Getting to the Bottom of Pork Gelatin in Life Savers Gummies

The bursting fruity flavors and chewy textures of Life Savers Gummies makes them an enduringly popular candy treat. But many want to know – do these colorful confections contain pork gelatin?

For those avoiding pork for religious, ethical, or health reasons, let’s unravel the mysteries around gelatin sources and dive deep into the Life Savers ingredients list

An Overview of Life Savers Gummies

First, some background on Life Savers Gummies:

• Produced by Mars Wrigley, a division of Mars Inc, the giant candy manufacturer.

• Launched in 1992 as a spin-off from the classic Life Savers hard candies.

• Shaped like fruits and available in many flavors like Wild Cherry, Watermelon, and Five Flavor.

• Different varieties include Original, Sours, Collisions with fillings, and Tropical.

• Marketed as a fun fruity snack for kids and adults alike.

With their eye-catching fruit shapes and tangy flavors, it’s easy to pop handful after handful of these addictive gummies. But for certain dietary restrictions, the unknown gelatin source raises concerns.

Why Gelatin is Often Associated with Pork

There are a few reasons why gelatin immediately triggers suspicions around pork content:

• Meat Origins – Gelatin is derived from collagen typically found in pig skins and bones. Cow parts can also be used.

• Lack of Certification – Life Savers Gummies do not have kosher or halal certification to verify pork-free status.

• Shared Equipment – Cross-contamination is possible in facilities handling pork-based products.

• Consumer Confusion – Front of pack claims about no artificial flavors may incorrectly imply vegetarian suitability.

While pork gelatin seems likely at first glance, a close look at the Life Savers ingredients list is needed to confirm or deny its presence.

Key Ingredients in Life Savers Gummies

Here are the main components found in Life Savers Gummies:

• Corn Syrup – Provides sweetness and moisture.

• Sugar – Also adds sweet flavor.

• Gelatin – Creates the signature gummy texture but source is not specified.

• Modified Food Starch – Used to thicken and stabilize the gummies.

• Fruit Juice Concentrates – Added for fruit flavors and colors.

• Citric Acid – Gives a tart, tangy taste.

• Natural and Artificial Flavors – Enhances the fruit flavors.

• Vegetable Oils – Helps coat the exterior to prevent stickiness.

Two ingredients jump out for closer analysis: gelatin and modified food starch. Let’s investigate them more.

Is the Gelatin Source Truly Pork?

Gelatin gives gummy candies their characteristic chewy, stretchy texture. It acts as the gelling agent that allows the candies to hold their shape.

In Life Savers Gummies, the specific gelatin source isn’t listed. However, it is likely derived from cattle or fish, not pigs.

If pork gelatin was used, the candy would require kosher certification, which Life Savers Gummies currently lack. Since parent company Mars produces many kosher items, they likely formulate Life Savers Gummies without pork to allow for future certification if needed.

Does the Modified Food Starch Come from Pork?

Modified food starch helps provide body, thickness, and stabilization to the gummy texture. The starch can be derived from corn, wheat, potatoes, or other vegetable sources.

The modified food starch in Life Savers Gummies likely comes from corn. The front of the package indicates the candy is gluten-free. Since wheat starch contains gluten and corn starch does not, the “gluten-free” label implies a corn origin for the starch.

Why Aren’t Life Savers Gummies Certified Kosher or Halal?

Two key reasons why Life Savers Gummies contain no intentional pork gelatin yet lack kosher or halal certification:

1. Limited Consumer Demand

Life Savers Gummies are predominantly marketed to mainstream consumers who likely do not prioritize certification.

2. Risk of Cross-Contamination

Since Mars produces many items with pork gelatin on shared equipment, separating production is difficult, even when pork is avoided in the ingredients.

So those seeking to avoid any pork exposure need to evaluate these potential risks from cross-contact when choosing whether to consume Life Savers Gummies.

Delicious Gelatin-Free Candy Alternatives

Thankfully, many tantalizing gelatin-free gummy and chewy candy options exist today:

• Albanese 12 Flavor Gummi Bears – Use pectin instead of gelatin

• Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears – Made with pectin and natural colors

• YumEarth Organic Vitamin C Pops – Real fruit juice and no corn syrup

• SmartSweets Low Sugar Gummy Bears – Sweetened with stevia and erythritol

• Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Jelly Beans – Fun flavors and gelatin-free

With more transparently pork-free sweets now available, candy lovers have lots of options to satisfy cravings.

Can You Make Homemade Gelatin-Free Gummies?

For complete control over ingredients, it’s possible to create DIY gelatin-free gummy candies at home. Here’s a quick overview:

• Use fruit purees for flavor and pectin as the gelling agent instead of gelatin

• Mix sugar and corn syrup for sweetness and chewy texture

• Pour into silicone molds and let set fully at room temperature

• Carefully remove gummies from molds and enjoy your homemade treats!

While it takes more effort, you can customize flavors and avoid gelatin completely.

Key Takeaways about Pork in Life Savers Gummies

• Gelatin source is not verified but likely non-pork bovine or fish

• Modified food starch appears to come from corn, not wheat or pork

• No kosher certification means cross-contamination risks remain

• Many clearly pork-free candy alternatives now exist

• Homemade pectin-based gummies allow full control over ingredients

While the gelatin origins cannot be conclusively proven, today’s Life Savers Gummies seem to be produced without intentional addition of pork products. However, individuals with strict dietary restrictions should contact the manufacturer for clarity or avoid the product if concerned.