Are Starburst Vegan?

Starburst is the candy that catches vegans out most often, because the answer depends on where you buy it. In the US the original fruit chews contain gelatin. In the UK and Ireland they don't.

Which Starburst are vegan?

US Starburst Original ingredients

The first part of the US ingredient list tells you most of what you need: sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, citric acid, tapioca dextrin and gelatin. The gelatin rules them out for vegans and vegetarians alike. The rest of the list (flavors, colors, starch) is plant-based or synthetic.

Why UK Starburst are different

The UK and Irish recipe doesn't use gelatin, while the US recipe still does. Mars Wrigley makes them for different markets with different ingredient lists, even though the packs look almost the same. If you're in Ireland or the UK, check for the vegetarian or vegan wording on the pack, then enjoy them.

Vegan alternatives to Starburst

If you want a fruity chew without gelatin, Skittles, Airheads bars and Twizzlers are all vegan in the US.

Are Starburst vegetarian or halal?

US Starburst Original Fruit Chews contain gelatin, so they aren't vegetarian, and because the gelatin source isn't specified, they aren't suitable for anyone avoiding pork. UK and Irish fruit chews contain no gelatin and are suitable for vegetarians.

How to check any Starburst product

Starburst spin-offs and limited editions don't always share the original recipe. Check the ingredients for:

• Gelatin or gelatine: not vegan.
• Carmine, cochineal or E120: an insect-based red.
• Confectioner's glaze, shellac or E904: from lac insects.
• Beeswax (E901): from bees.
• Milk, whey or butter: dairy.

Carnauba wax, pectin, starch and gum arabic are all plant-based.

The bottom line

US Starburst fruit chews contain gelatin, so they're out. UK and Irish Starburst are made without it. If you're in the US, Skittles, Airheads bars and Twizzlers are the chewy vegan options.