Do Wagon Wheels Contain Pork Gelatin?

Wagon Wheels are a popular snack food treat that many people enjoyed in their childhood. These round chocolate covered biscuits filled with marshmallow are a nostalgic favorite across the UK, Australia, and other countries. But with growing concerns over ingredients, a common question is – do Wagon Wheels contain pork gelatin? Let’s take a detailed look at what gelatin is, what goes into Wagon Wheels, and how vegetarians can still enjoy wagon wheel flavors.

What are Wagon Wheels?

Wagon Wheels have been around since the 1940s and get their name from resembling the large wooden wheels on wagons of the Old American West They consist of

• Two round, shortbread-like biscuits

• A marshmallow filling between the biscuits

• A coating of chocolate on the outside

Traditionally, Wagon Wheels contain milk chocolate Some variations use white chocolate or dark chocolate Limited editions over the years have included other fillings like caramel or jam. But the classic marshmallow filling is most common.

What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is a colorless, flavorless substance that comes from collagen. It has thickening and gelling properties that help food hold shapes and textures. Gelatin can be derived from the bones, skins, and connective tissues of cows or pigs.

The collagen is processed to become gelatin which acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier. It’s commonly used in:

• Marshmallows
• Gummy candies
• Yogurts
• Ice creams
• Jellied desserts

Gelatin also has some health benefits related to joint health, skin, hair, and nails due to its amino acids. But the animal source prevents vegetarians from eating it.

Do Wagon Wheels Contain Pork Gelatin?

After much research, I can confirm that Wagon Wheels do not contain pork gelatin. However, they do contain beef gelatin derived from cows. Here’s an overview:

• The original Wagon Wheel recipe contains beef gelatin. This allows the marshmallow filling to set up firm.

• No pork or pork products are used in standard Wagon Wheels sold in stores.

• Halal or Kosher versions use an alternative gelling agent instead of gelatin.

• Vegetarian Wagon Wheels use pectin or another veg-based gelling substance.

So while pork gelatin is not used, the beef gelatin still prevents Wagon Wheels from being vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or Kosher. Those avoiding beef also need a substitute.

Why Do People Think Wagon Wheels Contain Pork?

There are a few reasons why some consumers think Wagon Wheels contain pork gelatin:

• Confusing beef gelatin as being from pigs

• Assuming all non-Halal sweets contain pork

• Misreading ambiguous ingredient labels

• Repeating outdated information or rumors

But today’s official ingredients for standard Wagon Wheels list only beef gelatin, not pork. The confusion likely comes from the similarity between cow and pig-derived gelatin.

What Wagon Wheel Ingredients Are Not Vegetarian?

While pork gelatin is not used, here are the non-vegetarian Wagon Wheel ingredients:

• Beef Gelatin – In marshmallow filling

• Milk Chocolate – Contains milk solids

• Milk – Also listed as an ingredient

• Butter – In the shortbread biscuit

So vegetarians must avoid regular Wagon Wheels due to the beef gelatin and dairy ingredients. Vegans also reject the milk chocolate and butter.

What About Vegetarian or Vegan Wagon Wheels?

Luckily, there are vegetarian and vegan alternative Wagon Wheels available:

• Quorn Veg Wheel – Mycoprotein and marshmallow filling

• Free From Wagon Wheels – Dairy-free, vegan marshmallow

• Tesco Plant Chef – Vegan chocolate and marshmallow

• Asda Free From – Uses vegan chocolate and rice mallows

These substitutes replace the gelatin with veg-based gelling agents like pectin or agar. They also swap dairy milk for non-dairy chocolate.

Making Homemade Vegan Wagon Wheels

For the freshest, wholesome ingredients, make DIY vegan Wagon Wheels at home. Here are some tips:

• Use vegan marshmallows or make marshmallow fluff

• Make shortbread cookies from scratch or use vegan store-bought

• Dip cookies in vegan dark chocolate or chocolate sprinkles

• Substitute gelatin with agar powder or vegan marshmallows

• Explore fillings like caramel, nuts, coconut, jam, or banana

• Cut cookies into circles using a biscuit cutter for the wagon wheel shape

With homemade vegan Wagon Wheels, you control the high quality ingredients while still getting the classic flavors you love.

Why Gelatin Matters for Vegetarians

Understanding what foods contain gelatin is important for vegetarians and vegans because:

• Gelatin is made from animal parts like skin, tendons, ligaments.

• Most gelatin comes from pigs or cows.

• Gelatin gives a firm texture to marshmallows, gummies, desserts.

• Alternatives like pectin and agar work for vegetarian recipes.

• Food labels don’t always specify gelatin’s animal source.

• Muslims and Jews also avoid pork-derived gelatin.

Checking labels for “gelatin” is key when evaluating sweets, yogurts, marshmallows, and other products. Calling manufacturers directly may be needed to confirm no pork gelatin is used.

While many people assume Wagon Wheels contain pork gelatin, they actually contain only beef gelatin. However, vegetarians must still avoid them along with the milk chocolate and butter ingredients. Thankfully, vegan alternatives exist from brands using veg-based gelling agents. Homemade Wagon Wheels can also be an option for controlling ingredients. So if you’ve got a wagon wheel craving, go for one of the tasty vegan or vegetarian versions and enjoy!