If you are a strict vegetarian or don’t eat pork for religious reasons, you should know which cereals contain products made from pork. CyberParent says that some cereals have pork in them in the form of gelatin that is made from bones, cartilage, tendons, and skin. This may come as a surprise. com. Marshmallows are usually the culprit, and rarely, frosted cereals are a problem as well.
A few cereals from Kelloggs contain marshmallows made from pork gelatin. These include Marshmallow Froot Loops, Fruity Marshmallow Krispies, Smorz Cereal, and any other Kellogg’s cereal with marshmallows in it. Rice Krispies Treat Krunch cereal and Rice Krispies Treats Squares both have gelatin that comes from pork, as do Special K Protein Snack bars.
Lucky Charms, with its famously magical marshmallows, has been a beloved breakfast cereal since it was introduced in 1964 But over the years, some sharp-eyed ingredients-list readers have noticed that the sweet marshmallow pieces contain a controversial additive – gelatin This has led many to wonder does Lucky Charms have pork gelatin?
Let us look more closely at the main ingredients and methods used to make this famous cereal.
The Role of Gelatin
First, what exactly is gelatin? It’s a colorless flavorless protein obtained by boiling animal bones, skins tendons and ligaments. This process extracts the collagen, which is then dried and ground into powdered gelatin.
In the food industry, gelatin is prized for its gelling properties. It’s what gives marshmallows their fluffiness and gummy candies their chewiness. Gelatin also acts as a stabilizer, thickener and emulsifier.
For cereals like Lucky Charms, gelatin ensures the marshmallow pieces retain their distinctive texture and shape over time. It prevents them from becoming dense or crumbling when soaked in milk.
Gelatin’s Animal Origins
Gelatin can be derived from the bones and tissues of cows or pigs. Pork has been the traditional gelatin source for decades in the U.S. food production system.
But some religious groups, like Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and some Christian denominations, don’t eat pork because it’s against their beliefs. There are also vegetarians and vegans who wish to avoid animal-based ingredients altogether.
For these consumers, knowing whether pork gelatin is present is very important.
Confirmation from General Mills
General Mills, the manufacturers of Lucky Charms, have transparently addressed questions about gelatin sources. According to their FAQ:
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The gelatin used for marshmallow pieces is pork-based.
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It’s derived from pig skins and bones.
They justify using pork gelatin because it offers the best texture, mouthfeel and visual appeal.
Other Cereals With Pork Gelatin
Lucky Charms isn’t the only General Mills cereal containing gelatin from pork. Others also contain the additive:
- Chocolate Lucky Charms
- Boo Berry
- Count Chocula
- Frankenberry
Essentially, any General Mills cereals with marshmallow pieces (often called “marbits”) will include pork-derived gelatin.
Gelatin-Free Cereal Options
Luckily, General Mills offers many gelatin-free cold cereals too:
- Cheerios (original and flavored)
- Chex (wheat, rice, corn varieties)
- Reese’s Puffs
- Trix
- Cocoa Puffs
Other brands like Kellogg’s and Post also produce cereals without any gelatin. Always check the ingredients list to be sure.
There are also halal or kosher certified cereal options for consumers who wish to avoid pork for religious reasons.
Homemade Gelatin-Free Lucky Charms
Some vegetarians have gotten creative, making homemade versions of Lucky Charms sans gelatin. This allows them to enjoy the fun colors and shapes without compromising their diet.
There are many recipes online using vegan marshmallows or marshmallow fluff combined with gluten-free oat cereal. You can even mold your own marbit shapes using cornstarch molds.
Should You Avoid Pork Gelatin?
Whether to avoid pork gelatin in Lucky Charms or other products is an individual decision based on your dietary needs and preferences.
Some considerations are:
- Religious or ethical principles about consuming pork
- Vegetarian or vegan lifestyles
- Allergies or sensitivities to pork
- Preferences for more natural, less processed foods
Thankfully, there are more and more gelatin-free options available today so you don’t have to miss out on favorite treats.
General Mills has verified that the marshmallow pieces in Lucky Charms and other similar cereals contain pork-derived gelatin. This is disappointing news for vegetarian, vegan, or pork-avoidant consumers who grew up loving these sweetened cereals.
However, there are ways to enjoy the nostalgia and whimsy of Lucky Charms without the gelatin. Seek out alternative cereals or get creative in the kitchen to whip up homemade gelatin-free marshmallow pieces. With a bit of research and label reading, you can maintain your dietary principles while still indulging in playful breakfasts.
General Mills and Malt-O-Meal Cereals
If you don’t want to eat pork, you should also stay away from some General Mills and Malt-O-Meal cereals. They have all of General Mills’ Lucky Charms cereals, including the original Chocolate Lucky Charms and any holiday-themed versions of the cereal. The Malt-O-Meal cereals Marshmallow Mateys, and Frosted Mini Spooners also contain pork.
Millville and Ralston Cereals
According to the Israel of God Research Committee, any Aldis cereals that Millville sells that have marshmallows or gelatin in them contain pork. Frosted Shredded Wheat from Ralston Foods also must be avoided, as well as Millville Marshmallows & Stars.
Do Lucky Charms have pork in it?
FAQ
Is Lucky Charms gelatin Halal?
Does Kellogg’s use pork gelatin?
Does froot loop have pork?
Does Lucky Charms have gelatin?
Lucky Charms contains pork gelatin. Most gelatin is either pork-derived or beef-derived, and General Mills confirms on their website that the gelatin in Lucky Charms is sourced from pork collagen. Do Lucky Charms Contain Dairy? Lucky Charms do not contain milk, lactose, or any other dairy product.
Are lucky charms vegan?
Lucky Charms are generally not considered vegan. They contain pork gelatin, which comes from boiled pig skin, bones, joints, and the like. They also contain sugar, artificial colors, natural flavor, and vitamin D3, which are gray-area ingredients that some vegans avoid.
Which Lucky Charms cereals contain pork?
They include all Lucky Charms cereals (General Mills): the original version of Chocolate Lucky Charms and any special holiday versions of the cereal. The Malt-O-Meal cereals Marshmallow Mateys, and Frosted Mini Spooners also contain pork.
What is lucky charms made of?
General Mills confirms on their website that the gelatin in Lucky Charms is made from pork collagen. To quickly address the issues of sugar and vitamin D3: Non-organic cane sugar is often filtered with bone char to give it a pure white color. Meanwhile, vitamin D3 is usually made from lanolin (from sheep’s wool).