When Larissa and I first adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in 2013, I was shocked by some of the foods I would’ve thought were vegetarian or vegan but were not.
As more people switch to plant-based foods for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, it’s only natural to start questioning the ingredients in even our favorite childhood treats like Starburst candies.
And with so many confusing terms on labels (what are “glazing agents”?), figuring out what’s actually vegan can feel like detective work.
So let’s break it down. Are Starburst candies vegan? What’s really in them? And if they’re not vegan, are there any good chewy candy alternatives that are? (Spoiler: yes, and they’re delicious.)
Let’s unwrap the details.
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What’s in a Starburst? A Look at the Ingredients List
Before we can say whether Starburst are vegan, we need to look at what’s actually in them. The original Starburst Fruit Chews (the kind you find most commonly in the U.S.) contain ingredients like:
- sugar
- corn syrup
- hydrogenated palm kernel oil
- fruit juice from concentrate
- citric acid
- natural and artificial flavors
- dextrin
- gelatin
- food colorings like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1
At first glance, those might seem fine for a plant-based diet. But here’s where things get tricky.
Let’s start with a common ingredient in chewy candies: gelatin. Gelatin in an ingredients list is a red flag for vegans because it’s made from animal-derived collagen (typically from bones, skin, and connective tissue). So even though Starburst don’t look like they contain animal products, the fact that they contain gelatin means that they’re not vegan.
Then there’s sugar, which sounds harmless. In the U.S., however, cane sugar is often processed using animal bone char to make it super white. While not all sugar is refined this way, if the label doesn’t say vegan, organic or unrefined, it’s hard to know for sure.
And let’s not forget palm kernel oil. While technically plant-based, it’s often avoided by vegans concerned with the environmental and ethical issues tied to palm oil production.
Other ingredients, like natural flavors and artificial coloring, can also be controversial. “Natural flavors” may come from either plant or animal sources, and companies aren’t required to say which. Artificial colors like Blue 1 and Red 40 may be synthetic, but they’re often tested on animals, which is another concern for ethical vegans.
So, while Starburst might look like harmless fruity treats, the ingredients list tells a different story. It is an animal-derived product and therefore, not vegan.
Are Starburst Vegan in Non-US Countries?
Here’s where things get interesting. While Starburst candies sold in the United States contain gelatin, the versions sold in the UK and some other countries do not. That’s right—Starburst Fruit Chews in the UK are gelatin-free, making them suitable for many vegans (as long as you’re okay with the sugar and coloring).
This difference mostly comes down to regional regulations, ingredient sourcing, and consumer demand. In the UK, there’s a stronger push for plant-based and vegetarian options, so many candy companies have reformulated their recipes to be more inclusive.
So technically, if you’re in the UK or can manage to get your hands on an imported pack in the States, you might be in luck. But in the U.S., Starburst still contain animal-based gelatin, which keeps them off the vegan list.
It’s a little frustrating when the same brand offers a more vegan-friendly version in another country. It kind of feels like being left out of the cool kids’ club—especially when you’ve got a sweet tooth like Larissa’s. Sadly, it’s just not a regular option here unless you go hunting online or have a world-traveling candy hookup.
Until Mars Wrigley (the parent company behind Starburst) updates the U.S. recipe, vegan candy lovers are left looking for better options.
What About Starburst Airs Gummies?
Even if the original Starburst Fruit Chews aren’t vegan in the U.S., you might be wondering about the newer Starburst Airs Gummies. They’re soft, squishy, and full of fruity flavor—but are they any better for vegans?
Unfortunately, no. Starburst Airs Gummies also contain gelatin, which means they’re not vegan-friendly, either. In fact, they’re even more reliant on gelatin for their chewy, gummy texture. So while they may look like a fun twist on a classic, they’re still off the table for anyone avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
These gummies also have other ingredients that might raise red flags for folks trying to stick to plant-based foods—like artificial colors, natural flavors (which can be animal- or plant-based), and refined sugar. It’s the same set of issues, just in a new form.
If you were hoping the newer version might be a plant-based candy option, you’re not alone. When the Airs line first came out, I actually got excited for a second—I thought, “Hey, maybe this is their move toward a vegan version!” But one look at the label said otherwise. Total letdown.
For now, Starburst Airs fall into the non-vegan gummy candy category. But don’t worry—there are some solid chewy, fruity alternatives out there. We’ll get into those next.
Vegan Alternatives to Starburst Candy
Just because Starburst aren’t vegan (at least in the U.S.), you don’t have to give up chewy, fruity candies altogether. There are plenty of chewy vegan candy options that skip the gelatin, use plant-based ingredients, and still satisfy that sweet tooth.
Here are some of our favorite vegan-friendly treats that give off serious Starburst vibes:
Smart Sweets Plant-Based Chews and Peach Rings
These are a go-to for a lot of vegans. They’re chewy, flavorful, and made without gelatin. Smart Sweets also skips the artificial food coloring and uses plant-based sweeteners like monk fruit. Bonus—they’re lower in sugar, too.
Their Peach Rings, in particular, are a fan favorite. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly chewy, they check all the boxes for a classic gummy candy, without any animal-derived ingredients.
Lovely Candy Co. Fruit Chews
If you’re looking for something closer in texture and flavor to Starburst, Lovely Candy Co. makes fantastic vegan fruit chews. They use natural ingredients and clearly label their products as gelatin-free and vegan. The flavors are bright and classic, like cherry, lemon, and apple.
Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears and Chews
These chewy candies are made with organic fruit juices, no artificial colors, and—most importantly—no animal-derived ingredients. Great for kids, adults, and anyone who wants a fruity, gelatin-free treat.
Unreal Candy Co.
While they’re better known for vegan chocolate bars, Unreal has been dipping into the fruity candy space as well. Keep an eye on this plant-based candy company—they’re part of the growing vegan candy market that’s shaking things up.
Jelly Belly (Select Flavors)
Surprisingly, some Jelly Belly jelly beans are vegan—but you’ll want to double-check, as some flavors may include beeswax or shellac (used to achieve a shiny finish). Still, they offer some gelatin-free versions that are worth exploring if you’re craving a juicy jelly bean fix.
Other Fruity Options
If you’re more of a DIY type, there are also tons of vegan recipes for homemade chewy candies using things like fruit juice, rice syrup, and pectin instead of gelatin. This is a fun way to create your own clean ingredient treats without any mystery ingredients.
What Makes a Candy Truly Vegan?
Not every candy that seems plant-based is actually vegan. A lot of ingredients fly under the radar, especially in colorful, chewy candies like Starburst. So how can you tell if your favorite fruity treat is truly vegan?
Let’s break it down.
Watch Out for These Common Non-Vegan Ingredients
- Gelatin Made from animal bones and connective tissue. Super common in gummies and chewy candies.
- Carmine A red coloring made from crushed beetles (yep, beetles).
- Shellac A shiny coating made from insect secretions.
- Beeswax Often used to give candies a glossy finish.
- Milk and dairy products Found in creamier or chocolate-based candies.
- Refined sugar processed with bone char Not always listed, but something many vegans choose to avoid.
Then There Are Gray-Area Ingredients
- Natural flavors These can be sourced from animals or plants. Unless the company says otherwise, it’s hard to know.
- Artificial colors Although they’re synthetic, they’re often tested on animals. Some vegans avoid them for that reason.
- Palm oil and palm kernel oil Technically plant-based, but controversial due to environmental and ethical concerns.
So What Is Vegan Candy Made From?
Vegan candies stick to plant-based ingredients. Instead of gelatin, they might use pectin (from fruit) or agar-agar (from seaweed) for their chewy texture.
Sweeteners can include:
- organic cane sugar
- fruit juice concentrates
- monk fruit
- rice syrup
- corn syrup (when not filtered with bone char)
The best vegan candies are clear about their ingredient list and often come from brands that specialize in plant-based foods. You’ll also notice more of them using natural ingredients and organic fruit juices, and skipping the shiny coatings and questionable flavorings.
So the next time you’re checking out a new candy brand, flip the bag over and give the label a quick scan. The more often you do it, the easier it gets—like a fun little game of “vegan or not?”
