Are Swedish Fish Vegan? Gelatin Explained
Swedish Fish contain no gelatin, which is unusual for a gummy and makes them vegan friendly to most people. The catch is wax. Here is the full ingredient picture, plus genuinely vegan Swedish candy.
Mostly yes. Classic Swedish Fish are made without gelatin, using starch and corn syrup instead, which is unusual for a gummy and makes them vegan friendly to most people. The only grey area is wax: some versions list beeswax or carnauba wax, and beeswax is animal derived. Strict vegans should check the specific package.
Do Swedish Fish contain gelatin?
No. Swedish Fish use modified corn starch rather than gelatin, which is what gives them their firm, chewy bite. That also means they avoid the pork or beef gelatin found in many gummies. For the full ingredient list, see our gluten-free guide.
What about beeswax and carnauba wax?
Carnauba wax is plant derived and vegan. Beeswax is not. Some Swedish Fish products use one, some the other, and it can vary by region and bag, so the label is the deciding factor for strict vegans.
So are Swedish Fish vegan?
For most people avoiding animal products, yes. For strict vegans, it depends on whether that particular pack uses beeswax.
Genuinely vegan Swedish candy
If you want Swedish candy that is openly, fully vegan, BUBS is the obvious pick: every BUBS product is vegan and gelatin free, sweetened with starch foam instead of animal gelatin. You can add them to a pick-and-mix bag alongside other vegan gums.
Frequently asked questions
Do Swedish Fish have gelatin?+
No. Swedish Fish use modified corn starch instead of gelatin, which is why they are often considered vegan friendly.
Are all Swedish Fish vegan?+
Most are, but some versions contain beeswax, which is animal derived. Check the package if you are strictly vegan.
What Swedish candy is definitely vegan?+
BUBS is fully vegan and gelatin free across its whole range, including the popular skull-shaped sours.
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Gustav Lindqvist · Candy Master
Gustav grew up in Sweden on a strict Saturday-candy schedule, mixing his lördagsgodis bag at the lösgodis wall before he could spell salmiak. He has spent years tasting his way across Scandinavian candy, and now curates the range at TheSweetsTruck, from BUBS sour skulls to the saltiest licorice most people cannot finish.
Last updated 6/9/2026