Are you a Twizzlers fan who’s wondering if these sweet, chewy treats contain any animal products?
Specifically, are you concerned about whether or not Twizzlers have pork in them?
You’re not alone. With so many candies containing gelatin, a byproduct of the beef and pork industries, it’s important to know what’s in your favorite snacks.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in Twizzlers and answer the question once and for all: do Twizzlers have pork in them?
Get ready to satisfy your curiosity and your sweet tooth!
Do Twizzlers Have Pork In Them?
The short answer is no, Twizzlers do not contain pork.
In fact, Twizzlers are one of the few candies that do not contain gelatin or any other animal byproducts. Gelatin is commonly used in candies with a toothy texture, but Twizzlers achieve their chewiness through a combination of corn syrup, wheat flour, and other ingredients.
While some candies may contain pork gelatin, Twizzlers fans can rest easy knowing that their favorite treat is free from any animal products on the ingredients list.
What Are Twizzlers Made Of?
Twizzlers are primarily made from corn syrup, which provides the candy with its signature sweetness. The chewy texture of Twizzlers comes from a combination of cornstarch, wheat flour, and other stabilizers. Sugar is also added to enhance the candy’s sweetness.
In addition to these primary ingredients, Twizzlers also contain palm oil, which is used as a binding agent. Salt is added to balance out the sweetness of the candy, while citric acid is used as a preservative. Glycerin, an ingredient commonly found in soap manufacture, is also included in some varieties of Twizzlers.
Artificial flavors and colors are also added to enhance the taste and appearance of the candy. For example, red dye #
The Controversy Surrounding Gelatin In Candy
The controversy surrounding gelatin in candy is a significant concern for many vegans and vegetarians. Gelatin is a common ingredient in many candies, including gummies and marshmallows, and it is derived from animal collagen, usually from cows or pigs. This means that gelatin is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians who avoid animal products.
However, not all candies contain gelatin, and some candies that do contain gelatin may use alternatives like agar or carrageenan to achieve a similar texture. Candy manufacturers are also becoming more aware of the demand for vegan-friendly options and are starting to offer more plant-based alternatives.
When it comes to Twizzlers, the good news is that they do not contain gelatin or any other animal byproducts. However, there is still some confusion as to whether or not Twizzlers are vegan-friendly. While the ingredients list does not include any meat, eggs, dairy, or insect byproducts, some vegans may still have concerns about other ingredients like glycerin or artificial colors.
Ultimately, the decision to consume Twizzlers as part of a vegan lifestyle is up to personal discretion. While they may not contain any animal products, some vegans may choose to avoid them due to concerns about other ingredients or ethical considerations related to the production of palm oil or artificial colors.
Does Gelatin Come From Pork?
Yes, gelatin can come from pork. Gelatin is a protein that is extracted by boiling skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments of animals such as cows and pigs with water. In fact, most of the gelatin used in food products is derived from pork skins, bones, and other connective tissues. Gelatin production helps prevent wastage of animal by-products and is considered sustainable and a part of the circular economy.
It is important to note that gelatin is not vegan, and therefore not suitable for those following a vegan diet. However, there are vegan alternatives to gelatin such as “agar agar,” which is derived from seaweed.
Kosher symbols and markings may not always be reliable indicators for vegans or vegetarians when making purchasing decisions. The “K” or “Kosher” symbols indicate that the food manufacturing process was overseen by a rabbi to ensure that it meets Hebrew dietary laws. The “P” or “Parve” symbol indicates that the product contains no meat or dairy products, but may contain fish or eggs. Kosher gelatin is usually made from a fish source.
Twizzlers Ingredients: Any Pork In The Mix?
The ingredients in Twizzlers are as follows: corn syrup, wheat flour, sugar, cornstarch, palm oil, salt, artificial flavor, glycerin, citric acid, potassium sorbate, artificial color (red 40), and soy lecithin. It’s important to note that this list is for the strawberry twists only; the ingredients for other flavors can be found on the Hershey website.
While glycerin is a potential concern for vegans as it can be a byproduct of soap manufacture that commonly uses animal fat, Hershey describes their glycerin as “a food additive made from various vegetable oils.” Therefore, Twizzlers are considered vegan-friendly.
It’s also worth noting that the red color in Twizzlers comes from red dye #
Other Animal Products To Look Out For In Candy
Although Twizzlers are free from animal products, there are still other animal ingredients that may be found in candies. One such ingredient is carmine, which is used as a red dye and is made from crushed beetles. This may be listed on ingredient labels as “cochineal extract” or “natural red 4”. Another animal product to look out for is milk fat, which is commonly found in chocolate-based candies.
Gelatin, as mentioned earlier, is also a common animal-derived ingredient in candy. It is made from animal skin, bones, and tendons and is used as a stabilizer or thickening agent. Candies like gummy bears and marshmallows often contain gelatin to achieve their chewy texture.
It’s important for vegans or those with dietary restrictions to carefully read ingredient labels when selecting candies. Some candies may contain hidden animal products, such as honey or beeswax, which are commonly used as sweeteners or coatings. By checking the ingredients list and doing research on questionable ingredients, candy lovers can enjoy their treats while staying true to their dietary choices.
Vegan Alternatives To Twizzlers
If you’re looking for vegan alternatives to Twizzlers, there are plenty of options available. Here are a few:
1. YumEarth Licorice: YumEarth is a brand that produces organic, vegan, and gluten-free candy. Their licorice comes in a variety of flavors, including pomegranate, peach, and strawberry.
2. Sour Patch Kids: Sour Patch Kids are a popular candy that is vegan-friendly. They come in a variety of flavors and have a similar chewy texture to Twizzlers.
3. Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears: Surf Sweets produces a variety of vegan gummy candies, including their Organic Fruity Bears. These candies are made with organic fruit juice and are free from artificial colors and flavors.
4. Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears: Black Forest is another brand that produces organic gummy candies. Their Organic Gummy Bears are made with real fruit juice and come in a variety of flavors.
5. Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks: Annie’s is a brand that produces organic and vegan snacks, including their Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks. These snacks are made with real fruit juice and come in a variety of fun shapes.
These are just a few examples of vegan alternatives to Twizzlers. There are many other brands and types of candy available that are free from animal products and use natural ingredients. When shopping for candy, be sure to read the ingredients list carefully to ensure that it is vegan-friendly.
