Are you a fan of Haribo gummy bears? Do you know what’s in them?
If you’re a Muslim, you might be wondering if the gelatin in Haribo gummy bears is pork-derived or not. After all, consuming pork is strictly forbidden in Islam.
In this article, we’ll explore the source of gelatin used in Haribo gummy bears and whether or not they are halal. So, let’s dive in and find out if your favorite candy is safe to eat!
Is The Gelatin In Haribo Gummy Bears Pork?
The answer is yes, the gelatin in Haribo gummy bears is pork-derived. Gelatin is a protein that is obtained by boiling the skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons of animals, typically pigs. Haribo has confirmed that their gummy bears contain pork gelatin, except for those produced in Turkey, where beef is used instead.
This means that if you’re a Muslim looking for halal gummy bears, you need to be careful when choosing Haribo products. Only the gummy bears produced in Turkey are halal and use beef-derived gelatin. All other Haribo gummy bears produced in the UK, Germany, Austria, Spain, France, or any country outside Turkey are not halal.
What Is Gelatin And Why Is It Used In Candy?
Gelatin is a common ingredient used in many types of candy, including gummy bears. It is a protein that is derived from collagen, which is found in the skin, bones, and connective tissue of animals. To make gelatin, these animal parts are boiled and then the resulting liquid is cooled and dried into a powder.
Gelatin is used in candy because it adds a chewy texture and helps the candy hold its shape. It also has a neutral flavor, which makes it easy to flavor with other ingredients. Unfortunately, gelatin is not a vegan or vegetarian ingredient, as it is derived from animals.
Many candy manufacturers use gelatin from pigs because it is widely available and inexpensive. However, this can be problematic for people who do not eat pork for religious or ethical reasons. In some cases, manufacturers may use beef or fish gelatin instead of pork gelatin to make their candy halal or kosher.
The Source Of Gelatin In Haribo Gummy Bears
Gelatin is a crucial ingredient in gummy bears, and Haribo sources its gelatin from a company called GELITA. The pigs used to make the gelatin are raised on German farms and are shown in the documentary to be kept in crowded crates without access to water, covered in open sores and their own filth, and sometimes even made to sleep next to corpses of their own kind. This raises concerns not only about animal welfare but also about the quality of the gelatin used in Haribo gummy bears.
It’s important to note that Haribo is not directly involved in these cruel practices, but they are unknowingly complicit in them. The company has claimed ignorance of any slave-like labor conditions in their supply chain and has launched an internal investigation into the findings. However, it’s still unclear how Haribo will address the issue of using gelatin sourced from questionable conditions.
Halal Certification And Haribo Gummy Bears
Halal certification is an important consideration for Muslims when choosing food products. Halal refers to food that is permissible under Islamic law, and it includes specific guidelines about the way animals are slaughtered and the ingredients used in food products. For gummy candies like Haribo gummy bears, the main concern is the source of gelatin.
Haribo gummy bears are not halal by default, but there are some Haribo gummy bears that are halal-certified. These are the ones that are produced in Turkey using beef-derived gelatin. The other Haribo gummy bears produced outside of Turkey use pork-derived gelatin and are not halal.
It’s important to note that not all Haribo products are halal-certified, even those produced in Turkey. Muslims who want to be sure that a particular Haribo product is halal should look for a halal certification label on the packaging. If there is no such label, they should read the ingredients list carefully to determine if the product is halal or not.
Alternatives To Haribo Gummy Bears For Halal Consumers
If you’re a halal consumer and looking for alternatives to Haribo gummy bears, there are a few options available. Firstly, you can opt for vegetarian-friendly fruit snacks and gummy candy that use pectin instead of gelatin. Many companies are now producing such products, so they are becoming more widely available.
Another option is to look for halal-certified candies. The Nut House, originally founded in Jordan, offers a wide range of halal candy. Popular candy maker Haribo also has a factory in Turkey that produces halal-certified versions of some of their most popular items. These can be tricky to find in the US, but they can often be found at import stores or online.
If you’re looking for something similar to Haribo gummy bears, you might want to try halal-certified gummy bears from other brands. These include Jelly Belly, YumEarth, and Surf Sweets. These brands use halal-certified ingredients and do not contain any pork-derived gelatin.
