Peeps Are Made from Pork Gelatin, So They're Not for Vegans (2024)

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You know it’s springtime when your local big box store finally packs the last of the clearance Valentine’s candy away and suddenly fill the shelves with Peeps. The colorful plastic-wrapped packages of Easter candy come in a never-ending array of variations, appearing in every color of the rainbow and flavors from strawberry and chocolate to Hot Tamale and Froot Loops. But are peeps vegan or are these marshmallow-ish creations off-limits for plant-based eaters?

Are Peeps Vegan?

Peeps are not vegan or vegetarian, according to the company that makes them.

“Our marshmallow candies are not vegan because they contain pork-derived gelatin,” says a statement from Just Born, the manufacturer of Peeps. The company claims the pork is essential for the “great eating experience” it creates. “We have done a great deal of research, analysis and testing using alternative sources of gelatin and have not been able to identify a consistent alternative that provides the same great eating experience that our current gelatin provides.”

In addition to the pork gelatin, chocolate-dipped and caramel-filled varieties of Peeps also contain dairy.

What Are Some Vegan Alternatives to Peeps?

If you still want something cute and marshmallow-y for your spring and Easter celebrations – just without the animal ingredients – there are several options to try. Dandies is one of our favorite brands of vegan marshmallows, free of corn syrup and gluten in addition to being entirely plant-based. Since a 2019 reformulation, Trader Joe’s house-brand marshmallows are also vegan. TJ’s reportedly uses a seaweed base to stand in for the animal-derived ingredients in gelatin.

To transform your plain white vegan marshmallow into something extra-festive, grab your favorite plant butter and try an on-theme marshmallow Rice Krispies treat.

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Peeps Are Made from Pork Gelatin, So They're Not for Vegans (2024)

FAQs

Are peeps made with pork gelatin? ›

We use pork derived gelatin in our PEEPS® marshmallow to achieve a light, soft texture. Gelatin allows us to incorporate small finely divided bubbles allowing you to bite through the marshmallow cleanly with a creamy mouth feel.

Why are marshmallows not vegan? ›

Most marshmallows on the market contain gelatin, which is often derived from the skin and bones of cows and pigs. It was added to the recipe to give the soft candy more of a stable form. Because gelatin comes from dead animals, marshmallows made with it are not vegan.

What makes gelatin not vegan? ›

BUT..it's not vegan-friendly!

The process of making gelatin begins by boiling collagen-containing animal body parts like tendons, ligaments, bones etc. mostly from animals like cows, buffaloes, pigs who are 'discarded' by the meat and dairy industries.

Is peeps pepsi vegan? ›

Peeps are not vegan or vegetarian, according to the company that makes them. “Our marshmallow candies are not vegan because they contain pork-derived gelatin,” says a statement from Just Born, the manufacturer of Peeps.

Why are Peeps not vegan? ›

Our marshmallow candies are not vegan because they contain pork-derived gelatin. What type of gelatin is in PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow? The gelatin used in our marshmallow candies is derived from pork products.

What candy has pork gelatin in it? ›

Gummy worms (contains gelatin) Red candies (contains red dye, made from the dried bodies of female beetles) Nerds (contains pork gelatin) Altoids (contains pork gelatin)

Are Skittles vegan? ›

Most types of Skittles are considered vegan, but not all. While Skittles Classic Fruits, Skittles Sour, Skittles Tropical and Wild Berry Skittles are all currently suitable for vegans, some special editions such as the Once in a Blue Moon Skittles are not, as the blue skittles contain animal product derivatives.

What animal is marshmallow gelatin made of? ›

The gelatin used as a thickening agent in certain marshmallows, puddings and ice creams is made from animal products – the bones, skin and cartilage of pigs and cattle.

Is peanut butter vegan? ›

The bottom line. Most types of peanut butter are free of animal products and can be enjoyed as part of a vegan diet. However, some varieties are made in facilities that also process animal products or contain refined sugar that was produced using bone char or non-vegan ingredients like honey or fish oil.

Are Oreos vegan? ›

Many vegans refer to Oreos as “accidentally vegan,” meaning they don't contain animal products — but they weren't created to be a specifically vegan treat. Oreos do not contain milk, eggs, or any other animal-derived products, so they are technically vegan in that sense.

What animals are killed for gelatin? ›

Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs.

Which soda is not vegan? ›

And here are some popular drinks to stay away from if you're a vegan:
  • Sunkist Orange Soda - contains gelatin, which is made of animal byproduct.
  • Diet Pepsi – contains a non-vegan ingredient that Pepsirefuses to reveal.
  • Monster coffee-flavored energy drinks - contains cream.
Nov 23, 2020

Is Pepsi 0 vegan? ›

IS PEPSI SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS/VEGANS? Our entire range is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, apart from Diet Pepsi which isn't suitable for vegans. 3.

Which candy is vegan? ›

Fortunately, loads of candies are vegan, so we can indulge our cravings (mostly) guilt-free. Most dark chocolate is vegan, as are popular sweet treats such as Smarties (known as Rockets in Canada), Oreos, Airheads, Jujubes, and Swedish Fish (some Swedish Fish contain beeswax, so be sure to check the label).

Do JET-PUFFED marshmallows use pig gelatin? ›

Jet-Puffed Marshmallows

A: I just did a quick google search, and it says the type of gelatin that Kraft uses in the Jet Puffed marshmallows is pork based. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you for your feedback!

Is porcine gelatin halal? ›

Animal origin of gelatin determines the acceptability of gelatin products. For instance, according to Halal and Kosher food laws, porcine material is not acceptable in any dietary items.

Do Jolly Ranchers contain pork gelatin? ›

Since joining the Hershey family in 1996, the company expanded its line of traditional hard candies to include jelly beans, lollipops, and gummies – most of which are vegan-friendly. While a few Jolly Rancher chewy candies do have gelatin (a by-product of the beef and pork industries), most contain no animal products.

Why do marshmallows have pork gelatin? ›

Technically, marshmallows are not made of pigs. Marshmallows contain gelatin, which is made from the bones, connective tissues, and hides of slaughtered animals (usually cows or pigs). Gelatin is a byproduct, as no animal is slaughtered just for his bones.

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