Lucky Charms cereal has delighted children and adults alike with its rainbow of colorful marshmallow shapes for over 50 years. But despite its widespread popularity, concerns have emerged about one particular ingredient in this iconic breakfast cereal – gelatin. Specifically, does Lucky Charms contain pork-derived gelatin? Let’s investigate the leprechaun’s magical cereal recipe and find out once and for all
The Crucial Role of Gelatin in Cereal
At the center of the pork gelatin question is the use of gelatin itself. Gelatin is a protein substance derived from collagen in animal bones and tissues. It has unique gelling properties that give marshmallows gummy candies and some yogurts their characteristic chewy texture.
In cereal, gelatin allows the marshmallow pieces to retain their fluffy structure when soaked in milk. It’s an integral ingredient in many marshmallow cereal recipes.
Tracing the Origins of Lucky Charms
To understand if today’s Lucky Charms contains pork gelatin, we need to go back to the origins of the cereal Lucky Charms was created in 1964 by General Mills with the famous slogan “They’re Magically Delicious!”
Some of the original components of Lucky Charms included:
- Oat cereal pieces
- Marshmallows in fun shapes
- Sugar coating on the oats
- Vibrant food coloring
The exact source of the gelatin used in those original marshmallows is unclear. However, in recent decades, General Mills has been more transparent about using pork-based gelatin.
General Mills’ Stance on Gelatin Sources
On their website, General Mills states that the gelatin used in Lucky Charms marshmallows comes from pork sources. They explain that pork bones and skins go through a process of boiling, filtering, and drying to extract and purify the collagen, which is then used as gelatin.
Beyond Lucky Charms, other General Mills cereals containing pork-derived gelatin include:
- Count Chocula
- Frankenberry
- Boo Berry
- Fruity Yummy Mummy
So according to the manufacturer, today’s Lucky Charms cereal does contain pork-based gelatin.
Checking the Ingredient List
Reading the ingredient list on a Lucky Charms cereal box confirms the presence of gelatin as well, though the source isn’t specified. The list includes:
- Oats
- Marshmallows (sugar, modified corn starch, corn syrup, gelatin)
- Sugar
- Salt
- Trisodium phosphate
- Artificial flavor
- Color added
So the gelatin is clearly called out as an ingredient in the marshmallows.
Why Pork Gelatin is Commonly Used
Pork is a very common source of gelatin for a few key reasons:
- Cost – Pork skins and bones are inexpensive byproducts.
- Characteristics – Pork derived gelatin sets up firm with a mild flavor.
- Availability – Pork is a widely consumed meat, supplying abundant collagen.
- History – Pork gelatin was used early on in food manufacturing.
Many major food brands continue using pork gelatin simply due to familiarity and cost factors.
Alternatives for Vegetarians and Pork Avoiders
The inclusion of pork gelatin makes Lucky Charms off-limits for certain groups like vegetarians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and others who avoid pork.
Some suitable substitute cereals include:
- Cheerios (General Mills)
- Corn Flakes (Kellogg’s)
- Rice Krispies (Kellogg’s)
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch (General Mills)
Check labels carefully though, as some fruit flavored cereals also contain pork gelatin even if they don’t have marshmallows.
Homemade Gelatin-Free Lucky Charms
For die-hard Lucky Charms fans avoiding pork, it is possible to recreate the cereal at home using alternate sources of gelatin:
- Make oat cereal base from scratch
- Substitute gummy bears for marshmallows
- Use agar flakes or pectin to make gelatin
- Add natural food coloring
- Flavor marshmallows with vanilla
With a little creativity, you can enjoy the essence of Lucky Charms without the pork!
Customer Perspectives on Pork Gelatin
Among consumers, perspectives on pork gelatin in Lucky Charms vary:
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Vegetarians feel frustrated by the lack of clearly marked cereals.
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Jewish and Muslim customers wish there was more awareness around gelatin sources.
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Some parents simply don’t realize gelatin may be pork-based.
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Those who love the cereal see gelatin as a trivial issue.
Increased transparency from brands would allow customers to make informed choices.
The Takeaway: Check Ingredient Lists
While Lucky Charms’ magical appeal endures for many, the inclusion of pork gelatin is rightfully concerning for vegetarians and those who avoid pork for religious reasons. Always check ingredient lists carefully to look for gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients if avoiding certain meats. With a little extra attention while shopping, everyone can find a delightfully delicious cereal to start their day!
Do Lucky Charms have pork in it?
Does Lucky Charms have gelatin?
Lucky Charms contains pork gelatin. Most gelatin is either pork-derived or beef-derived, and General Mills confirms on their website that the gelatin in Lucky Charms is sourced from pork collagen. Do Lucky Charms Contain Dairy? Lucky Charms do not contain milk, lactose, or any other dairy product.
Are lucky charms vegan?
Lucky Charms are generally not considered vegan. They contain pork gelatin, which comes from boiled pig skin, bones, joints, and the like. They also contain sugar, artificial colors, natural flavor, and vitamin D3, which are gray-area ingredients that some vegans avoid.
Which Lucky Charms cereals contain pork?
They include all Lucky Charms cereals (General Mills): the original version of Chocolate Lucky Charms and any special holiday versions of the cereal. The Malt-O-Meal cereals Marshmallow Mateys, and Frosted Mini Spooners also contain pork.
What is lucky charms made of?
General Mills confirms on their website that the gelatin in Lucky Charms is made from pork collagen. To quickly address the issues of sugar and vitamin D3: Non-organic cane sugar is often filtered with bone char to give it a pure white color. Meanwhile, vitamin D3 is usually made from lanolin (from sheep’s wool).