Nobody seems to dislike Haribo Gummy Bears, not in the US but also in Muslim countries like the United Arab Emirates. In the Muslim world, though, there is always the question of whether Haribo candy like gummy bears is halal or not.
The answer to this question is complicated and includes many things, such as where the gelatin comes from, the list of ingredients, the manufacturing facilities, the halal certificate, and how well it follows Islamic law. Lets delve in.
Haribo gummy bears are a beloved candy for many around the world. The chewy, fruit-flavored bears have been satisfying sweet tooths since the 1920s. But if you keep kosher or halal you may be wondering – are Haribo gummy bears made with pork products?
The short answer is sometimes. Some Haribo gummies contain pork-derived gelatin, while others are made with beef gelatin or even vegan substitutes It all depends on where the gummy bears are produced.
In this article, we’ll explore the Haribo facilities around the world, the gelatin sources used, and which specific products are halal and kosher friendly. Keep reading for the full scoop on what’s inside those iconic gold bear bags!
An Overview of Gelatin
First, let’s quickly look at what gelatin is and where it comes from. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen in animal tissues and bones. It has unique gelling properties that give products like gummy bears their characteristic chewy texture.
Gelatin can be derived from cattle, pigs, and other animals. The main sources are pig skin, cattle bones, cattle hides, and fish. Gelatin from pork is not considered kosher or halal because it comes from an animal that is forbidden in Judaism and Islam.
Haribo uses gelatin to achieve the perfect gummy bear consistency. But because they operate factories around the world, the source of their gelatin varies by location.
Haribo Production Facilities Around the World
Haribo has candy production facilities in several countries:
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Germany: Haribo’s original factory opened in Bonn, Germany in 1920. Additional factories were later opened across Germany.
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Turkey: Haribo opened a production facility in Turkey in 1974. This is their only facility that produces 100% beef gelatin gummies.
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United Kingdom: Haribo’s UK factory opened in 1981 in Pontefract, England.
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France: The Haribo factory in Uzès, France opened in 1986.
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Austria: The Austrian Haribo factory opened in Linz in 1994.
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Brazil: Haribo’s first South American factory opened in 2000 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Spain: The Haribo Arroyo factory in Madrid, Spain opened in 2003.
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United States: Haribo is building its first US factory in Wisconsin, set to open in 2022.
With facilities spanning the globe, Haribo has the flexibility to adjust recipes and ingredients based on regional preferences and regulations. This leads to variability in whether pork-derived gelatin is used.
Which Haribo Gummies Contain Pork?
With so many production locations, it can get confusing trying to determine which Haribo products are okay for those avoiding pork products. Here’s a breakdown:
Gummies Made in Turkey
Any gummy bears or other gummies produced in Haribo’s Turkish factory will be 100% halal and kosher. Turkey is the only facility that exclusively uses beef gelatin for all gummy production.
So if you’re looking for kosher or halal Haribo gummies, be sure to check for the “Made in Turkey” label. Some examples of Haribo gummies made in Turkey include:
- Haribo Goldbears
- Haribo Happy Cherries
- Haribo Twin Snakes
Gummies Made in Germany
Haribo gummies produced in Germany may contain pork-derived gelatin. The gelatin sources can include both beef and pork.
According to Haribo’s website, their German gummies use “carefully selected ingredients and natural colors and flavors.” But natural pork gelatin would still be present in most products.
Some examples of gummies made in Germany include:
- Haribo Goldbears
- Haribo Happy Cherries
- Haribo Twin Snakes
- Haribo Smurfs
- Haribo Dinosaurs
The one exception is Haribo’s vegetarian line made in Germany, which uses substitutes like agar-agar instead of gelatin.
Gummies Made in Other European Countries
Factories in the UK, France, Spain, and Austria also produce gummies that likely contain pork gelatin. Haribo has not confirmed using exclusively beef gelatin in these facilities.
So gummies made in these countries would not be considered halal or kosher. Examples include:
- Haribo Starmix (UK)
- Haribo Dragibus (France)
- Haribo Croco-Bons (Spain)
Gummies Made in the Americas
The Haribo factories in Brazil and the upcoming US factory also do not confirm using 100% beef gelatin. So these products likely contain pork:
- Haribo Goldbears (Brazil)
- Haribo Twin Snakes (Brazil)
- Haribo products made in the US (starting 2022)
Confirming Gelatin Sources
Haribo’s website does not provide specific details on gelatin sources for each facility. And some bags simply say “Made in Germany” or “Made in Austria” without naming the gelatin source.
The most reliable way to confirm whether Haribo gummies contain pork is to contact the company directly. You can speak with a customer service representative or email them at [email protected].
Explain that you need to know the gelatin source due to dietary restrictions. They should be able to look up the exact gelatin ingredients for any product line.
Enjoying Haribo Gummies Without Pork
If you love the unique fruity flavor and chewy texture of Haribo but want to avoid pork, you still have options. Here are some ways to enjoy Haribo gummies without consuming pork products:
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Stick to Turkish-made products: This is the easiest route. Just look for the “Made in Turkey” label.
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Opt for the vegetarian gummies: Haribo’s 100% gelatin-free gummies let you enjoy the candy without either pork or beef sources.
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Make DIY gummy bears: There are lots of recipes using kosher gelatin, pectin, agar-agar, or fruit juice to achieve a similar gummy bear experience.
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Try halal/kosher brands: Plenty of gummy brands offer halal or kosher versions with vegan or beef gelatin.
With all the Haribo factories around the world, it can get confusing figuring out which gummies contain pork. But a bit of label reading and directly contacting Haribo can help you determine if your favorite product fits your dietary needs. Then you can keep enjoying those delightfully chewy Goldbears!
Where can you buy Haribo gummy bears?
Haribo products can be found in many places, from the busy malls of the US to the traditional bazaars of Egypt and other Muslim-majority countries. Haribo products made in Turkey are labeled “HELAL” on the packaging, which means they are safe for Muslims to eat since Turkey is mostly Muslim. The fact that these gummy candies are available means that people who follow Islamic dietary rules can enjoy them without breaking their religious rules.
This accessibility extends to various products within the Haribo gummies range, such as Haribo Tangfastics Halal. Different tastes and preferences can be met within the limits of halal dietary guidelines thanks to the wide range of options, such as different flavors and even vegetarian options.
Firstly, who is Haribo?
Haribo is a renowned German confectionery company founded by Hans Riegel Sr. in 1920. The name “Haribo” is an abbreviation of the founders name Hans Riegel Bonn.
The Haribo company made its first gummy candy in 1960. It now has a huge selection of popular candies, such as Haribo Gold Bears, Haribo Sour Gummies, Haribo Fizzy Gummy Bears, Haribo Twin Cherries, Haribo Happy Cola Bottles Gummies, Haribo Rainbow Frogs, Haribo Starmix, and more.
After Seeing How Gummies Are Made, You’ll Probably Never Eat Them Again
FAQ
Do Haribo gummy bears have pork?
Can Muslims eat gummy bears?
Do all Haribo gummies have gelatin?
Are Haribo gummy bears kosher?
Are Haribo gummies halal?
The Haribo production facility in Turkey uses only beef-derived gelatin, making their gummies suitable for those who follow halal dietary restrictions. In addition to being halal certified, many Haribo fans also appreciate the consistency of the gummies that contain gelatin.
Why are Haribo gummies made of pork gelatin?
The primary reason for this is the inclusion of pork gelatin in most gummy bears, including Haribo gummies. Gelatin, derived from animal bones, is used to provide that familiar chewy texture we all love in our gummy candies. What Are Haribo Gummy Bears Made Of?
Do Haribo gummy bears contain pork?
Apart from gummy bears, other Haribo products, such as their gummy worms and gummy rings, also contain gelatin derived from pork. It is important to carefully check the ingredients of any Haribo product if pork is a concern. 4.
Where are Haribo gummy bears made?
The answer to this question is not a simple one. It depends on where the gummy bears are manufactured. Haribo has production facilities in several countries, including Turkey, Germany, the UK, Austria, Spain, Brazil, and France. The gelatin used in these facilities can be derived from either beef or pork.