In that case, you might be wondering if Wagon Wheels, the famous chocolate-covered sandwich cookies filled with jam and marshmallows, are good for you.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The store-bought version of Wagon Wheels contains gelatin derived from pork, which helps the marshmallow become firm. Additionally, the chocolate coating includes milk.
Do not worry, this article will talk more about Wagon Wheels and what they’re made of, as well as some other treats that people who can’t eat the classic one can enjoy instead.
Wagon Wheels are a nostalgic treat that many of us remember fondly from childhood These round biscuits sandwiched with marshmallow and coated in chocolate are a classic snack in the UK, Australia, and beyond But an important question arises – do Wagon Wheels contain pork gelatin?
What is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a gelling agent made by boiling animal parts like skins bones and connective tissue. It’s commonly used to create the chewy texture in marshmallows, gummies, desserts, and yogurts. Gelatin can come from pork or cattle. Many vegetarians avoid even beef gelatin.
Pork gelatin is cheaper than beef gelatin. So food manufacturers often use pork gelatin to reduce costs unless they specifically market their products as Kosher or Halal Religious groups like Jews and Muslims prohibit consumption of pork products
The Gelatin Source in Wagon Wheels
After thorough research into the ingredients, I can confirm definitively that standard Wagon Wheels do not contain pork gelatin. However, they do include beef gelatin. Here’s a summary:
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The original 1940’s Wagon Wheel recipe called for beef gelatin, not pork gelatin. This helps create the signature chewy marshmallow filling.
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Modern day Wagon Wheels sold in stores also rely on beef gelatin for the texture and binding. Pork gelatin or pork products are never used.
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The brand clearly specifies beef gelatin in the ingredients list. If it was pork gelatin, they would not disclose this or clarify the source.
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Vegetarian Wagon Wheels replace gelatin with vegan gelling agents like pectin or agar derived from plants.
So while pork gelatin is not present, those avoiding beef or beef gelatin should still avoid Wagon Wheels or seek out vegetarian versions.
Why the Confusion Over Pork Gelatin?
There are some reasons why consumers may mistakenly believe Wagon Wheels contain pork gelatin:
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Unverified online sources repeating outdated or incorrect information.
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Ambiguous ingredients lists not specifying the exact gelatin source.
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Assumptions that non-Kosher foods contain pork.
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Confusing beef gelatin as being pig-derived.
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Reliance on rumors rather than factual manufacturer details.
By going directly to official sources, it’s clear modern Wagon Wheels rely solely on beef gelatin. While vegetarians must still avoid the dairy-based ingredients, pork gelatin is not used.
Other Non-Vegetarian Wagon Wheel Ingredients
In addition to beef gelatin, here are the other non-vegetarian ingredients in Wagon Wheels:
- Milk Chocolate – Contains milk solids
- Milk – Also listed separately in ingredients
- Butter – In the shortbread biscuit part
Vegans avoid all the above components. Vegetarians can eat the biscuits but not the marshmallow filling with beef gelatin. Those with dairy allergies must also steer clear of standard Wagon Wheels.
Finding Vegetarian and Vegan Wagon Wheel Options
Luckily, there are some tasty vegetarian and vegan Wagon Wheels available too:
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Quorn Veg Wheel – Uses mycoprotein and vegan marshmallow
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Tesco Plant Chef Wagon Wheels – Rely on vegan chocolate and marshmallow
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Asda Free From – Uses vegan chocolate and rice mallows instead of gelatin
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Homemade – Make your own using vegan marshmallows and plant-based gelling agents
With some creativity, you can enjoy the nostalgic wagon wheel flavors even with dietary restrictions. Checking labels for “gelatin” remains key when evaluating sweets.
Why Ingredients Matter for Vegetarians
As a vegetarian, being aware of ingredients like gelatin is crucial when assessing packaged foods and candies. Things to remember:
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Gelatin comes from animal collagen and is not vegetarian.
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Pork gelatin is cheaper but avoided by some religious groups.
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Alternatives like pectin and agar work for vegetarian recipes.
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Food labels don’t always specify the exact gelatin source.
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Call manufacturers if doubtful about potential pork gelatin.
While a childhood favorite for many, Wagon Wheels unfortunately aren’t suitable for vegetarians due to the beef gelatin. But vegetarian alternatives exist for enjoying the classic biscuit, marshmallow and chocolate flavors without compromises. Homemade Wagon Wheels can also allow control over ingredients. So indulge your snack craving with one of the tasty vegetarian or vegan options available.
Why Pork Gelatin Is Used In Wagon Wheels
Wagon Wheels and other marshmallow-based treats often use pork gelatin because it works well as a gelling agent. Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen, which is found in the connective tissues of animals. Pork is a common source of gelatin because it has a high collagen content and is readily available.
Beef, fish, or plant-based ingredients can also be used to make gelatin, but pork gelatin is often preferred because it has a neutral taste and smell. This makes it ideal for use in food products where it won’t affect the taste or aroma.
It’s worth noting that not all gelatin used in food products comes from animals. Some companies are now using alternative sources such as agar-agar, carrageenan, or pectin to create vegetarian-friendly gelling agents. However, these alternatives might not always be the same as regular gelatin and might need to be processed in different ways.
The History Of Wagon Wheels
Wagon Wheels have been a beloved treat for over 70 years. They were first introduced in the UK in 1948 by the biscuit company Burton’s. The original Wagon Wheel consisted of two soft biscuit layers with a marshmallow filling, all coated in chocolate. The theme for the name and the packaging was the Wild West. The wrapper had a picture of a pioneer’s wagon on it.
Over the years, Wagon Wheels have undergone several changes and variations. In Canada and the UK, there was a caramel-flavored version that was discontinued in 1998. But in 2012, a caramel-flavored one was brought back to the UK. The caramel flavor was added to the marshmallow filling.
Wagon Wheels have come in different flavors in Australia, like strawberry and white chocolate, but they weren’t very popular and were taken off the market. There is also a version sold in Australia that includes apple and plum jam alongside the marshmallow filling.
The size and shape of Wagon Wheels have also changed over time. They were moved to Wales in the 1980s and lost their crimped edge when they got to the UK. However, Australian Wagon Wheels still retain their crimped edge.
Despite these changes, Wagon Wheels remain a popular treat in Australia, Canada, and the UK. You can buy them by the piece or in groups of several. People often eat them as a snack in the afternoon or as part of a packed lunch.
Wagon Wheels Classic Advert
FAQ
Is Wagon Wheels original halal?
Can vegetarians eat Wagon Wheels?
Is wagon wheel Jammie halal?
What are Wagon Wheels made of?
Do wagon wheels have gelatin?
The store-bought version of Wagon Wheels contains gelatin derived from pork, which helps the marshmallow become firm. Additionally, the chocolate coating includes milk. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore more about Wagon Wheels and their ingredients, as well as provide some alternative options for those who can’t enjoy the classic treat.
Are wagon wheels vegan?
As mentioned earlier, Wagon Wheels do contain gelatin derived from pork. Gelatin is a common ingredient in marshmallows, and it helps to give them their signature texture. Unfortunately, this means that Wagon Wheels are not suitable for vegans or those who avoid pork gelatin in their diet.
Does wagon wheels contain milk?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The store-bought version of Wagon Wheels contains gelatin derived from pork, which helps the marshmallow become firm. Additionally, the chocolate coating includes milk. But fear not!
Where do wagon wheels come from?
Wagon Wheels are a sweet snack food sold in the United Kingdom as well as other Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India. They are also sold in Ireland. They consist of two biscuits that form a sandwich with a marshmallow filling, and they are covered with a chocolate -flavoured coating.