Does Mamba Candy Contain Pork? Examining This Fruity Chew’s Transition From Vegan to Gelatin

Mamba candy has been a popular fruity chew since hitting the German market in 1953, and American shelves in 1986. Known for its bright fruit flavors and soft, chewy texture, Mamba built itself up as a vegan-friendly sweet treat for decades But in 2019, the brand made a controversial change by adding gelatin to its recipe – leaving many to wonder, does Mamba candy contain pork now?

In this article, we’ll explore the history of Mamba, the use of gelatin in food production, and why and how gelatin addition has transformed Mamba from a vegan candy to one that now contains animal products We’ll also suggest some comparable vegan alternatives to satisfy your chewy candy cravings

A Brief History of Mamba Chews

Mamba originated in Germany first produced by the candy company Perfetti Van Melle in 1953. The bright colored wrappers with a stylized snake logo brought the “fruit juice” chews to American consumers in 1986.

With its slogan “Smooth Moves,” Mamba established itself as a reliable fruity candy choice for decades. The original five flavors – orange, lemon, strawberry, raspberry and pineapple – delivered juicy fruit intensity thanks to the soft, chewy texture that allowed the flavors to linger on the tongue.

Early marketing for Mamba played up the “intense fruit taste” and described the chews as “smooth fruit juice.” This fruit-forward, vegetarian formulation earned the loyalty of countless fans over the years.

The Addition of Gelatin to Mamba’s Recipe

In December 2019, Mamba quietly updated its recipe to include gelatin – eliciting disappointment from many.

Gelatin is a common food additive that gives a signature chewy, gummy texture to candies and desserts. It is made by boiling the bones, skins, and connective tissues of animals, traditionally pigs and cows.

The use of this animal product means Mamba chews are no longer considered vegetarian or vegan. Halal and kosher consumers also avoid gelatin products.

Why Gelatin Helps Create Chewy Candy Texture

So why did Mamba move away from its vegan roots to start incorporating gelatin after so many years?

There are a few reasons gelatin is useful for achieving the optimal chewy candy texture:

• Gelling ability – Gelatin can solidify liquid solutions into gummy solids with just a small percentage. This allows for an ideal chewiness.

• Moisture retention – Gelatin prevents ingredients from separating and keeps products soft.

• Neutral taste – Unlike some plant-based alternatives, gelatin does not alter flavors.

• Familiarity – Many confectioners are accustomed to working with gelatin in recipes.

• Cost – Animal-derived gelatin is cheaper than vegan substitutes like pectin or agar.

• Consumer expectations – Shoppers connect “gummy” texture with gelatin content.

By moving to gelatin, Mamba likely aimed to achieve an even smoother, longer-lasting chewiness while keeping costs low. However, the shift alienated vegetarian and vegan consumers who now must avoid the once animal product-free candy.

Identifying Gelatin in Candy Ingredients

Reading the ingredients label is the only way to confirm if gelatin from animal sources has been added to candy:

• Scan for “gelatin” which indicates pork or beef derivatives.

• Watch for generic terms like “gelling agent” that could disguise gelatin content.

• Seek third-party certifications like “Vegan” symbols to verify no animal-based ingredients.

• Contact manufacturers if you have questions about vague ingredients like “natural flavors.”

• When in doubt, avoid the product if avoiding gelatin is important to you.

Note that different varieties from the same brand may have varying recipes – for example, Mamba Bubble Gum is still gelatin-free. Check ingredients on each specific product.

Finding Comparable Gelatin-Free & Vegan Fruit Chews

Luckily for fans of Mamba’s fruity flavors, there are now many innovative gummy and chewy candies available that replace gelatin with vegan alternatives:

• YumEarth Organics – Real fruit juices and organic ingredients provide all-vegan gummy candy.

• Surfsweets – These gummy bears use plant-based colors and natural fruit and vegetable flavors.

• Simply Gum – Chewy vegan gum in fruit flavors like ginger peach, wild berry, and cinnamon.

• Goody Good Stuff – Chewy fruit snacks made with no gelatin or artificial ingredients.

• Smashmallow – Marshmallows made from mint, rice syrup and tapioca starch but no gelatin.

• Annie’s Organic – Vegan organic bunny fruit snacks in flavors like Berry Patch and Tropical Treat.

With some research into ingredients and third-party certifications, you can enjoy chewy fruit candy without compromising vegan ethics or dietary needs.

Making Informed Choices About Candy Contents

The Mamba story exemplifies why it’s so important to be in the know about product ingredients, as formulations can change at any time. Here are some tips:

• Read labels every time, since recipes evolve.

• Research unfamiliar additives and contact companies with questions.

• Consider personal values and preferences when buying candy products.

• Watch for user reviews that might expose undisclosed ingredients.

• Explore making homemade candy when you want total control over what’s included.

Staying informed empowers you to make thoughtful choices about the candy you enjoy. While classic Mamba chews are no longer vegetarian-friendly, comparable vegan alternatives deliver the same delicious fruit juice flavor without gelatin.

A once reliably vegan fruity candy, Mamba chews now contain animal-derived gelatin for an enhanced chewy texture. This undisclosed change disappointed vegetarian and vegan consumers who had enjoyed Mamba’s flavors for years.

Luckily, with all the innovation in plant-based ingredients, shoppers can find plenty of gelatin-free fruit chews to get their fix. A little label reading and brand research make it possible to avoid animal products and still get your candy cravings satisfied.