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Haribo’s gummy bears are an iconic childhood treat enjoyed by kids and adults alike But with gelatin being a common ingredient, many have wondered – do these classic candies contain pork? Let’s unravel the truths behind Haribo’s magical gummy world
A Look Back at Haribo’s Humble Origins
Haribo gummy bears have brought joy to candy lovers since their creation in Germany in 1922. Founder Hans Riegel pioneered the world’s first gummy candies through his small startup. After early success in Europe, the treats took America by storm.
With whimsical marketing capturing children’s imaginations Haribo became the dominant gummy brand we know today. But even as the company grew into a confectionary giant its candies maintained an aura of childlike wonder and fun.
Gelatin – The Key Ingredient Behind Gummy Texture
So what gives gummy bears their uniquely chewy yet bouncy texture? The answer lies in gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, found abundantly in animal tissues like skin and bones. It acts as a gelling agent transforming liquid into Haribo’s signature soft but firm texture.
Without gelatin, gummy bears would simply be sticky syrup. Gelatin allows them to snap back into shape when stretched. It also enables the shiny, translucent appearance of classic Haribo Goldbears. No other ingredient can precisely mimic gelatin’s gummy effects.
Why Pork Gelatin Became The Industry Standard
Early on, Haribo opted to use pig-derived gelatin rather than other animal sources like beef. Here’s why pork became the ideal choice:
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Strong gelling ability – Pig gelatin forms an extra-strong gel, allowing gummy bears to maintain their shape even in warm weather without melting into a blob.
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Sheen and clarity – Pork collagen produces gelatin that results in clear, shiny candies rather than a cloudy appearance.
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Cost-effective – Pork byproducts offer an economical source of bulk gelatin.
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Wide availability – Abundant pork production in Germany and other regions gives ready access to this raw material.
With properties closest to the ultimate gummy texture, pork gelatin became the industry norm for major candy companies including Haribo.
Haribo Goldbears Today – Still Pork-Based After All These Years
After digging into Haribo’s modern manufacturing processes, their iconic Goldbears today contain that familiar pork gelatin, with one exception.
Haribo uses pig-derived gelatin to make Goldbears throughout Europe, Turkey, Brazil, and other major production countries. Gelatin content ranges between 46-60% across varieties.
So outside of specialty dietary products, pork remains the standard go-to for achieving signature Haribo gummy perfection. Some vegetarians may overlook gelatin’s animal origins, but those avoiding pork need to verify origins before indulging in a Goldbears bag.
One Exception: Turkey – Home of Haribo’s Beef Gelatin Bears
There is one country where Haribo produces pork-free Goldbears: Turkey. Due to the region’s Islamic dietary laws, Haribo’s Turkish facility uses 100% beef gelatin instead to certify their candies as halal.
So for those wanting to enjoy Haribo gummy bears without pork, look for bags specifically made in Turkey. Don’t assume gummy bear gelatin is automatically vegan or halal – double-check the fine print!
Looking Ahead: Can Haribo Ditch Pork for Alternative Gelling Agents?
As consumer preferences evolve, is there hope of Haribo someday switching to pork-free gummy production? Potentially, but gelatin alternatives currently can’t fully match pork’s irreplaceable gummy attributes.
Substances like pectin, seaweed extract, starch, and plant gums produce adequate gummy textures, but differences in clarity, elasticity, melting point, and moisture retention mean pork gelatin still reigns supreme for Haribo’s Bears.
But innovation continues, both from Haribo’s R&D and external suppliers. If an affordable alternative gets close enough to mimic gelatin’s effects, we could eventually see pork-free Haribo Bears become the norm globally.
Enjoying Childhood Nostalgia Mindfully
With care taken to check labels, all Haribo fans can enjoy their favorite gummy treats according to their diet. Vegans can find gelatin-free candies, while halal consumers can savor Turkey-sourced bags.
And for those who dream of that classic chewy Goldbear experience, most major markets still offer that beloved original pork gelatin formula. Respecting diverse needs allows enjoyment by all – the sweetest option of all!
General 0 Does HARIBO offer factory tours?
We do not offer tours at this time.
The safety of our Associates, vendors and partners is our number one priority. All of our factories around the world are Food Safety System Certified (FSSC 22000), which means they meet the strictest international standards for food safety and quality. We do not offer factory tours at this time in order to keep our production safe and protect everyone, including potential visitors. If youd like to see how we make our gummies, please visit the Production section on our website. 02. Does HARIBO have a retail store?.
We do not have any retail stores in the United States at this time. 03. Can I borrow the Goldbear costume from HARIBO?.
Our Goldbear costume is used exclusively for HARIBO activities at events, advertising films, etc. and, unfortunately, cannot be lent to third parties. 04. Can I as a consumer also order custom-made products/special packaging?.
Unfortunately we are unable to produce custom-made products at this time. Asking for these things would make it take longer for us to make you happy like a child through the everyday products you love so much. Please understand. 05. Can I request a donation/sponsorship?.
HARIBO really wants to give back to the places where we live and work, so we work with a number of groups to make sure that our sweet treats bring back childhood memories of happiness. A lot of good causes and events ask for our help, but we can’t take on any more projects right now because of our limited resources and time. 06. Where does the name HARIBO come from?.
Hans Riegel started the company in 1920. HARIBO is an acronym that stands for his name and the city where the company was born, Bonn, Germany: Hans RIegel BOnn. 07. Can I purchase HARIBO products from other countries?.
Due to different regulatory requirements, its not possible to purchase HARIBO products from other countries. If you can’t find the product you want in the Products section of our website, it’s not available in the United States right now. 08. Can I buy HARIBO products directly from you?.
HARIBO products are available at retailers throughout the U. S. and online. If you want to know where to buy HARIBO in your area, please get in touch with our Customer Service team.
Corporate Social Responsibility 0 What does HARIBO’s sustainability strategy look like?
At HARIBO, we have a 100 year legacy of inspiring moments of childlike happiness through our treats. Being a good corporate citizen means taking care of all of our Associates, customers, consumers, and the environment where we all live and work. A key part of our sustainability strategy is reducing our CO2 emissions. We do this in a number of ways, such as by managing our energy use, cutting down on packaging, building new factories, and making sure our logistics are as efficient as possible. Were continuing to work with our community partners to achieve sustainable solutions and shape the future together. 02. Is HARIBO involved in social causes?.
HARIBO believes deeply in giving back the places where we live and work. We work with several colleges in the Midwest to help make sure that everyone can get a good education at a price they can afford. We also work to make sure that kids and teens have safe places to play and learn, and we are proud to be a partner of the Boys and Girls Club. 03. Why does HARIBO use sugar in its products?.
Since the beginning of our business in 1920, high-quality sugar has been an important part of our products because it helps them keep their shape and makes them taste good. Our goal at HARIBO is to make you feel like a child again through our sweet treats, and we think they’re just that: treats. We all deserve to treat ourselves and sugar in moderation has a place on our plate. We offer a variety of pack types and sizes, including mini bags, which help encourage healthy portion control. 04. Is HARIBO packaging recyclable?.
HARIBO pays special attention to its packaging. Regulations for quality and food safety say that food packaging must keep its contents clean, fresh, and able to last for a long time. As of now, 90% of all HARIBO product packaging can be recycled, as confirmed by the well-known cyclos-HTP testing institute.
Does Haribo use pig gelatin?
FAQ
Does HARIBO have pork gelatin in it?
Is HARIBO halal or haram?
Can Muslims eat gummy bears?
What is the gelatin of HARIBO?