Trolli is a popular brand of gummy candy that has been around since the 1980s. Their gummies come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. However, one common question that consumers have is whether Trolli gummies contain gelatin or are gelatin-free.
What is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a protein product derived from collagen in animal bones, skins, and tissues. It acts as a gelling agent that gives gummies their chewy texture. The most common sources of gelatin are cows and pigs.
Many consumers want to know if their gummy candies contain gelatin for dietary, religious, or ethical reasons. For example, gelatin is not considered kosher or halal. Vegetarians and vegans also wish to avoid ingesting animal by-products. With heightened interest in gelatin-free gummies, manufacturers have developed alternative ways to achieve a similar texture using substances like pectin, agar, and carrageenan.
Do Trolli Gummies Contain Gelatin?
The straightforward answer is yes, most Trolli gummy products do contain gelatin derived from animal sources. This can be verified by reading the ingredient lists printed on Trolli candy packaging. With just a few exceptions, bovine gelatin or pork gelatin is clearly listed.
Trolli states on their website’s FAQ page that their regular gummies are not considered vegetarian or halal certified. The gelatin acts as the gelling agent that gives Trolli gummies their signature chewy, stretchy texture. It is a key component of the recipe.
Trolli Gummies That Contain Gelatin
Here is a look at some of Trolli’s most popular gummies that do contain either pork or bovine gelatin:
| Trolli Gummy Candy | Gelatin Source |
|---|---|
| Sour Brite Crawlers | Pork gelatin |
| Sour Bugs | Pork gelatin |
| Sour Gummi Peaches | Pork gelatin |
| Sour Gummi Worms | Pork gelatin |
| Gummi Bears | Bovine gelatin |
| Gummi Colas | Bovine gelatin |
| Fruit Gushers | Bovine gelatin |
| Sour Double Gummi | Bovine gelatin |
As shown, pork or bovine gelatin is included in their classic gummy recipes to achieve the right chewy texture. Trolli does use different sources of gelatin depending on the specific gummy variety. However, the end result is an animal-based gelatin in most products.
Trolli Gummies Without Gelatin
While gelatin is used in most Trolli gummies, they have developed some gelatin-free, vegan-friendly options:
| Trolli Gummy Candy | Gelatin-Free Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Sour Vegan Brite Crawlers | Pectin, agar, organic concentrated apple juice |
| Sour Vegan Peachie-O’s | Pectin, agar, organic concentrated apple juice |
| Sour Gummi Vegan Hearts | Pectin, agar, organic concentrated apple juice |
| Sour Jack ‘O’ Lanterns | Pectin, agar, organic concentrated apple juice |
Instead of gelatin, these products use pectin, agar, and fruit juices to create the ideal gummy texture. They are marketed specifically as “100% Vegan” on the packaging. So for those wanting to avoid gelatin, these Trolli gummies provide tasty alternatives.
Why Do Vegans Avoid Gelatin?
Vegans strictly avoid consuming any animal products or by-products. Since gelatin is derived from animal collagen, it does not align with vegan principles and is not considered a vegan ingredient.
Agar and pectin offer alternative plant-based gelling options that mimic gelatin’s properties without using any animal ingredients. Major candy brands like Trolli have launched special product lines using these gelatin substitutes to appeal to the vegan market segment.
There are additional concerns regarding the sourcing of gelatin and how the animals are treated. Seeking gelatin-free gummies allows vegans to avoid these ethical issues while still enjoying chewy candy.
Do Kosher or Halal Gummy Products Contain Gelatin?
Gelatin is not considered kosher or halal because it is derived from animal sources.Therefore, gummy products that are certified kosher or halal cannot contain any gelatin ingredients.
To earn kosher or halal certification, gummy candies must be made using alternative gelling agents like pectin, locust bean gum, agar, or carrageenan. There are many OU certified kosher and halal certified gummies available that specifically do not contain gelatin.
Trolli has not obtained kosher or halal certification for their regular gummy products that contain gelatin. However, the specialty vegan gummies are considered both kosher and halal.
What About Bone Broth Gelatin?
Bone broth gelatin has recently gained popularity among the health-conscious. This type of gelatin is made by boiling animal bones and connective tissue to extract the collagen. The collagen-rich broth is then dried to create a supplement powder.
Bone broth gelatin contains amino acids like glycine and proline that have potential health benefits. However, it is still derived from animal sources so it is not considered kosher, halal, or vegan. Those avoiding mainstream gelatin will also wish to avoid bone broth gelatin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of Trolli’s classic gummy candy does contain either pork or bovine-derived gelatin. This gives the gummies their signature chewy, stretchy texture that Trolli is known for. However, Trolli has created specialty products using vegan alternative gelling agents to appeal to the gelatin-free market.
Vegans and those sticking to religious dietary laws that restrict gelatin should double check the ingredient labels before purchasing gummies. Or opt for Trolli’s certified vegan selections that are clearly labeled as gelatin-free on the packaging. This allows anyone to enjoy satisfyingly chewy gummy candy, regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions.