Hello, I'm a confectionery expert with a keen interest in the ingredients and production processes of various sweets, including jelly beans.

Many traditional jelly beans do contain gelatin, which is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically from pigs or cows. Gelatin is used to give jelly beans their characteristic soft and chewy texture. However, it's important to note that not all jelly beans are made with gelatin. There are gelatin-free alternatives available in the market that use different ingredients to achieve a similar texture. These alternatives are often made with pectin, agar-agar, or other plant-based gelling agents for those who prefer vegetarian or vegan options, or for those who have dietary restrictions.

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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 >>