Do Life Savers Gummies Contain Pork Gelatin? What Vegans and Vegetarians Need to Know
As a longtime fan of chewy, fruity candy, I was disappointed to learn that many popular gummy candies like Life Savers contain an ingredient called gelatin This common additive gives gummies their signature soft, gummy texture, but also poses a problem for those following plant-based diets. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the ingredients in Life Savers gummies and find out whether or not they contain pork gelatin
I’ll also share healthy vegan gummy alternatives, so you can satisfy your craving for chewy sweets while sticking to your values. Let’s dive in!
What is Gelatin and Why is it Used in Candy?
Gelatin is a protein substance derived from the boiled bones, skins, and tissues of animals like pigs, cows, and fish. It acts as a gelling agent to give confections like gummy candies and marshmallows their characteristic chewy texture.
This animal-based ingredient has been used in food production for centuries. In candy, gelatin enables the formation of gels that provide body, chewiness, and elasticity. It also helps retain moisture, prevents sugar crystallization, and stabilizes foams like marshmallow.
Today, gelatin remains a popular choice for major candy companies because it’s versatile, inexpensive, and effective. However, its animal origins make it off-limits for vegans and some vegetarians.
Do Life Savers Gummies Actually Contain Pork Gelatin?
Yes. According to the ingredient list provided by the manufacturer, Life Savers gummies do contain pork gelatin.
The maker of Life Savers, Wrigley, states that their gummies are produced using a combination of pork and cattle gelatin. So while the exact ratio may vary across batches, all varieties of Life Savers gummy candies decidedly contain pork-derived gelatin.
Some of the Life Saver gummy varieties that include pork gelatin as an ingredient are:
- Life Savers 5 Flavors Gummies
- Life Savers Wild Berries Gummies
- Life Savers Sours Gummies
- Life Savers Gummies Five Flavor Faves
- Life Savers Tropical Fruit Gummies
Are Any Life Saver Products Vegan?
While the classic Life Saver gummies are off the table for vegans and vegetarians, a few products in the Life Savers family may align with plant-based diets.
The old-fashioned hard candy Life Savers mints are typically free of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin. However, some may contain small amounts of stearic acid, which can be derived from animal fats.
Life Savers also introduced a line of vegan gummies in 2019 called Life Savers Vegan Gummies. These are free from gelatin, instead using pectin as the plant-based gelling agent. Flavors include cherry, orange, grape, lemon, and pineapple.
If you can’t find Life Savers vegan gummies in stores, there are plenty of other vegan options on the market today. Let’s look at some of the best…
Healthy Vegan Gummy Alternatives
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Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears
These organic gummy bears are a long-time favorite. They are made with real fruit juice and colored from natural sources like turmeric and annatto. There are no artificial flavors or synthetic ingredients. Surf Sweets are non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly. -
YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears
YumEarth uses real fruit purees and juices to achieve bold flavor in treats like their gummy bears. They are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and free from the top common allergens. These gummies use no artificial colors or flavors. -
SmartSweets Gummy Bears
With only 3g of sugar per serving, SmartSweets are a healthier twist on gummy candy. They deliver delicious flavor and bounce without artificial sweeteners or animal-based gelatin. -
Goody Good Stuff Bears
These gummy bears are made with real fruit juice and colored with natural hues from radish, pumpkin, black carrot, and more. They are a vegan candy that is fat-free, gluten-free, and low glycemic. -
Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks
Annie’s makes organic gummy bunnies and other shapes out of real fruit juices. They are certified organic, non-GMO, and free of artificial flavors and synthetic colors.
The Takeaway: Enjoy Your Sweets Guilt-Free!
While classic Life Savers gummies aren’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians, there are now lots of innovative brands making delicious plant-based gummy candies. With options made from real fruit juices and organic ingredients, you can enjoy your favorite chewy sweets while sticking to your values.
Just be sure to check labels carefully and contact manufacturers with any questions to ensure your chosen candies are free of animal-derived ingredients like pork gelatin. With so many great options today, there’s no need to sacrifice your beliefs for a sweet treat!
After Seeing How Gummies Are Made, You’ll Probably Never Eat Them Again
FAQ
Do Lifesaver gummies have gelatin?
Is Life Savers halal?
What candy has pork gelatin in it?
Are Lifesaver gummies vegan?
Are Life Savers gummies vegan?
It’s completely vegan because it doesn’t come from an animal source. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones from animals. In gummy candies like Life Savers Gummies, gelatin is used to give the candy its distinctive chewy texture. Since it is derived from animal sources, gelatin is not vegan.
Do keto gummies help with weight loss?
Keto gummies are a type of supplement that contains exogenous ketones, which are compounds that mimic the effects of ketosis. These supplements are designed to help people who are following the keto diet lose weight by providing them with an alternative source of energy.
What are Life Savers gummies?
Life Savers Gummies are a beloved candy known for their bright colors and fruity flavors. These chewy delights have been around for years, captivating taste buds of all ages. But what exactly goes into these fruity candies? Below is a comprehensive list of the ingredients found in Life Savers Gummies:
Are Life Savers gummies cruelty-free?
Unfortunately, these Life Savers candies also fall short on the cruelty-free scale. The reason, once again, is the presence of gelatin, a product of the meat industry that involves the harm and exploitation of animals. Not only that, but Life Savers hard candies and gummies alike contain artificial colors that are routinely tested on animals.