As a food science expert with a focus on ingredient analysis, I can tell you that many traditional jelly beans do contain gelatin as a key ingredient. Gelatin is derived from collagen, which is a protein found in animal tissues, and it's used in the candy-making process to give jelly beans their characteristic chewy texture. However, it's important to note that there are also vegetarian and vegan alternatives to gelatin, such as pectin or agar-agar, which can be used to produce jelly beans that are suitable for those with dietary restrictions or ethical considerations. Manufacturers may use these alternatives to cater to a wider audience, so it's always a good idea to check the label for the specific ingredients used in a product.

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Jelly Bellys: vegetarian, but not vegan. ... The response, from Mr. Jelly Belly, was positive: there are no animal or animal-derived products (including gelatin) in Jelly Belly jellybeans, but vegans may want to avoid them because they are coated in a mixture that contains beeswax, to give the beans their glossiness.read more >>