Target Added Vegan Gummies to Nationwide Inventory
The retailer now offers several gelatine-free gummy products that contain no artificial red dyes.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Organic Food
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Target has expanded its snack options by launching a selection of vegan gummies from the brand Katjes in stores across the United States. The collection features several varieties, including an octopus-shaped candy created in collaboration with chief creative officer Jake Shane.
Why it matters
This retail expansion increases consumer access to plant-based confectionery alternatives that specifically exclude animal-derived gelatin and common artificial dyes like Red 40. Shoppers seeking these ingredients now have more options at major national retail locations.
The nationwide rollout includes five product lines: Sourpuss, Wild & Free, Cosmic Visions, Rainbow Gummies, and Squishy Kitties. These products are formally defined by the manufacturer as free from animal gelatin, Red 40, and Red 3 dyes.
The players
Target
A major U.S. retailer that recently expanded its snack inventory to include plant-based gummy products.
Katjes USA
A confectionery brand known for producing vegan gummies that exclude animal gelatin and artificial red dyes.
Jake Shane
The chief creative officer for Katjes USA who collaborated on the development of the Sourpuss candy.
The details
Katjes gummies replace standard animal-derived gelatin with plant-based alternatives to achieve their chewy texture. By omitting synthetic coloring agents like Red 40 and Red 3, the manufacturer differentiates these products from conventional gummy snacks. The Sourpuss variety features an octopus design and combines raspberry, blue raspberry, and cherry fruit flavors.
Timeline
September 13, 2026: Target officially began carrying Katjes products nationwide.
Health Landscape
The expansion of plant-based confectionery reflects a broader consumer trend toward the substitution of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin in popular snacks. This development follows a pattern of increasing accessibility for shoppers seeking treats that avoid synthetic additives like Red 40.
If you are managing dietary restrictions related to gelatin or synthetic dyes, these products provide an alternative for your snack choices. When incorporating new items into your diet, it is always helpful to review the full ingredient list to ensure they meet your specific needs.
The takeaway
Choosing snacks free from animal gelatin and artificial dyes is becoming easier as major retailers update their shelves. Always check nutrition labels to understand the sugar and ingredient content of any new processed food you choose to include in your diet.
Further reading
For more on ingredients and food alternatives, explore our Organic Food archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Snackandbakery.
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