Are Startburst Vegan?

October 27, 2025 by

Steven Moore

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Starburst is a popular fruit-flavored chewy candy, but whether it is vegan depends on where it is sold and which Starburst product you choose.

While some Starburst varieties are suitable for vegans, others contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin.

In this blog, we will explain whether Starburst is vegan.

Are Starburst Vegan?

Starburst is not universally vegan because its ingredients vary by country and product. In the United States, Starburst Original Fruit Chews are not vegan because they contain gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient commonly used to create the candy’s chewy texture. The current U.S. Starburst ingredient list specifically includes gelatin.

However, Starburst sold in the UK can be vegan. The current UK formulation of Starburst Original Fruit Chews does not list gelatin and is marketed as vegan-friendly. Instead, ingredients such as modified starch help provide the characteristic chewy texture.

Therefore, whether Starburst is vegan largely depends on where they are sold and the specific product formulation.

What Are the Main Ingredients in Starburst?

The main ingredients in Starburst Original Fruit Chews sold in the U.S. include:

Sugar
Corn syrup
Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
Citric acid
Dextrin
Gelatin
Apple juice from concentrate
Modified cornstarch
Natural and artificial flavors
Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1)

What Kind of Gelatin Is in Starburst?

Starburst Original Fruit Chews sold in the U.S. contain animal-derived gelatin. The current official Starburst ingredient list identifies the ingredient simply as “gelatin” and does not specify whether it comes from beef or pork.

However, previous communications from Wrigley, the manufacturer of Starburst, stated that the gelatin used in Starburst Fruit Chews was derived from beef.

Why Are Starburst Vegan in the UK but Not in the US?

Starburst is vegan in the UK but not in the US because the two markets use different recipes.

In the United States, Starburst Original Fruit Chews contain gelatin, which is derived from animals. Because of this ingredient, the standard U.S. version is not considered vegan.

In the United Kingdom, the current Starburst recipe does not contain gelatin. Instead, it uses ingredients such as modified starch, dextrin, and palm fat to create the chewy texture. UK Starburst is also specifically marketed as suitable for vegans.

Are All Starburst Products Non-Vegan?

No, not all Starburst products are non-vegan. Whether a Starburst product is suitable for vegans depends on its specific ingredients and the country where it is sold.

Some current Starburst products include:

Starburst Original Fruit Chews (U.S.): Not vegan
Starburst Original Gummies (U.S.): Not vegan
Starburst Original Minis (U.S.): Not vegan
Starburst Jelly Beans (U.S.): Not vegan
Starburst GOODIES Gummies (U.S.): Vegan
Starburst Fruit Chews (UK): Vegan

What Are the Best Vegan Alternatives to Starburst?

If you enjoy the fruity and chewy texture of Starburst but want a vegan option, several plant-based candies offer a similar experience.

YumEarth Organic Chewys: Vegan fruit chews available in strawberry, cherry, lemon, and orange flavors. They are individually wrapped and are one of the closest alternatives to traditional Starburst.
YumEarth Organic Fruity Red Chewys: Vegan chewy candies featuring fruity red flavors and a Starburst-like texture.
Candy Kittens Wanderlust: Vegan chewy sweets available in strawberry, orange, blackcurrant, and passionfruit flavors.
Candy Kittens Wild Strawberry: Vegan fruit-flavored chewy sweets made with strawberry and grape juice concentrates.

Conclusion

Starburst is not universally vegan. In the U.S., many popular Starburst products, including Original Fruit Chews, contain gelatin and are not vegan.

However, in the UK, some Starburst products use different formulations and are marketed as vegan-friendly.

Because ingredients can vary by product and country, the safest approach is to check the ingredient list and vegan labeling on the package before buying.

FAQs

Is Starburst Vegan in the UK?

Yes, Starburst Original Fruit Chews sold in the UK are vegan.

Can Vegans Eat Starburst Candy?

It depends on the product and country. Standard U.S. Starburst Fruit Chews are not vegan because they contain gelatin, while UK Starburst Fruit Chews and certain plant-based Starburst products can be suitable for vegans.

Does Starburst Have Pig Gelatin?

The current U.S. Starburst label lists gelatin but does not specify whether it comes from pork or beef. Older information obtained from Wrigley identified the gelatin in Starburst as beef-derived.