Is Albanese Gummi Bears Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When investigating whether a candy is Kosher, we look at the source of every ingredient. For Albanese Gummi Bears, the primary concern isn't the flavor or the color, but the texture agent.

The main flag here is Gelatin. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually from pigs or cows. For a product to be Kosher, the gelatin must come from a specific source (like fish, which is Kosher, or beef from a Kosher-slaughtered cow) and processed under strict supervision. Standard commercial gelatin is almost always non-Kosher.

However, the rest of the list is surprisingly clean. The sweeteners Corn syrup and Sugar are plant-derived. The gelling agents Pectin (from fruit) and Water are naturally Kosher. Even the wax used to prevent sticking, Carnauba leaf wax, comes from a palm tree.

The colors (FD&C Yellow #5, Red #40, etc.) are synthetic dyes. While some strict observers avoid artificial dyes entirely, they are technically Kosher by ingredient source. Without a reliable hechsher (Kosher symbol) on the package, you cannot assume the gelatin is Kosher.

Nutritional Value

Albanese Gummi Bears are a treat, not a health food. A standard serving contains a significant amount of sugar, usually around 14 to 16 grams per serving. This accounts for the majority of the carbohydrates in the product.

Regarding fat content, these gummies are virtually fat-free, with 0g of fat per serving, which is typical for gelatin-based candies. The calorie count is moderate for candy, usually sitting around 140 calories per serving. However, because they are low in protein and fiber, they offer little satiety, meaning it is easy to overeat them. They fit into a diet only as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.