Starbursts are one of those candies that seem like they should be vegan. They are fruity, chewy, and colorful. But the original US Starbursts contain gelatin, which is derived from animal bones and skin. That makes them not vegan.

The good news is that not all Starburst products are off limits. Starburst Minis are gelatin-free, and the UK version of Starbursts has no gelatin at all. There are also plenty of similar vegan candy alternatives.

Here is the full breakdown of what is in Starbursts, which versions are safe, and what to grab instead.

Are Starbursts Vegan?

You remember unwrapping Starbursts- those juicy, fruity little squares as a child, trying out different flavor combos and fighting with your friends about which flavor was the best. But as a vegan, will you be able to relive these sweet memories? Are Starbursts vegan? Unfortunately Starbursts are not vegan as they contain gelatin. Read on for a Starbursts ingredients list, and a few healthier vegan starbursts alternatives!

Starbursts Ingredients:

• CORN SYRUP
• SUGAR
• APPLE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE
• GELATIN
• FOOD STARCH-MODIFIED
• CITRIC ACID
• PECTIN
• NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
• COLORING (RED 40, YELLOW 5)

Great if you're gluten-free, but not great if you're vegan or vegetarian.

Gelatin Strikes Again

Unfortunately, the ingredient which makes starbursts not vegan is gelatin. Gelatin is a by-product of the meat industry, rendered from the bones of cows and sometimes pigs. If you've ever pulled a day old roast or meat soup from the fridge and found a jiggly layer on top, that is gelatin (also known as aspic). While gelatin is great for holding things together, it's not something vegans want to eat, because it comes from an animal. While animals are not killed directly for their bones or gelatin, the sale of gelatin does help support the meat industry, which is why it's important to avoid consuming products that contain this ingredient when possible and practicable.

Some vegans also choose to avoid sugar in the US in case it was processed with bone char, although many vegans and vegan organizations do not consider this necessary. If this is a concern for you, you will have to call the manufacturer, but often they can not guarantee the source of the sugar and will not be able to give you a definitive answer regarding it's processing.

Another ingredient some vegans worry about are the vague "natural and artificial flavors" in many processed foods. The main natural flavor that vegans need to watch out for is Castoreum, which is extracted from the musk glands of beavers. This, however, is an extremely expensive and rarely used ingredient, mostly found in perfumes, not food, and certainly not massed produced, cheap candies. This is luckily not something you need to lose sleep over or actively try to avoid consuming.

Are Starburst Minis Vegan?

This is the good news. Starburst Minis (the unwrapped, bite-sized version) are actually gelatin-free. Instead of gelatin, they use pectin, which is a plant-based gelling agent derived from fruit. This makes Starburst Minis a vegan-friendly option.

The Minis have a slightly different texture from regular Starbursts. They are softer and less chewy. But the fruit flavors are the same, and they scratch the same itch if you have been missing that fruity candy fix.

You can find Starburst Minis at most convenience stores and grocery chains. Look for the "Minis" label specifically, because the original full-size Starbursts still contain gelatin.

What About UK Starbursts?

If you are in the UK (or can get your hands on imported UK candy), you are in luck. UK Starbursts do not contain gelatin. The recipe is different from the US version. Mars reformulated the UK version to be gelatin-free years ago.

UK Starbursts use a combination of glucose syrup, sugar, and other plant-based ingredients to achieve the chewy texture. They taste very similar to the American version but without the animal-derived ingredient.

This is a common frustration for US vegans. The same brand, same candy, same look, but the American version has gelatin and the British version does not. If you are traveling to the UK, stock up.

Vegan Starbursts Alternatives

So, now that we are armed with this sad knowledge, what is a Starbursts-loving vegan to do? Are there any fruity, chewy, candies that can take their place? Of course! Luckily here are several brands of candy that are similar, and hopefully, will sate the desire for this rendered-animal-bone filled treat. The best alternative for flavor and texture are Starbursts Minis. This tiny version of the Starburst candy is gelatin-free and vegan-friendly. Check out our guide to Sour Skittles. A starburst vegan treat! Mamba's are another great option with a similar flavor and texture, followed by Now & Laters, although these are much harder and stickier than Starbursts. Other fruity gelatin-free candies include Life-Savers Hard Candy (the gummies are not vegan), Hi-Chew Bites (original is not vegan), and Skittles. If you're in search of not just vegan, but natural or healthier options for your sweet tooth, check out PowBab Super Fruit Chews and Lovely Candy Co Juicy Chews and Super Fruit Chews. (see our full Skittles vegan breakdown)

Conclusion

Hopefully, you'll be able to find the perfect fit for the starburst-sized whole in your heart (or in your sweet tooth) with all of these delicious vegan fruit chew options. Of course, every vegan knows that nature is the best source of sweetness, so if you're craving some fruity, juicy goodness, perhaps just stop by your local fresh market and pick up a tropical fruit, or for a sweeter kick try out dried fruit. Dried pineapple, mangoes, and berries are nature's candies. Paired with mixed nuts these are yummy and healthy options for a little pick-me-up hiking on the trail or while hitting the books for your next exam.

What are your favorite vegan candy options? Comment below to share your favorite sweet treats with the Everything Vegan fam, and check out our 'feed me vegan junk food and tell me I'm pretty' t-shirt (for the real junk food lovers)!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do US Starbursts contain gelatin but UK ones don't?

Different markets have different recipes. Mars (the manufacturer) reformulated the UK version to be gelatin-free, likely due to higher demand for vegetarian and vegan products in Britain. The US version has not been changed yet.

Are Starburst Gummies vegan?

No. Starburst Gummies contain gelatin just like the original chews. Avoid these if you are vegan. Stick to the Minis if you want a gelatin-free Starburst product.

What is the best vegan alternative to Starbursts?

Skittles are the closest mainstream option. They are fruity, chewy, and gelatin-free. For a more natural choice, YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks and Surf Sweets are solid picks that are also vegan-certified.