Are you a vegan or vegetarian who loves Life Savers gummies?
Unfortunately, you may want to think twice before indulging in these sweet treats.
While some Lifesavers varieties are vegan-friendly, the gummies contain gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient that may not align with your dietary restrictions.
But what exactly is gelatin, and why is it used in candy?
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in Life Savers gummies and whether or not they contain pork gelatin.
So, grab a bag of your favorite vegan-friendly candy and read on to learn more!
Does Life Savers Gummies Have Pork Gelatin?
The short answer is yes, Life Savers gummies do contain pork gelatin. Gelatin is a common ingredient used in candy to give it a chewy, gel-like consistency. Unfortunately, gelatin is derived from animal parts such as bones, ligaments, and fatty tissues.
According to Wrigley, the company that produces Life Savers, the gelatin used in their gummies comes from a mix of beef and pork. This means that if you are a vegan or vegetarian, Life Savers gummies are not suitable for your dietary needs.
It’s important to note that not all Life Savers products contain gelatin. The hard candy varieties are typically vegan-friendly, while the mints may contain stearic acid derived from animal-based sources.
If you’re unsure about the ingredients in your favorite candy, it’s always best to check the label or contact the manufacturer directly.
What Is Gelatin And Why Is It Used In Candy?
Gelatin is a protein derived from animal parts such as bones, skin, and connective tissues. It’s commonly used in candy to give it a chewy and gel-like texture. Gelatin is extracted from the collagen found in animal parts, which is boiled and then dried into a powder or sheets.
The use of gelatin in candy production dates back to the early 1900s, and it’s still widely used today. It’s a cheap and abundant source of protein that can be used alone or in combination with other colloids to produce confectionery products. Gelatin’s gelling properties and thermal plasticity are mainly used in candy production. As a protein, gelatin has thermo-reversible properties, which means that it will turn liquid when heated and solidify when cooled.
Gelatin is commonly found in gummy candies such as gummy bears, fruit-flavored Swiss sugar, liquor core sugar, yogurt ingot sugar, licorice sugar, and gel candies. It’s also used in other types of candy such as toffee, meringue, marshmallow, crystal flower jelly, and nougat. Gelatin has the function of absorbing water and supporting the skeleton of the soft candy. After the gelatin particles are dissolved in water, they attract and interweave with each other to form a layered network structure that can hold the sugar and water within the gel voids. This allows soft candy to maintain its shape even under heavy loads.
Unfortunately, gelatin is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians since it’s derived from animal parts. However, there are now vegan gelatin alternatives available that can be used in candy production. If you’re unsure about whether your favorite candy contains gelatin or not, it’s always best to check the label or contact the manufacturer directly.
Ingredients In Life Savers Gummies
Life Savers Gummies are made with a combination of ingredients that work together to create a deliciously chewy and fruity candy. The main ingredients include corn syrup, sugar, water, modified corn starch, and gelatin.
Gelatin is a key component in gummy candy and is used to give it its signature texture. In the case of Life Savers Gummies, the gelatin used is derived from both beef and pork sources.
Other ingredients in Life Savers Gummies include less than 2% of citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, mineral oil, colors (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1), and carnauba wax. Citric acid is added to enhance the tartness of the fruit flavors, while the natural and artificial flavors give the candy its distinct taste. Mineral oil is used to prevent the candy from sticking together during the manufacturing process, and the colors are added to give each flavor its unique hue. Finally, carnauba wax is used as a coating to give the candy a shiny appearance.
It’s important to note that while these ingredients are considered safe for consumption by the FDA, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain components. If you have concerns about any of the ingredients in Life Savers Gummies or any other food product, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider or contact the manufacturer directly for more information.
Are Life Savers Gummies Vegan-Friendly?
Unfortunately, Life Savers gummies are not considered vegan-friendly due to the presence of pork gelatin in their ingredients. Gelatin is derived from animal parts, making it a non-vegan ingredient. While some vegans may consider ingredients like sugar, artificial colors, and stearic acid to be non-vegan as well, the primary concern with Life Savers gummies is the use of gelatin.
It’s worth noting that there are vegan alternatives to gelatin that can be used in candy production, such as agar agar or carrageenan. However, it appears that Wrigley continues to use animal-derived gelatin in their Life Savers gummies.
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly candy alternative, it’s best to stick with the hard candy varieties of Life Savers or explore other brands that use vegan ingredients. Always be sure to read the ingredient labels carefully and do your research to ensure that the candy you choose aligns with your dietary needs and values.
Pork Gelatin In Life Savers Gummies: Is It Present?
Upon investigating the ingredients used in Life Savers gummies, it was found that they do contain pork gelatin. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling animal skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and/or bones in water. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in candy to give it its chewy texture. Unfortunately, gelatin is derived from animal parts such as cows, pigs, or fish and is not considered vegan or vegetarian.
Wrigley, the company that produces Life Savers, has confirmed that the gelatin used in their gummies comes from a mix of beef and pork. This means that those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle should avoid consuming Life Savers gummies.
It’s worth noting that not all Life Savers products contain gelatin. The hard candy varieties are typically vegan-friendly, while the mints may contain stearic acid derived from animal-based sources.
Alternatives To Life Savers Gummies For Vegans And Vegetarians
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian looking for an alternative to Life Savers gummies, there are several options available. Here are some of the best alternatives:
1. Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears: These gummy bears are made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners, and are free from corn syrup, artificial colors, and flavors. They’re also gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly.
2. YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears: YumEarth makes a variety of organic gummy candies that are free from artificial ingredients and major allergens. Their gummy bears are made with real fruit juice and come in a variety of flavors.
3. SmartSweets Gummy Bears: SmartSweets makes low-sugar gummy candies that are free from artificial sweeteners and colors. Their gummy bears are made with plant-based ingredients and come in a variety of flavors.
4. Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks: Annie’s makes a variety of organic fruit snacks that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Their bunny fruit snacks are made with real fruit juice and come in fun shapes like bunnies and carrots.
5. Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears: Black Forest makes a variety of organic gummy candies that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Their gummy bears are made with real fruit juice and come in a variety of flavors.
These alternatives provide delicious options for vegans and vegetarians who want to enjoy gummy candies without compromising their dietary needs.
