Have you ever found yourself wondering if your favorite candy, M&M’s, contains pork?
It’s a common question that many people have, especially those who follow a halal or kosher diet. With so many different ingredients listed on the packaging, it can be hard to decipher what exactly goes into these colorful little treats.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in M&M’s and answer the burning question: does it contain pork?
So sit back, grab a bag of M&M’s (just in case), and let’s dive in!
Does M&M’s Have Pork In It?
After conducting thorough research, we can confidently say that M&M’s do not contain pork.
The ingredients listed on the packaging include sugar, chocolate, skim milk, cocoa butter, lactose, milkfat, soy lecithin, salt, artificial flavors, and cornstarch. None of these ingredients are derived from pork or any other type of meat.
However, it’s important to note that M&M’s are not certified halal or kosher. This means that while they do not contain pork, they may still contain other ingredients that are not permissible under these dietary restrictions.
If you follow a halal or kosher diet, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer or a trusted certifying agency before consuming any food product.
Understanding Halal And Kosher Diets
Halal and kosher diets are two dietary restrictions that are followed by Muslims and Jews respectively. The term ‘halal’ in Arabic means permissible or lawful, while ‘kosher’ refers to food that is proper or fit according to Jewish dietary laws. Both halal and kosher diets prohibit the consumption of pork products, but they differ in their restrictions on other types of meat and alcohol.
Halal diets prohibit foods that contain blood, alcohol and foods prepared with it, and certain types of meat, including pork, most reptiles, birds of prey, and carnivorous animals. Similarly, certain types of meat are restricted on a kosher diet, including meat from pigs, horses, rabbits, kangaroos, camels, and squirrels. Fish without fins and scales, such as shellfish, and predatory or scavenger birds like hawks and eagles are also off-limits. Additionally, the hindquarters of cattle are often not considered kosher.
Both halal and kosher diets require specific methods for slaughtering animals. In halal diets, animals must be slaughtered quickly and at a single point on the throat to drain all blood, while in kosher diets, animals must be slaughtered by a Jew with a blessing said before and after the slaughter.
In terms of fruits and vegetables, halal considers them permissible while kosher only allows them if they are free of bugs. Halal allows dairy and meat separately but not together in the same meal, while kosher also separates dairy and meat but goes further to prohibit using the same utensils for both.
It’s important to note that while some kosher foods may be halal for Muslims due to their stricter dietary laws, not all halal foods are kosher for Jews. For example, halal certification does not require supervision by a rabbi or adherence to Jewish dietary laws.
The Ingredients In M&M’s
M&M’s are one of the most popular candies in the United States, but what exactly goes into making these iconic chocolate treats? According to the packaging, M&M’s contain sugar, chocolate, skim milk, cocoa butter, lactose, milkfat, soy lecithin, salt, artificial flavors, and cornstarch.
It’s worth noting that all M&M’s are banned at Whole Foods Market due to their use of multiple artificial colors. In addition, some varieties of M&M’s, such as Peanut Butter M&M’s, contain additional ingredients that are also banned at Whole Foods.
For example, Peanut Butter M&M’s contain 10 artificial colors and also include hydrogenated palm kernel oil and propyl gallate – both of which are banned at Whole Foods.
In comparison to other peanut butter candies on the market, Little Secrets Peanut Butter and UNREAL Peanut Butter are both considered to be closer to homemade with no artificial colors or flavors, no corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils, and no chemical preservatives.
Common Misconceptions About M&M’s And Pork
There are some common misconceptions about M&M’s and pork that have circulated online and in various communities. One of the most prevalent myths is that the red M&M’s contain pork. This rumor likely stems from the use of cochineal extract, a red food coloring derived from insects, in some food products. However, M&M’s do not contain cochineal extract or any other ingredient derived from insects.
Another misconception is that M&M’s are made with gelatin, which is often derived from pork. While some candies and other food products do contain gelatin, M&M’s do not. In fact, Mars Wrigley, the company that produces M&M’s, has stated that they do not use gelatin in any of their products.
It’s important to note that while M&M’s do not contain pork or gelatin, they may still be processed in facilities that also process pork or other non-halal or non-kosher ingredients. This could potentially lead to cross-contamination, which may be a concern for those with strict dietary restrictions.
The Truth About Whether M&M’s Contains Pork
As a popular candy brand, there have been rumors circulating about whether M&M’s contain pork. However, after conducting thorough research on the ingredients listed on the packaging, it can be confidently stated that M&M’s do not contain pork.
The ingredients listed include sugar, chocolate, skim milk, cocoa butter, lactose, milkfat, soy lecithin, salt, artificial flavors, and cornstarch. None of these ingredients are derived from pork or any other type of meat.
It’s important to note that M&M’s are not certified halal or kosher. This means that while they do not contain pork, they may still contain other ingredients that are not permissible under these dietary restrictions. If you follow a halal or kosher diet, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer or a trusted certifying agency before consuming any food product.
Alternatives For Those Avoiding Pork In Candy.
For those who choose to avoid pork in their diet, there are still plenty of candy options available. Many candies contain gelatin, which is derived from cow or pig bones, skin, and connective tissues. However, there are vegan alternatives made with vegetarian agar or carrageenan.
Some popular candy brands that offer vegan options include Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, Twizzlers, and Swedish Fish. These candies do not contain gelatin or any other animal-derived ingredients.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat with added health benefits, Kanibi Organi Gummies are a great option. These gummies contain CBD and are made with organic ingredients, including tapioca syrup, cane sugar, pectin, and natural flavors.
It’s important to always read the ingredient list before consuming any candy to ensure that it aligns with your dietary restrictions. Additionally, websites like Vegetarian Resource Group and PETA maintain lists of animal-free candy options to make the search easier.
