigid gels perfect for molding into shaped confections.

• Cellulose – Purified plant cellulose from sources like bamboo or cotton can provide a mild gel-like texture.

• Plant-based gums – Gums from acacia, carob, guar and locust beans allow for gel-free candies.

With some innovative formulation, it’s possible to create tasty vegetarian and Halal candy corn for festive plant-based fun!

Homemade Gelatin-Free Candy Corn

Want to whip up your own batch of animal-free candy corn? Here are some simple homemade candy corn recipes:

• Agar candy corn – Substitute agar powder for gelatin and mold corn shapes from sugar syrup. Natural colors come from turmeric and carrot juice.

• Pectin candy corn – Dissolve pectin in lemon juice and corn syrup to create chewy candy corn kernels. Color with natural beet, carrot, and turmeric extracts.

• Gumdrop candy corn – Omit gelatin and use acacia gum mixed with tapioca syrup. Go old-school and color white kernels with melted chocolate!

The Verdict on Brach’s Candy Corn

To summarize:

• Brach’s candy corn does contain pork-derived gelatin, specifically from pig skins and bones.

• The pork gelatin gives candy corn its signature chewy-melty texture but prevents Brach’s from obtaining kosher or halal certification.

• Vegans and those avoiding pork should look for gelatin-free candy corn options specifically labeled as such.

• With some creativity, you can even make homemade candy corn using plant-based binders like agar or pectin instead of gelatin.

While traditional brands like Brach’s lean on familiar pork gelatin, the growth of plant-positive diets is pushing candy innovation in new directions. There are now more gelatin-free options than ever to accommodate ethical and religious dietary needs. Read labels carefully and contact brands to confirm ingredients suit your individual diet.