Are Starburst Vegan? The Complete Guide to Ingredients, Ethics, and Alternatives
Introduction
Whether you’re new to plant-based living or a long-time vegan with a sweet tooth, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point: Are Starburst vegan? It’s a question that crops up often in vegan forums, candy discussions, and ethical eating blogs—and for good reason.
Starburst, the chewy, fruity candy that has become a favorite in lunchboxes, movie theaters, and vending machines worldwide, seems innocent enough at first glance. It’s fruity. It’s chewy. It doesn’t obviously scream “contains animal products.” But as with many processed foods, appearances can be deceiving.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll unpack what’s actually in a Starburst, the different regional variations (yes, they vary by country), and what that means for vegans. We’ll also explore whether Starburst meets the broader ethical standards of veganism, and provide some delicious vegan alternatives to help you satisfy your cravings guilt-free.
What Does “Vegan” Mean in the Context of Candy?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to define what we mean when we ask “Are Starburst vegan?”
A product is considered vegan if it contains no animal-derived ingredients. That includes:
- Meat, poultry, or fish
- Dairy (milk, cream, butter)
- Eggs
- Honey
- Gelatin (derived from animal bones or skin)
- Beeswax, shellac, or carmine (insect-derived additives)
- Certain vitamins (like Vitamin D3 sourced from lanolin)
Many processed candies, even those that appear animal-free, include hidden ingredients that disqualify them from vegan status. Let’s see where Starburst lands.
Are Starburst Vegan in the United States?
The Short Answer: No, Starburst sold in the U.S. is not vegan.
The original U.S. adaptation of Starburst contains gelatin, which is inferred from the collagen in creature bones, ligaments, and tendons. Gelatin is utilized to donate Starburst its famous chewy surface.
Here’s a breakdown of common ingredients in U.S. Starburst Original Fruit Chews (as of 2025):
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
- Fruit juice from concentrate
- Citric acid
Counterfeit flavors
Colors (Ruddy 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1)
Gelatin
Ascorbic corrosive (vitamin C)
Because gelatin is clearly an animal-derived fixing, it renders the U.S. adaptation not vegetarian.
Are Starburst Vegan in the UK?
Good news for British vegans: Yes, Starburst in the UK is vegan-friendly.
In contrast to the U.S. recipe, UK-manufactured Starburst do not contain gelatin. Instead, they use alternative gelling agents such as modified starches and pectin (a fruit-derived thickener).
UK Starburst ingredients (as of 2025) include:
- Glucose syrup
- Sugar
- Palm fat
- Fruit juice concentrates
- Citric acid
- Pectin
- Colors (beetroot red, turmeric, spirulina)
- Natural flavors
None of these ingredients are derived from animals, making the UK version suitable for vegans.
However, while they’re free from gelatin, they may be manufactured in facilities that also handle dairy or other animal products, which may be a concern for strict vegans or those with allergies.
Why the Difference Between U.S. and UK Starburst?
This discrepancy is common with international brands. Companies like Mars Wrigley (Starburst’s parent company) often tailor ingredients based on regulatory, cultural, and economic factors in different countries.
In the UK and EU, there’s more consumer demand for plant-based or vegetarian-friendly products, which is why gelatin is often avoided. In the U.S., gelatin remains a standard ingredient in chewy candy.
As consumer demand continues to evolve, it’s possible that U.S. Starburst could become vegan in the future—but for now, they’re not.
Let’s Talk About Other Starburst Products
Starburst isn’t just one candy. There are multiple variations of Starburst available in different markets, including:
1. Starburst Minis
- Status (U.S.): Not vegan. They contain gelatin.
2. Starburst Gummies
- Status (U.S.): Not vegan. Like many gummy candies, they include gelatin.
3. Starburst Jellybeans
- Status (U.S.): Not vegan. These often include confectioner’s glaze, which contains shellac, derived from lac bugs.
4. Starburst Airs
- Status (U.S.): Usually not vegan due to the presence of gelatin.
5. Starburst Fruit Chews (UK or EU)
- Status: Vegan-friendly in most European countries.
As always, check the label. Recipes change, and even within one country, different formats may have different ingredients.
Hidden Ingredients: What to Watch For
Even if a candy lacks gelatin, that doesn’t automatically make it vegan. Here’s a quick list of other problematic ingredients often found in candies like Starburst:
- Confectioner’s Glaze (Shellac): Made from insect secretions.
- Carmine (Red 4): A red dye derived from crushed cochineal insects.
- Beeswax: Used in some coatings.
- Lactic Acid: Can be vegan or animal-derived. Check the source.
- Natural Flavors: A vague term that can include animal sources unless specified.
So when asking “Are Starburst vegan?”, you need to go beyond just the gelatin.
Are Starburst Vegetarian?
U.S. Starburst: Not vegetarian, because gelatin is derived from animal collagen.
UK Starburst: Vegetarian and vegan, as they don’t include any animal-derived ingredients.
Vegetarians avoiding meat but not all animal products should still steer clear of the U.S. versions unless confirmed gelatin-free.
Ethical Considerations: Is Starburst Vegan Beyond the Label?
Even if an ingredient list is technically vegan, some people look at broader ethical concerns such as:
- Sourcing of palm oil (linked to deforestation and habitat destruction)
- Use of artificial dyes, which may be tested on animals
Fabricating forms that include shared gear with non-vegan products - Starburst contains palm oil and counterfeit colors (in the U.S. form), which are disputable in a few vegetarian circles.
While these don’t automatically disqualify a product from being vegan, strict ethical vegans may prefer to avoid them.
Vegan Candy Alternatives to Starburst
If you’re craving fruity, chewy candy but want to stick to your ethics, you’re in luck. There are plenty of vegan-friendly candies that offer a similar taste and texture to Starburst.
✅ SmartSweets Fruity Gummy Chews
- Vegan, low-sugar, gluten-free, and gelatin-free.
- Uses pectin instead of gelatin.
✅ YumEarth Organic Chews
- Made with organic ingredients and no animal products.
- Free from artificial dyes and common allergens.
✅ Lovely Co. Vegan Fruit Chews
- Specifically designed as a vegan Starburst alternative.
- Available in multiple fruity flavors.
✅ Wholesome Organic DelishFish
- Vegan, no artificial colors or gelatin.
- Fruit-forward flavor profile similar to red Starbursts.
These brands are widely available online and in natural grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or specialty vegan markets.
Can You Make Vegan Starburst at Home?
Yes! If you’re into DIY, you can recreate vegan fruit chews at home using:
- Fruit juice or puree
- Pectin or agar-agar
- Organic cane sugar
- Lemon juice for acidity
- Natural flavorings
This allows you to skip artificial colors, control the sugar content, and feel confident that your candy aligns with your values.
Final Verdict: Are Starburst Vegan?
✅ UK Starburst – Yes, they are vegan-friendly.
❌ U.S. Starburst – No, they are not vegan, due to gelatin.
So, the answer to “Are Starburst vegan?” is location-dependent. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll want to look for alternatives. If you’re in the UK or much of Europe, you’re in luck—your Starburst are vegan-friendly.
That said, even with vegan labeling, consider your comfort level with ingredients like palm oil or artificial dyes if you follow a more ethically driven vegan lifestyle.
Summary Table
| Product | Country | Vegan? | Notes |
| Starburst Fruit Chews | U.S. | ❌ | Contains gelatin |
| Starburst Fruit Chews | UK | ✅ | Gelatin-free, uses pectin |
| Starburst Minis | U.S. | ❌ | Contains gelatin |
| Starburst Gummies | U.S. | ❌ | Contains gelatin |
| Starburst Jellybeans | U.S. | ❌ | Contains shellac |
| SmartSweets Fruity Chews | Global | ✅ |
