Do Sweet Tart Ropes Contain Pork? Let’s Find Out

Sweet Tart ropes – those chewy, colorful candy treats that many of us loved as kids. But if you follow certain dietary restrictions, you may be wondering: Do Sweet Tart ropes contain pork gelatin?

As a candy connoisseur and ingredient label sleuth, I decided to investigate this question. In this article, I’ll cover the intricacies of gelatin, explain common candy glazes, analyze Sweet Tart ingredients and provide recommendations for vegetarians, vegans and others avoiding pork products. Let’s unravel the mysteries of candy!

What is Gelatin Exactly?

Before determining if a candy contains pork it helps to understand what gelatin is and where it comes from.

Gelatin is a thickening agent and gelling substance used to give foods like Jello and marshmallows their characteristic texture It comes from collagen, a protein found in animal bones, skins and connective tissues

The gelatin extraction process involves prolonged boiling of these animal parts to break down the collagen into gelatin molecules Common gelatin sources are

• Pork skins, bones and ligaments
• Beef hides and bones
• Fish skins and bones

Porcine gelatin from pigs is widely used in foods and candies because it gels at lower temperatures and provides a desirable texture. Kosher gelatin alternatives come from fish.

Now let’s look at how gelatin fits into making candy like Sweet Tarts.

The Role of Gelatin in Candy

Candy makers use gelatin for several important functions:

• Gelling agent – Provides chewy texture in gummy candies
• Stabilizer – Prevents sugar crystallization in things like marshmallows
• Binding agent – Helps hold ingredients together, like in Peeps chicks
• Glazing agent – Gives candy coatings shine and hardness

The glazing properties of gelatin matter most for our Sweet Tarts investigation. Let’s explore candy glazes next.

Common Candy Glazes

Two types of glazes frequently coat candies:

Shellac: Made from resin secreted by the female lac bug. Provides candy gloss and crunch.

Confectioner’s Glaze: A blend of food-grade shellac and gelatin. Gelatin allows it to dry hard on candies.

Confectioner’s glaze is commonly used on Sweet Tarts, jelly beans, Skittles and other shiny or sour candies. The gelatin may be porcine, bovine or fish-derived.

With this background on gelatin and glazes, let’s zero in on Sweet Tart ingredients.

Do Sweet Tart Ropes Contain Pork Gelatin?

To determine if pork gelatin is used in Sweet Tarts, we need to dig into the ingredient labels. Here are the key findings:

• Original Sweet Tarts do not contain any gelatin or animal products. Their chew comes from corn syrup.

• Sweet Tart Ropes, Soft & Chewy and other varieties do contain non-vegan gelatin and confectioner’s glaze.

• The gelatin source is not specified but is likely porcine.

• Original Sweet Tarts are pork-free and vegan friendly

• Sweet Tart Ropes contain undisclosed gelatin, likely from pork

Let’s look closer at the exact ingredients.

Sweet Tart Rope Ingredients

According to the nutrition label, here are the ingredients in Sweet Tart Ropes:

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Wheat flour
• Malic acid
• Glycerin
• Natural flavors
• Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)
• Gelatin
• Confectioner’s glaze

The gelatin and confectioner’s glaze are the non-vegan ingredients. Note that gelatin derived from pigs is not kosher either.

Alternatives for Special Diets

If avoiding pork for religious, ethical or dietary reasons, look for candies with:

• No gelatin – Gummy bears often use pectin instead
• Kosher gelatin – Typically fish-based, not porcine
• Plant-based glazes – Wax or carnauba wax instead of shellac
• Vegan labels – Scan for “vegan” or “vegetarian” claims on packaging

There are also many DIY recipes to make homemade vegan gummy candies using fruit juices or plant-sourced agar agar.

While Sweet Tart Ropes contain undisclosed animal ingredients, the original Sweet Tarts are a vegan-friendly alternative.

Should Sweet Tarts List Pork as an Allergen?

Some would argue that since the gelatin source isn’t identified on Sweet Tart labels, pork should be listed as a potential allergen.

Top food allergens like wheat, soy and dairy must be labeled. However, pork is not considered a major allergen even though some people do have allergies to it.

More transparency from candy companies on gelatin sources would help consumers make informed choices. Listing “pork gelatin” vs just “gelatin” would be ideal.

Shopping for Special Diets

When buying candy, vegetarians, vegans, Jews, Muslims and anyone avoiding pork should diligently read the fine print:

• Scan for gelatin, confectioner’s glaze and other animal-derived ingredients

• Look for kosher symbols if your diet follows Jewish dietary laws

• Seek out vegan labels for the safest bet

• When unsure, contact the manufacturer directly to ask about sources

With care and research, those with dietary restrictions can also enjoy the sugary satisfaction of candy!

While the original Sweet Tarts are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, varieties like Sweet Tart Ropes do contain undisclosed gelatin and confectioner’s glaze. The gelatin source is not listed but is likely porcine.

This makes Sweet Tart Ropes off-limits for those avoiding pork products like vegans, Jews, Muslims and anyone with pork allergies. Checking labels carefully and looking for “kosher” or “vegan” claims can help identify pork-free candies.

When in doubt, call the candy company directly to inquire about dubious ingredients. With care taken around candy ingredients, even those with dietary restrictions can find plenty of treats to enjoy!