Does Brach’s Candy Corn Have Pork Gelatin? An Expert’s Guide

Are you a vegan who loves candy corn?

Unfortunately, the answer to whether Brach’s candy corn contains pork gelatin may disappoint you.

While sugar and corn syrup, the main ingredients in candy corn, are vegan-friendly, the addition of other additives makes this treat unsuitable for plant-based eaters.

Brach’s, the most popular candy corn brand, uses gelatin derived from animal tendons, ligaments, and bones.

But that’s not all – many other candy corn brands contain confectioner’s glaze or shellac, both made from insect excretions.

In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in candy corn and why it’s not a vegan-friendly treat.

Does Brach’s Candy Corn Have Pork Gelatin?

As mentioned earlier, Brach’s candy corn does contain pork gelatin. Gelatin is a common ingredient in many types of candy, including marshmallows and gummy candies. It is used as a thickener and to give candy a chewy texture.

Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, which is found in tendons, ligaments, and bones. In the case of pork gelatin, it comes from the skin and bones of pigs.

While some vegans may choose to consume products that contain gelatin, many do not due to ethical concerns about using animal products. For those who follow a strict vegan lifestyle, Brach’s candy corn is not an option.

What Is Brach’s Candy Corn?

Brach’s Candy Corn is a classic American treat that has been enjoyed for decades. It is a small, triangular candy consisting of three colored sections – white, orange, and yellow – and is mainly sold around Halloween. Brach’s Candy Corn is made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s glaze, salt, dextrose, sesame oil, artificial flavor, honey, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 3, and pork gelatin.

Interestingly, the recipe for Brach’s Candy Corn has evolved over time. In the past, honey was one of the main ingredients in the candy. However, in recent years, the amount of honey used in the recipe has decreased and artificial flavors have become more prominent.

Despite these changes, Brach’s Candy Corn remains a beloved treat for many Americans. Its unique texture and real-honey flavor are what make it stand out from other candies on the market. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Brach’s Candy Corn is an iconic part of American candy culture.

The Ingredients In Candy Corn

Candy corn is made up of several ingredients, with the main components being sugar and corn syrup. However, other additives are included in the candy, which make it unsuitable for vegans. One of the most popular brands of candy corn, Brach’s, contains gelatin, which is derived from animal tendons, ligaments, and bones. Gelatin is used as a thickener and to give candy a chewy texture. The gelatin used in Brach’s candy corn comes from the skin and bones of pigs.

In addition to gelatin, candy corn may also contain confectioner’s glaze or shellac. These substances are used to give the candy a shiny appearance and are created using the excretions of certain insects. Another ingredient that may be an issue for some vegans is honey. While some plant-based eaters consume honey, others abstain from it. However, finding honey-free candy corn is virtually non-existent.

Homemade candy corn recipes may be an option for vegans, but many of these recipes call for butter or marshmallows, both of which contain gelatin. Overall, while the main components of candy corn are vegan-friendly, the addition of other additives makes this treat unsuitable for those who follow a strict vegan lifestyle.

What Is Gelatin And Where Does It Come From?

Gelatin is a protein substance that is obtained by boiling animal skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones in water. It is commonly derived from cows or pigs, although gelatin can also be obtained from fish or other animals. The boiling process breaks down the collagen in the animal parts, resulting in a clear, tasteless substance that is used as a thickener and binding agent in many types of food.

In the case of pork gelatin, it is derived specifically from the skin and bones of pigs. Gelatin is a common ingredient in many types of candy, including Brach’s candy corn. However, its use in food products is controversial among some individuals who follow a vegan lifestyle due to ethical concerns about using animal products. As a result, many vegans choose to avoid consuming products that contain gelatin.

Why Is Gelatin Not Vegan-Friendly?

Gelatin is not considered vegan-friendly because it is derived from animal collagen. This means that it is made from animal by-products such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. The process of making gelatin involves boiling these animal parts in water to extract the collagen, which is then processed into a flavorless, translucent, and colorless ingredient used in many types of food.

For vegans, the use of animal products in any form is considered unethical and goes against their beliefs. Therefore, gelatin is not an acceptable ingredient for those who follow a strict vegan lifestyle.

Additionally, the use of gelatin in candy corn and other candies is often not disclosed on the packaging. This can make it difficult for vegans to determine which products are safe for them to consume.

It is important to note that not all types of gelatin are made from pork. Some are made from beef or fish sources. However, this does not make them any more vegan-friendly as they still involve the use of animal products.

Other Non-Vegan Ingredients In Candy Corn

Aside from gelatin, there are other non-vegan ingredients commonly found in candy corn. One of these is confectioner’s glaze, which is also known as shellac. This glossy coating is made from the excretions of certain insects, specifically the female lac bug. While this may not be an issue for some vegans, others may choose to avoid it due to ethical concerns.

Another ingredient to watch out for is honey. Candy corn often contains honey as a sweetener, and while some vegans choose to consume it, others do not. It’s important to note that honey-free candy corn options are limited and may be difficult to find.

Some homemade candy corn recipes may also call for non-vegan ingredients like butter or marshmallows, which contain gelatin. It’s important to carefully read ingredient lists and choose recipes that align with your dietary restrictions.

When shopping for candy corn, it’s important to check the ingredient list and look out for non-vegan ingredients like gelatin, confectioner’s glaze, and honey. While some brands may offer vegan-friendly options, they can be difficult to find. Making your own candy corn at home using vegan ingredients may be the best option for those following a strict vegan lifestyle.

Vegan Alternatives To Candy Corn

If you’re a vegan and looking for a candy corn alternative, fear not! There are plenty of options available that are free from animal products. One option is to make your own candy corn using vegan ingredients. PETA has links to three different vegan candy corn recipes, and Free People has a recipe on its blog for very Pinterest-worthy vegan candy corn.

If you’re not up for making your own candy, there are also plenty of vegan gummy bear options available. Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears, and Yum Earth Gummy Bears are all gelatin-free and delicious. For those looking for a low-sugar option, Project 7 Vegan, Low-Sugar Gummies and Smart Sweets Vegan Sweet Fish are great choices. J. Luehders Vegan Soft Gummi Candy and Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers Gummy are also vegan-friendly options worth trying.

It’s important to note that not all brands marketed as “natural” or “healthier” are vegan-safe, as many packages use honey as a sweetener. Be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing any candy to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.