Gummy bears are a beloved treat for many, and Haribo is a brand that has been a fan favorite for decades.
However, for those who follow a halal diet, there has been some confusion about whether or not Haribo gummy bears are permissible to consume. The issue lies in the use of gelatin, which can be derived from pork.
In this article, we will explore the differences between Turkish, American, and German-made Haribo gummies, and whether or not they contain pork-derived gelatin.
So, if you’re a gummy bear lover who wants to know more about the ingredients in your favorite candy, keep reading!
Are Haribo Gummy Bears Made With Pork?
The answer to this question is not a simple one. It depends on where the gummy bears are manufactured.
Haribo has production facilities in several countries, including Turkey, Germany, the UK, Austria, Spain, Brazil, and France. The gelatin used in these facilities can be derived from either beef or pork.
If you are looking for Haribo gummy bears that are halal certified and made with beef-derived gelatin, you will need to look for products that are made in Turkey. According to Haribo’s response to a customer inquiry, their production facility in Turkey uses only beef-derived gelatin.
However, if the gummy bears are manufactured in any of the other countries mentioned above, they may contain pork-derived gelatin.
It’s important to note that Haribo does offer alternative fruit gum products that do not contain any ingredients of animal origin whatsoever. These products are made with starch, agar-agar, or Gellan gum.
Understanding Gelatin And Its Sources
Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen, a structural protein found in the connective tissues of animals. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food products, including gummy candies like Haribo gummy bears.
The sources of gelatin can vary, depending on the animal from which it is derived. The most common sources of gelatin are pigskin, cattle bones, and cattle hide. These animal parts are generated as waste during animal slaughtering and processing.
It’s important to note that gelatin is not a vegan or vegetarian-friendly ingredient, as it is derived from animal sources. However, some gummy sweets, like Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids, happen to be vegan.
Haribo’s use of pork-derived gelatin in some of their products can be a concern for those who follow certain dietary restrictions or have religious beliefs that prohibit pork consumption. It’s important to check the labeling on Haribo products to determine the source of the gelatin used in their production.
The Turkish-Made Haribo Gummies
If you are looking for halal-certified Haribo gummies made with beef gelatin, the Turkish-made gummies are your best bet. The Haribo production facility in Turkey uses only beef-derived gelatin, making their gummies suitable for those who follow halal dietary restrictions.
In addition to being halal certified, many Haribo fans also appreciate the consistency of the gummies that contain gelatin. These fans have been loyal to the brand for generations and do not want the consistency to change. This is why Haribo continues to use gelatin in their products, but they also offer alternative fruit gum products that do not contain any ingredients of animal origin.
If you are a fan of Haribo gummies and want to try the Turkish-made version, you can find them in Halal grocery stores or by purchasing products directly imported from Turkey. Many consumers have noticed a difference in ingredients and flavor between Turkish-imported gummies and those found at local grocery stores. The quality and taste of the Turkish-made gummies are often considered superior.
The American-Made Haribo Gummies
Haribo gummy bears sold in the US are made in Turkey and may contain pork-derived gelatin. This is because Turkey is the country where Haribo has its production facility for the American market. Therefore, if you are looking for gummy bears that do not contain any pork-derived ingredients, you may want to avoid the American-made Haribo gummies.
In addition to the gelatin source, there are other differences between German and American Haribo gummies. The American ones are softer and easier to chew than the German ones, which are slightly tougher and more jaw-tiring. The American gummies are also more vivid in color, as they are made with artificial colors, while the German ones use natural colors.
Despite these differences, both versions of Haribo gummies have their own unique flavor profiles. The German bears generally have a more pronounced flavor that is closer to real fruit than the American ones. However, many tasters were split on which version they preferred, as it ultimately depends on personal preference.
It’s worth noting that Haribo is building its first North American manufacturing plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, which will produce Goldbears gummy bears and other Haribo products. This new facility may change the source of gelatin used in American-made Haribo gummies in the future.
The German-Made Haribo Gummies
If you are specifically interested in the German-made Haribo gummies, it’s important to note that they do contain gelatin, which can be derived from either beef or pork. However, according to Haribo’s website, their German-made gummies are made with “100% carefully selected ingredients and natural colorings” and do not contain any artificial flavors or colors.
In terms of taste and texture, many people prefer the German-made Haribo gummies over those made in other countries. In a blind taste test conducted by a food writer, the German gummies were described as having a slightly tougher texture but a more pronounced and natural fruit flavor compared to their American counterparts.
It’s also worth noting that Haribo offers a variety of different gummy products in Germany, including vegetarian options made with agar-agar or starch instead of gelatin. So if you are looking for Haribo gummies that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, there are options available.
Halal Alternatives To Haribo Gummies
If you are looking for halal alternatives to Haribo gummies, there are several options available. One option is to look for halal-certified gummy candies from other brands. Many companies offer halal gummy candies that are made with beef or vegan sources of gelatin, such as seaweed.
Another option is to look for Turkish-made gummy candies. As mentioned earlier, Haribo’s production facility in Turkey uses only beef-derived gelatin, making their gummy candies halal certified. There are also other Turkish brands that offer halal-certified gummy candies.
You can also make your own homemade gummy candies using halal-certified ingredients. There are many recipes available online that use beef or vegan sources of gelatin and natural sweeteners like fruit juice.
