In that case, you might be wondering if Wagon Wheels, the famous chocolate-covered sandwich cookies filled with jam and marshmallows, are good for you.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The store-bought version of Wagon Wheels contains gelatin derived from pork, which helps the marshmallow become firm. Additionally, the chocolate coating includes milk.
Do not worry, this article will talk more about Wagon Wheels and what they’re made of, as well as some other treats that people who can’t eat the classic one can enjoy instead.
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!
Why Pork Gelatin Is Used In Wagon Wheels
Wagon Wheels and other marshmallow-based treats often use pork gelatin because it works well as a gelling agent. Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen, which is found in the connective tissues of animals. Pork is a common source of gelatin because it has a high collagen content and is readily available.
Beef, fish, or plant-based ingredients can also be used to make gelatin, but pork gelatin is often preferred because it has a neutral taste and smell. This makes it ideal for use in food products where it won’t affect the taste or aroma.
It’s worth noting that not all gelatin used in food products comes from animals. Some companies are now using alternative sources such as agar-agar, carrageenan, or pectin to create vegetarian-friendly gelling agents. However, these alternatives might not always be the same as regular gelatin and might need to be processed in different ways.
The Ingredients In Wagon Wheels
Wheat flour, marshmallow, sugar, jam, vegetable oil, golden syrup, a raising agent, salt, an emulsifier, nutmeg, and flavorings are all mixed together to make wagon wheels. Wagon Wheels use a chocolate mix that has sugar, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, milk solids, emulsifiers (E322 from soy and E492), flavor, and salt.
Sugar, glucose (from wheat), water, gelatin from pork, acidity regulators (E334 and E500), flavoring, and coloring (E150a) are used to make the marshmallow layer. Sweet jam is made from sugar, apple and plum pulp, food acid (E334), a gelling agent (E440), and glucose (from wheat).
It’s important to remember that Wagon Wheels’ ingredients can change from time to time depending on who makes them and where they come from. Always check the label of the product for accurate and up-to-date information on allergens and ingredients.
Wagon Wheels (1993)
FAQ
Do Wagon Wheels have gelatin?
Can Muslims eat Wagon Wheels?
Can vegetarians eat Wagon Wheels?
What is wagon wheel made of?
Do wagon wheels have gelatin?
The store-bought version of Wagon Wheels contains gelatin derived from pork, which helps the marshmallow become firm. Additionally, the chocolate coating includes milk. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore more about Wagon Wheels and their ingredients, as well as provide some alternative options for those who can’t enjoy the classic treat.
Are wagon wheels vegan?
As mentioned earlier, Wagon Wheels do contain gelatin derived from pork. Gelatin is a common ingredient in marshmallows, and it helps to give them their signature texture. Unfortunately, this means that Wagon Wheels are not suitable for vegans or those who avoid pork gelatin in their diet.
Does wagon wheels contain milk?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The store-bought version of Wagon Wheels contains gelatin derived from pork, which helps the marshmallow become firm. Additionally, the chocolate coating includes milk. But fear not!
Where do wagon wheels come from?
Wagon Wheels are a sweet snack food sold in the United Kingdom as well as other Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India. They are also sold in Ireland. They consist of two biscuits that form a sandwich with a marshmallow filling, and they are covered with a chocolate -flavoured coating.