Does Brach’s Candy Corn Contain Pork Gelatin?

Come Halloween season candy corn is a nostalgic treat that many look forward to. But if you follow a vegetarian, vegan, or gelatin-free diet you may be wondering – does Brach’s candy corn contain pork gelatin?

As one of the largest candy corn producers it’s important to analyze Brach’s ingredients. With more people avoiding certain animal products knowing exactly what goes into our candy has become crucial.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at whether America’s favorite Halloween candy, Brach’s candy corn, contains pork gelatin or other non-vegetarian ingredients.

A Brief History of Candy Corn

Candy corn first emerged in the 1880s and was invented by a man named George Renninger. It was originally called “butter cream candy” and the name “corn” came from the trend of naming candies “corns” at the time, not from its corn syrup ingredient.

Candy corn became mass produced and hugely popular by the early 1900s. The recipe and shape have remained mostly unchanged, although artificial colors and flavors are more commonly used today.

Brach’s is one of the biggest candy corn producers. Now let’s analyze those ingredients.

Does Brach’s Candy Corn Contain Pork Gelatin?

Brach’s candy corn contains sugar, corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors, honey, and more.

One concerning ingredient for vegetarians is gelatin. Here’s what to know:

• Gelatin comes from boiling animal bones, skins, and tissues – most often from pigs. This makes it non-vegetarian.

• Brach’s has confirmed that the gelatin used in their candy corn comes from pork sources.

• Gelatin gives candy corn its chewy, gummy texture. It acts as a binder and thickener.

• Other non-vegan ingredients possibly include confectioner’s glaze or shellac from insect secretions.

Therefore, the answer is yes – Brach’s candy corn contains pork gelatin, making it unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those avoiding pork products.

Why is Gelatin Not Vegetarian?

Since gelatin is key in determining candy corn’s suitability for vegetarians, let’s explore why it’s considered non-vegetarian:

• Gelatin is made by boiling animal bones, skins, and tissues – most commonly from pigs. This extracts the collagen, which is processed into gelatin.

• For vegetarians and vegans, using any animal-derived ingredient is unethical and against vegetarian principles.

• Vegans believe the gelatin production process exploits animals and causes unnecessary suffering.

• There are significant ethical concerns around animal slaughter and treatment in gelatin manufacturing.

• Many vegetarians strongly advocate against using gelatin or any animal by-products in foods.

• Plant-based alternatives like pectin or agar agar can be used in place of gelatin as thickeners and binders.

Seeking Out Vegan Candy Corn Options

Finding truly vegan candy corn can be challenging, but a couple options exist:

• Homemade candy corn – Some vegan recipes use agar agar instead of gelatin to mimic the texture.

• SmartSweets – This brand offers vegan gummy bears that can sub for candy corn.

• YumEarth – Makes vegan, gelatin-free gummy candies perfect for Halloween.

• Enjoy Life – Allergy-friendly candies that avoid gelatin and common allergens.

• Goody Good Stuff – Vegan gummy fruit candies without animal ingredients.

Although genuine vegan candy corn is hard to find, creative brands now offer plant-based gelatin-free gummies and sweets. And homemade recipes allow you to recreate the festive treat yourself.

What About Other Popular Halloween Candies?

Besides candy corn, what about top candies like Skittles, Reese’s, or M&Ms? Here’s a quick look at whether these treats are vegetarian-friendly:

• Skittles – Original Skittles are vegan, but some flavors contain non-vegan ingredients, so check labels.

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Contain milk chocolate, not vegan.

• M&Ms – Not vegan due to milk chocolate and coloring. But vegan varieties exist.

• Starburst – Original Starburst are vegan! Just avoid gelatin-containing chews.

• Twizzlers – Free of animal products, making them vegetarian and vegan.

So when indulging your sweet tooth this Halloween, look for vegan versions of treats like Skittles, or gelatin-free options like Twizzlers. And homemade candy corn can let you enjoy this nostalgic candy the vegetarian way.

The Bottom Line

Brach’s candy corn, the classic treat most of us know and love, does contain pork-derived gelatin, making it off limits for vegetarians and vegans.

But with some label reading and research, you can enjoy Halloween candy that aligns with your diet and values. Getting creative with homemade recipes or trying innovative vegan brands opens up lots of festive plant-based options.

No matter what your dietary preferences, there are now more ways than ever to find ethical, animal-friendly candies that don’t compromise on taste.