Gummy bears and jelly sweets

Is gummy bears halal?

Depends on the source

Depends on the gelatin. Most gummy sweets are made with gelatin, often from pork. Halal ranges use halal beef gelatin, and some sweets use pectin or starch instead.

Depends on the source means it can be made from plants, microbes or minerals, or from animals, including pigs. From plants, microbes or a halal-slaughtered animal it is halal; from pigs it is not. The label often does not say which, so look for a halal logo, a vegan label or a note on the source, or ask the maker.

What it is and where it comes from

Gummy bears and jelly sweets get their chew from gelatin, or sometimes from pectin, starch or agar. In Europe the gelatin is very often pork. Some big brands make halal lines with certified beef gelatin. Many are also glazed with beeswax or shellac, and some are coloured with carmine (E120). Wine gums usually contain no wine.

Where you find it

Gummy bears, jelly sweets, sour sweets, fruit gums, wine gums and vitamin gummies.

What to look for on the label

Look for a halal logo, a vegan label, or gelling agents such as pectin (E440), starch or agar (E406) instead of gelatin. Then check the colour (E120) and glaze (E904).

This is a guide, not a fatwa. Recipes change, so check the label, look for halal certification, and ask your local imam where scholars differ.

Related

All ingredients and E-numbers

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