Does Lucky Charms Have Pork Gelatin?

Lucky Charms, with its famously magical marshmallows, has been a beloved breakfast cereal since it was introduced in 1964 But over the years, some sharp-eyed ingredients-list readers have noticed that the sweet marshmallow pieces contain a controversial additive – gelatin This has led many to wonder does Lucky Charms have pork gelatin?

Let us look more closely at the main ingredients and methods used to make this famous cereal.

The Role of Gelatin

First, what exactly is gelatin? It’s a colorless flavorless protein obtained by boiling animal bones, skins tendons and ligaments. This process extracts the collagen, which is then dried and ground into powdered gelatin.

In the food industry, gelatin is prized for its gelling properties. It’s what gives marshmallows their fluffiness and gummy candies their chewiness. Gelatin also acts as a stabilizer, thickener and emulsifier.

For cereals like Lucky Charms, gelatin ensures the marshmallow pieces retain their distinctive texture and shape over time. It prevents them from becoming dense or crumbling when soaked in milk.

Gelatin’s Animal Origins

Gelatin can be derived from the bones and tissues of cows or pigs. Pork has been the traditional gelatin source for decades in the U.S. food production system.

But some religious groups, like Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and some Christian denominations, don’t eat pork because it’s against their beliefs. There are also vegetarians and vegans who wish to avoid animal-based ingredients altogether.

For these consumers, knowing whether pork gelatin is present is very important.

Confirmation from General Mills

General Mills, the manufacturers of Lucky Charms, have transparently addressed questions about gelatin sources. According to their FAQ:

• The gelatin used for marshmallow pieces is pork-based.

• It’s derived from pig skins and bones.

They justify using pork gelatin because it offers the best texture, mouthfeel and visual appeal.

Other Cereals With Pork Gelatin

Lucky Charms isn’t the only General Mills cereal containing gelatin from pork. Others also contain the additive:

• Chocolate Lucky Charms
• Boo Berry
• Count Chocula
• Frankenberry

Essentially, any General Mills cereals with marshmallow pieces (often called “marbits”) will include pork-derived gelatin.

Gelatin-Free Cereal Options

Luckily, General Mills offers many gelatin-free cold cereals too:

• Cheerios (original and flavored)
• Chex (wheat, rice, corn varieties)
• Reese’s Puffs
• Trix
• Cocoa Puffs

Other brands like Kellogg’s and Post also produce cereals without any gelatin. Always check the ingredients list to be sure.

There are also halal or kosher certified cereal options for consumers who wish to avoid pork for religious reasons.

Homemade Gelatin-Free Lucky Charms

Some vegetarians have gotten creative, making homemade versions of Lucky Charms sans gelatin. This allows them to enjoy the fun colors and shapes without compromising their diet.

There are many recipes online using vegan marshmallows or marshmallow fluff combined with gluten-free oat cereal. You can even mold your own marbit shapes using cornstarch molds.

Should You Avoid Pork Gelatin?

Whether to avoid pork gelatin in Lucky Charms or other products is an individual decision based on your dietary needs and preferences.

Some considerations are:

• Religious or ethical principles about consuming pork
• Vegetarian or vegan lifestyles
• Allergies or sensitivities to pork
• Preferences for more natural, less processed foods

Thankfully, there are more and more gelatin-free options available today so you don’t have to miss out on favorite treats.

General Mills has verified that the marshmallow pieces in Lucky Charms and other similar cereals contain pork-derived gelatin. This is disappointing news for vegetarian, vegan, or pork-avoidant consumers who grew up loving these sweetened cereals.

However, there are ways to enjoy the nostalgia and whimsy of Lucky Charms without the gelatin. Seek out alternative cereals or get creative in the kitchen to whip up homemade gelatin-free marshmallow pieces. With a bit of research and label reading, you can maintain your dietary principles while still indulging in playful breakfasts.