Starburst Jelly Beans are a popular Easter candy, but they're not vegan. The main issue is confectioner's glaze (also called shellac), which is a coating made from the secretions of lac insects. It gives the jelly beans their shiny finish, and there's no way around it.

The regular Starburst chews have their own set of issues (gelatin is the big one there), so neither product works for a vegan diet. But there are plenty of vegan jelly beans out there that skip both confectioner's glaze and gelatin entirely.

Below, we'll go through the full Starburst Jelly Beans ingredient list, explain exactly why they're not vegan, and cover the best vegan-friendly jelly bean alternatives you can buy right now.

Starburst Jelly Bean Ingredients

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Modified Food Starch
• Apple juice (from concentrate)
• Citric Acid
• Gum acacia
• Artificial flavors
• Natural flavors
• Coloring
• (Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1)
• Confectionery Glaze*

*Confectionery glaze is an ingredient that is a by-product of insects.

Vegan Starburst Jelly Bean Alternatives

Are Regular Starbursts Vegan?

No. Regular Starburst chews (the square ones in wrappers) contain gelatin, which is made from animal bones and skin. This makes them unsuitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Interestingly, Starbursts sold in the UK use a different recipe that doesn't include gelatin, but the US version still does as of 2026.

The gelatin in Starbursts gives them that distinctive chewy, taffy-like texture. Without it, the candy would have a completely different mouthfeel. Some vegan candy brands have figured out how to replicate that chewiness using plant-based ingredients like pectin or modified starch, but Mars (the company that makes Starburst) hasn't made the switch in the US market yet.

Are Starburst Gummies Vegan?

No. Starburst Gummies also contain gelatin, just like the original chews. In fact, most Starburst products across the entire lineup (Minis, Gummies, Airs, Duos) contain either gelatin or confectioner's glaze, making the entire Starburst brand a pass for vegans in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is confectioner's glaze made from?

Confectioner's glaze (also called shellac or pharmaceutical glaze) is made from lac, a resinous substance secreted by the female lac bug (Kerria lacca). These insects are found primarily in India and Thailand. The lac is harvested, processed, and dissolved in alcohol to create a shiny coating for candy, pills, and even furniture. Because it comes from insects, most vegans consider it an animal product.

Are Skittles vegan?

In the United States, Skittles no longer contain gelatin (they removed it in 2009). However, they may contain other questionable ingredients depending on your strictness level, such as sugar processed with bone char and artificial colors tested on animals. For most practical vegans, Skittles are considered acceptable.

What jelly beans are vegan?

The most widely available vegan jelly beans are Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans, which contain no gelatin or confectioner's glaze. YumEarth Organic Sour Beans are another solid option if you prefer natural flavors and colors. Surf Sweets also makes organic, vegan gummy and jelly-style candies that are easy to find online.

Don't worry, you can still have jelly beans that are completely vegan. There are a few companies that make vegan jelly beans that do not use confectionery glazes for their products. Here are a few Starburst jelly beans vegan alternatives to try: For a deeper dive, see our guide on Is Sherbet Vegan. You might also want to know: Are Spring Rolls Vegan.

Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans - Made to replicate the hard candy this brand is known for, these jelly beans are a great choice for vegans, since they contain no confectionery glaze.

Warheads Sour Jelly Beans - These jelly beans contain no gelatin or confectionery glaze and are fat-free. Curious about similar foods? Read about Are Jelly Bellys Vegan.

YumEarth Naturals Sour Beans - This product is gluten-free, contains no artificial colors or flavors, and contains no fat.

Conclusion

Starburst jelly beans are not a vegan food. However, it is nice to see a jelly bean company that doesn't have gelatin on their ingredient list. You can read more about how General Mills, one of the biggest food brands around, are taking steps to become more vegan-friendly here. Unfortunately, the inclusion of the insect by-product known as confectionery glaze makes this candy a no-go for vegans. If you look above, you will find a handful of options for jelly beans that are vegan-friendly foods.

Curious about what other popular foods are vegan? Click here to find out if Oreos, one of the most popular cookies around, are vegan! Looking for a new shirt to proclaim that you are proud to be vegan, check out one of the awesome shirts in our shop section. What is your favorite Starburst jelly beans vegan alternative? Please leave a comment letting us know your must-have vegan jelly bean brand!