Are you a fan of Mamba Fruit Chews? Do you know what ingredients are in your favorite candy?
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you might be surprised to learn that Mamba has recently changed its recipe to include gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient made from boiling bones, skin, and connective tissue of cows and pigs.
This has caused disappointment and disgust among former Mamba customers who are now looking for vegan alternatives.
In this article, we’ll explore whether Mamba candy has pork in it and what options are available for those who want to enjoy fruity chews without any animal products.
Let’s dive in!
Does Mamba Candy Have Pork In It?
Yes, unfortunately, Mamba candy does have pork in it. The addition of gelatin to the recipe means that the candy is no longer vegan-friendly.
Gelatin is a common ingredient in many candies and desserts, but it’s derived from animal products. In the case of Mamba, the gelatin comes from boiling the bones, skin, and connective tissue of cows and pigs.
While some people may not have a problem with consuming animal products, others may be looking for vegan alternatives. It’s important to read the ingredient labels carefully before purchasing any candy or food product.
What Is Gelatin And Why Is It Used In Candy?
Gelatin is a protein that’s derived from animal collagen. It’s commonly used in the food industry as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer. Gelatin is made by boiling animal bones, skin, and connective tissue, which are then processed to create a clear, tasteless powder.
In candy, gelatin is used to give the product a chewy texture. It’s also used in marshmallows, gummy bears, and other similar treats. Gelatin is preferred over other thickeners because it’s cheap, easy to work with, and has a neutral taste.
However, the use of gelatin in candy can be problematic for some people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. As gelatin is derived from animal products, it’s not considered vegan-friendly. Additionally, some people may have religious or cultural beliefs that prohibit them from consuming pork or other animal products.
In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for vegan-friendly candies and desserts. Many companies are now offering gelatin-free alternatives using plant-based thickeners like agar-agar or carrageenan.
The History Of Mamba Candy And Its Recipe Changes
Mamba candy has a long and steady history dating back to 1953 when it was first produced in Germany. The candy made its way to the United States in 1986 and has been a popular fruity chew ever since. The candy has been around for nearly 70 years, and in the US for close to half of that timeframe.
Mamba’s original recipe included standard flavors in every package, with a steady burst of fruity flavor. The candy was described as very chewy, keeping you chewing and enjoying the flavor the entire time. Mamba was known for its reliability and juiciness, with a slogan that reads “we’re different here”.
In recent years, Mamba has made some changes to its recipe. The addition of gelatin has improved the intensity and eating experience of the candy, but it also means that the candy is no longer vegan-friendly. Gelatin is derived from animal products, specifically boiled bones, skin, and connective tissue of cows and pigs.
The new recipe with gelatin was introduced in December 2019, and new products such as Mamba Fruit Twists, Mamba Sour Twists, and Mamba Magic Stick bags also contain gelatin. This change has disappointed some former Mamba customers who were looking for vegan alternatives.
Despite the recipe changes, Mamba continues to be a popular fruity chew candy with primarily the same standard flavors in every package. The company is constantly testing and developing new shapes of fruit chews to provide more exciting ways for consumers to enjoy Mamba.
How To Check If Mamba Candy Has Pork In It
To check if Mamba candy has pork in it, you need to read the ingredient label carefully. Look for the word “gelatin” in the list of ingredients. If gelatin is listed, it means that the candy contains animal-derived ingredients, including pork.
It’s important to note that not all Mamba products contain gelatin. The classic Mamba Fruit Chews stick used to be vegan-friendly, but it will soon be replaced with a gelatin-based variety in early 2020. The new Mamba Fruit Twists and Mamba Sour Twists already contain gelatin.
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly candy alternatives, there are many options available on the market. Look for candies that are labeled as vegan or made with plant-based ingredients. You can also try making your own candy at home using vegan-friendly recipes and ingredients.
Vegan Alternatives To Mamba Candy
If you’re looking for vegan alternatives to Mamba candy, there are several options available on the market. Brands like YumEarth and Torie & Howard offer delicious fruit chews that are vegan-friendly.
YumEarth’s fruit snacks are made with organic fruit juice and natural colors and flavors. They come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, cherry, peach, and pomegranate. These fruit chews are also free from major allergens like gluten, dairy, and nuts.
Torie & Howard’s fruit chews are made with organic ingredients and come in flavors like blood orange and honey, pomegranate and nectarine, and lemon and raspberry. They are also free from major allergens.
Another option is Jujubes, which have been around since 1920 and are accidentally vegan. These chewy fruit-flavored candies come in a variety of flavors and can be found at most grocery stores.
By choosing vegan alternatives to Mamba candy, you can enjoy delicious fruit chews without the use of animal products.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Candy Ingredients
When it comes to making informed choices about candy ingredients, it’s important to consider your dietary needs and preferences. For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, it’s crucial to avoid candies that contain gelatin or other animal-based ingredients.
When shopping for candy, take the time to read the ingredient labels carefully. Look for candies that are explicitly labeled as vegan or vegetarian, or that do not contain gelatin or other animal-based ingredients.
If you’re unsure about a particular candy’s ingredients, do some research before making a purchase. Check online forums or contact the manufacturer directly to ask about their ingredients and production processes.
Ultimately, making informed choices about candy ingredients is about being mindful of what you’re consuming and understanding how it fits into your overall dietary needs and preferences. By taking the time to educate yourself and read ingredient labels carefully, you can enjoy your favorite candies while staying true to your values and lifestyle.
