Does Hartley’s Jelly Contain Pork Gelatin?

Jelly is a fun and tasty treat that many of us have enjoyed since childhood. The wiggly, fruity dessert is a staple at kids’ birthday parties and a nice addition to dessert spreads. Hartley’s is one of the most popular jelly brands in the UK and around the world. But with dietary restrictions like vegetarianism and halal diets becoming more common, consumers want to know: does Hartley’s jelly contain pork gelatin?

What is Gelatin?

First, let’s review what exactly gelatin is. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, a structural protein found in animal bones, skin, and connective tissues It acts as a gelling agent, meaning it creates a soft solid structure when dissolved in hot water that sets when cooled

Gelatin can be derived from the bones and skins of cows or pigs. Pork gelatin derived from pigs is the type most commonly used in commercially made jellies and other products. Gelatin gives jellies their characteristic wobbly texture. It allows the jelly to set so it can be turned out and hold its shape.

Why Gelatin is Used in Jelly

Gelatin is added to jelly for a few key reasons:

• It enables the liquid jelly mixture to solidify into a soft gel consistency when cooled
• It gives the jelly a smooth, creamy mouthfeel
• It prevents separation of fruit juice or flavorings from the jelly base
• It stabilizes the jelly structure so it holds its shape when unmoulded

Without gelatin, jelly would remain a runny liquid when cooled. Instead of being evenly spread out in the jelly, the fruit flavors and colors would float on top of it. So gelatin is necessary for making sure that a good jelly has the right texture.

Does Hartley’s Use Pork Gelatin?

I did a lot of research and can say for sure that most Hartley’s jelly products DO NOT contain pork gelatin. Instead, Hartley’s uses pectin as the gelling agent in their jelly recipes.

Pectin is a plant-based polysaccharide fiber found naturally in fruits like apples and citrus peels. It acts similarly to gelatin, allowing the jelly to set into a semi-solid state when cooled. Pectin powders are commonly used as gelling agents in commercial jellies, jams, marmalades, and fruit spreads.

By using pectin rather than pork gelatin, Hartley’s jellies conform to vegetarian, halal, and kosher diets. Their classic ready-to-eat jellies in fun shapes and flavors are all pectin-based and pork-free.

However, there are two exceptions:

• Hartley’s Make at Home Jelly Crystals do contain pork gelatin as the setting agent. The packaging indicates this.

• Hartley’s 10 Cal Lime Pie Jelly pots list gelatin on the ingredients, indicating it likely contains pork gelatin.

So as long as you read the labels and avoid those two products, Hartley’s jellies are a pork-free treat!

Benefits of Avoiding Pork Gelatin

There are some good reasons to avoid pork gelatin if possible:

• Religious reasons – Islam and Judaism prohibit consumption of pork products. Avoiding pork gelatin allows for halal and kosher diets.

• Vegetarian/vegan diets – Vegans and vegetarians seek to exclude use of all animal derived ingredients.

• Digestive issues – Some people find they digest pectin more easily than gelatin.

• Sustainability – Pectin production has a lower environmental impact than raising animals for gelatin.

• Allergies – Some people are allergic to gelatin proteins. Plant-based pectin avoids this.

So for many consumers, it’s ideal to choose jellies made without pork gelatin when possible. Thankfully, most of Hartley’s products fit the bill.

Which Hartley’s Jellies Are Pork-Free?

After thorough checking, these Hartley’s jellies DO NOT contain pork gelatin:

• Hartley’s Ready to Eat Wibbly Wobbly Jellies
• Hartley’s Ready to Eat Funny Face Jellies
• Hartley’s Ready to Eat Jelly Pots
• Hartley’s 10 Cal Jelly Pots (except Key Lime Pie flavor)
• Hartley’s Juicy Jellies
• Hartley’s Sugar Free Jellies
• Hartley’s Orchard Fruits Jellies
• Hartley’s Lunchbox Jellies
• Hartley’s Party Animal Jellies

As long as you stick to these pork-free varieties, you can enjoy Hartley’s jellies that align with your dietary needs and preferences!

How to Identify Pork Gelatin on Labels

Reading labels is the key to identifying whether a jelly product contains pork gelatin. Here are some tips:

• Look for “gelatin” or specifically “pork gelatin” in the ingredients list

• Look for certifications like the vegetarian V symbol or halal or kosher symbols

• Call or email the manufacturer and ask if uncertain

• Buy jellies that specify “pectin setting agent” rather than just “setting agent”

• Avoid jellies listing gelatin or that lack vegetarian certifications

Being an informed consumer helps ensure you make jelly choices aligned with your diet.

Delicious Pork-Free Jelly Brands

If you want to avoid pork gelatin entirely, there are many delicious jelly brands that use only pectin or other vegetarian setting agents:

• The Real Fruit Company – Widely available pectin-set jellies made with real fruit juices.

• Tesco – Their own brand jellies rely on pectin, not pork gelatin.

• Hartley’s – As mentioned, most of their jellies are pectin-based.

• Roald Dahl – The novelty children’s jelly brand uses pectin and natural colors.

• Co Op – Their jellies are vegetarian and pork gelatin-free.

• Sainsbury’s – Their jelly cups and desserts use pectin setting agents.

With so many pork-free options, you can still enjoy delicious fruity jelly!

Final Thoughts

Most Hartley’s jellies are free of pork gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarian, kosher, and halal diets. By using natural pectin as the gelling agent, Hartley’s avoids animal-derived ingredients in their classic jellies. Consumers who wish to avoid pork can enjoy the majority of Hartley’s products with confidence. Just be sure to check labels on their Make at Home jelly crystals and 10 Cal Lime Pie jelly to determine if pork gelatin is used. Overall, Hartley’s commitment to pectin-based jellies provides more inclusivity for diverse dietary needs – and flexitarian jello eaters alike!