M&Ms are colorful button-shaped chocolates that melt in your mouth, not in your hand First introduced in 1941, M&Ms have become one of the most popular candies in the United States. But some ingredients like artificial flavors or colors have led consumers to wonder – do M&Ms contain pork?
In this article, we’ll explore how M&Ms are made, examine their ingredients lists, and look at labeling considerations for vegetarians and those who avoid pork for religious reasons
Background on M&Ms
M They were first made so that soldiers in WWII could get easy-to-eat chocolate.
Around the center of the candy is a sugar shell that can be filled with chocolate, peanut butter, pretzels, crisped rice, or something else. M&Ms come in a variety of colors with an “m” printed on each.
Popular varieties include:
- Milk chocolate
- Peanut
- Peanut butter
- Pretzel
- Crispy rice
Limited edition flavors are also introduced frequently.
Do M&Ms Contain Pork Gelatin?
According to Mars Wrigley, M&Ms do not contain pork gelatin or any other animal derived ingredients.
Gelatin is a common food additive made by boiling animal parts like skins, tendons, ligaments and bones. It’s used as a gelling agent in yogurt, ice cream, marshmallows, and gummy candies.
But gelatin is not listed in the ingredients for any current M&Ms products. Mars Wrigley confirms their status as vegetarian, vegan and halal.
However, the inclusion of natural flavors and artificial colors causes some to question whether pork derivatives might be included but not specified on labels.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
M&Ms list “natural and artificial flavors” as ingredients. By law, brands must disclose if flavors derive from meat, dairy, or other allergens – but the specific sources don’t have to be revealed.
Mars states that their natural flavors do not contain any animal derived ingredients. They use plant-based flavorings.
For artificial flavors, the company indicates they work with flavor suppliers to avoid any pork-based ingredients.
Artificial Colors
The artificial colors used in M&Ms could also raise concerns. Sources might include coal tar or petroleum, lactose from milk, or insect shells.
But Mars has confirmed their colors are vegetarian friendly and pork-free. They moved to naturally-derived colors for their green, orange, and red candies. Other colors utilize synthetic dyes from vegan sources.
Labeling Considerations
To identify any hidden animal-based ingredients, consumers should look for:
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Contains statement – “Suitable for vegetarians” or “Does not contain animal derivatives.”
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Allergen warnings – Milk will be labeled but pork/fish/shellfish should be absent.
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Certifications – Logos for halal, kosher, vegan, or vegetarian products.
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Specific ingredients – No listing of gelatin, whey, casein or other animal-based additives.
Reaching out to manufacturers directly can also help address any lingering questions.
Are M&Ms Halal?
Many Muslims carefully avoid pork and alcohol in their diets. This leads to questions about whether popular candies like M&Ms are halal compliant.
Mars Wrigley has confirmed the following:
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No pork or pork by-products are used as ingredients.
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Ethanol alcohol is used in flavors but it fully evaporates during processing.
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Colors, flavors, and other additives are not derived from animals.
This means standard M&Ms are considered halal, adhering to Islamic dietary laws. Consumers can enjoy them without concern about pork-based ingredients.
Are M&Ms Vegetarian?
The base ingredients of chocolate, coloring, sugar, and flavoring also make M&Ms suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, the candies are produced on equipment shared with milk-containing products.
So while M&Ms themselves are vegetarian-friendly, there is a risk of cross-contamination. Vegans with strict dietary needs may want to exercise caution.
Homemade Gelatin-Free M&M Alternatives
For those who prefer to avoid commercial candy additives altogether, many recipes allow you to make gelatin-free chocolate candy at home. Some options include:
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Melt chocolate chips and dip pretzels, nuts, dried fruit or crackers.
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Add colored sprinkles to melted chocolate before dropping spoonfuls onto wax paper.
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Combine melted chocolate with smooth nut butters, then pour into candy molds.
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Create a candy shell for chocolate pieces using maple syrup or condensed coconut milk.
With a little creativity, you can come up with endless flavor combinations for homemade candy that fits your dietary needs.
The Verdict on Pork in M&Ms
While it’s smart to scrutinize candy ingredients, food manufacturers have a legal obligation to disclose major allergens like pork.
M&Ms producer Mars Wrigley has been transparent that no pork or pork derivatives are used in their famous candies. This makes standard M&Ms a vegetarian, vegan and halal friendly treat.
However, those with serious food restrictions may want to contact the company directly or stick to certified candy brands. As always, read labels carefully and contact manufacturers regarding any unclear ingredients.
But for most candy-lovers, we can rest assured that enjoying M&Ms requires no compromise of dietary preferences. Pop open a bag of colorful chocolatey goodness – pork free!
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FAQ
Do M&M’s contain pork?
Can Muslims eat M and M?
Are M and M kosher?
What ingredients are in M&M’s?
Are M&Ms animal based?
The M&M’s that are sold in the UK contain a couple of animal-sourced ingredients the US version doesn’t. In the UK you will find carmine as artificial coloring and beeswax as a coating. There are a variety of animal-sourced ingredients that can be found in candy like M&M’s from dairy, gelatin, and animal-based food colorings.
Are M&Ms halal or vegetarian?
Surprisingly, the M&M’s UK Twitter account tweeted in February 2019 that, “M&M’s aren’t suitable for halal or vegetarian diets.” However, they didn’t state the exact non-vegetarian ingredients and instead said, “We use additives that come from animal products when we’re making M&M’s and traces of these can be found in the sweets.
Are M&Ms vegetarian?
Both M&M varieties contain Skim Milk, Lactose, and Milk Fat. However, the UK variety also contains Carmine (color) and Beeswax (glazing) whereas the US variety used Red 40 (color) and Carnauba Wax (glazing) in their stead. Therefore, the US variety of M&M’s appear to be more vegetarian friendly than their UK counterparts. What about Rennet?
Are M&Ms dairy based?
In the UK you will find carmine as artificial coloring and beeswax as a coating. There are a variety of animal-sourced ingredients that can be found in candy like M&M’s from dairy, gelatin, and animal-based food colorings. The milk chocolate that is used in M&M’s contains dairy products. You will find the following dairy products in M&M candies.