Some questions are just too good not to ask them. On this page you will find answers to the questions we are asked most often.
The colorful, fruit-flavored gummy candies from Haribo have delighted children and adults alike for over 100 years. But many sweets fans wonder – with gelatin being a common ingredient, does Haribo contain pork products? Let’s dig through the ingredients list and find out.
A Brief History of Haribo
Haribo gummy candies originated in 1920 in Bonn, Germany, created by Hans Riegel. The name combines the first two letters of his name with his home city. The goldbears rings, frogs and other animal-shaped gummies became a huge hit.
Today Haribo operates 16 factories across the globe and sells over 100 million gummy products daily! It’s the world’s largest gummy candy company
The Question of Gelatin
Gelatin is often used in gummy candies to achieve that characteristic chewy texture. It comes from the collagen inside animal bones and skin. The most common sources are pork and cattle.
For those avoiding pork for religious, cultural, or personal reasons, gummies with pork gelatin are off-limits So what about Haribo’s iconic treats?
Examining the Ingredients
To settle the debate, we need to dig into the ingredients lists of various Haribo products. Here’s what official sources show:
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The Haribo USA website states their gummies are made with pork gelatin.
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Haribo Goldbears purchased in Germany also list pork gelatin (Schweinegelatine) as an ingredient.
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Haribo products made in Turkey do not contain pork gelatin, using bovine sources instead.
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Some analayses of Halal/Kosher Haribo gummies found no gelatin at all, rather using pectin.
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Traditional Haribo gummies contain pork gelatin, especially those made in Germany and North America.
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Specific products made for Halal or Kosher markets omit pork, using bovine gelatin or pectin.
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Ingredients can vary by region, so always check labels.
Impacts on Diets and Beliefs
The presence of pork gelatin in classic Haribo has significant impacts for some consumers:
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Jews who follow Kosher dietary laws cannot eat candies with pork-derived gelatin.
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Muslims who adhere to Halal rules also must avoid pork products.
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Vegetarians and vegans do not consume meat-based ingredients like pork gelatin.
So those following these beliefs or diets need to carefully inspect packaging to look for pork-free versions of Haribo. Let’s explore some suitable options.
Finding Pork-Free Haribo Gummies
For candy fans who want to enjoy Haribo without the pork, there are a few options:
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Haribo made specifically for Halal or Kosher markets often omit pork gelatin, using bovine or plant-based alternatives.
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Importing Haribo from Turkey provides a pork-free version.
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Some US stores carry Kosher Haribo candies, usually fruit-only flavors.
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Making DIY gummy bears is an option, substituting agar agar flakes for gelatin.
With extra care in sourcing and reading labels, most people can satisfy their Haribo craving, regardless of diet!
Other Important Considerations
Beyond just pork gelatin, there are other key factors to weigh regarding Haribo gummies:
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They are fat-free and relatively low in calories, but high in sugar content.
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Haribo uses artificial colors and flavors in many products.
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Only specific fruit-flavored gummies are vegetarian or vegan.
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Those with nut allergies should avoid flavored options that may contain traces of nuts.
So people with health conditions like diabetes or sensitivities to ingredients should choose their Haribo treats wisely.
The Takeaway
Does Haribo have pork gelatin? The short answer is – sometimes. Traditional Haribo products made in Germany and North America do contain pork-derived gelatin. But alternatives exist, including bovine, plant-based, or gelatin-free versions.
With careful inspection of ingredient labels and sourcing Haribo from select kosher/halal vendors, most people can enjoy these classic gummi bears and other shapes. A few extra steps help candy lovers avoid pork products while still satisfying their Haribo craving.
Now armed with the facts, gummy fans can uncover the right Haribo to enjoy based on their diet, preferences, and needs. So unwrap a pack of your favorite squishy, fruity treats – minus the pork!
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.
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.