Do Wagon Wheels Contain Pork Gelatin?

Chocolate-covered marshmallow sandwich cookies called Wagon Wheels have been loved by kids and adults for many years. Their distinct wagon wheel shape and sweet filling make them an iconic treat. But as people become more aware of what’s in their food, a lot of them wonder: do Wagon Wheels have pork gelatin in them?

A Brief History of Wagon Wheels

• Wagon Wheels were first created in the UK in 1948 by Burton’s Biscuits
• They consisted of two round chocolate biscuits sandwiching a marshmallow filling
• The name and wagon wheel imagery were inspired by the American Old West
• Over the years, different flavor variations were introduced like caramel and fruit jams
• While recipes vary slightly by region, the classic Wagon Wheel remains widely popular

The Role of Gelatin in Wagon Wheels

Gelatin is a key ingredient in giving Wagon Wheels their signature soft, squishy marshmallow filling. It functions as a gelling agent that allows the marshmallow to set into a fluffy solid.

Without gelatin the marshmallow would remain a thick sticky liquid. So it’s an essential component in achieving the texture that makes Wagon Wheels so enjoyable to eat.

Pork Gelatin is Commonly Used

The type of gelatin used in most mass produced Wagon Wheels is pork gelatin. Pig skin contains a particularly high amount of collagen, which is processed to produce gelatin.

Pork gelatin is commonly used in food manufacturing because:

• It’s relatively inexpensive and widely available
• Has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients
• Produces firm, consistent gels compared to other sources

So for economic and functional reasons, pork has become the standard source of gelatin in products like marshmallows and Wagon Wheels.

Check the Ingredient List for Confirmation

However, formulations can vary between brands and regions The only way to definitively confirm if a Wagon Wheel product contains pork gelatin is to

• Read the ingredient list on the packaging
• Look for “gelatin” or “pork gelatin” in the list
• Contact the manufacturer if you need clarification

Don’t rely on assumptions. Always check the label first.

Reasons to Avoid Pork Gelatin

There are a few groups of people who intentionally avoid pork gelatin products:

• Religious reasons – Judaism and Islam prohibit pork consumption
• Vegetarians/vegans – Don’t consume animal products
• Allergies/intolerances – Pork allergies or gelatin intolerance
• Preferences – Personal avoidance of pork for any reason

For these groups, checking for pork gelatin is an important consideration when choosing commercially made products.

Are There Any Wagon Wheel Alternatives?

For those wishing to avoid pork, the good news is that gelatin can also be sourced from other types of collagen. There are a few options for Wagon Wheels without pork gelatin:

• Beef gelatin Wagon Wheels – Some regions use beef collagen instead
• Kosher/halal Wagon Wheels – May contain kosher beef gelatin
• Vegan Wagon Wheels – Use vegan jelling agents like pectin or agar
• Homemade Wagon Wheels – Allow full control over ingredients

Availability of alternatives depends on location. But with care in selecting ingredients or making them at home, Wagon Wheel lovers can enjoy a classic treat without pork gelatin.

How to Identify Gelatin Source on Labels

Food labels can sometimes confuse the source of gelatin. Here are tips for deciphering common gelatin labeling:

• Gelatin = pork source unless otherwise specified
• Kosher gelatin = from kosher slaughtered beef
• Halal gelatin = from halal slaughtered beef
• “Beef gelatin” = from cattle specifically
• “Vegetarian gelatin” = plant-based gelling agents

If in doubt, contact the manufacturer. Look for third party certifications like “K” for kosher or a vegan label.

Homemade Wagon Wheels Without Pork

Making Wagon Wheels at home is a foolproof way to control the ingredients. Here are some recipes worth trying:

• Substitute beef or vegan gelatin – Use gelatin packets or powder
• Use plant-based thickeners – Agar agar, pectin, starch
• Marshmallow fluff – Often vegan and mimics marshmallow texture
• Aquafaba marshmallow – Made from chickpea liquid
• Melted marshmallows – Vegan store-bought melts work perfectly

Get creative with recipes and ingredients while still achieving that classic Wagon Wheel taste and texture!

The Bottom Line

The traditional Wagon Wheel contains pork gelatin in its marshmallow filling. This should be assumed unless otherwise stated on the packaging or by the manufacturer. Individuals avoiding pork for religious, ethical, or health reasons will want to verify ingredients first.

Thankfully, alternatives like beef gelatin, vegan, and homemade versions without pork exist. So both kids and adults can continue to enjoy these classic sandwich cookies for years to come!