It's hard to resist the lure of the sweet smell of gummy sweets. We know they're bad for our teeth and everything, but they hit the sweet spot and that's enough to have us drilling through a bag of pic 'n mix in about 10 minutes flat.
But after watching this short film by Belgian filmmaker Alina Kneepkens, which shows exactly how these sweets are made, you might struggle to bring one to your lips ever again. Because although we know in theory the gelatin used to make these kind of jelly sweets comes from animals (why else would vegetarians steer clear?) we've never actually pictured how gross it is.
You have been warned.
Playing in reverse, the film starts by showing us the finished product: a pack of gummy sweets deliciously doused in sugar, wrapped and ready to go. But then it rolls back in time, and we see the artificial additives going in, the gelatin going in, and how that gelatin is made ... with sheared off animal skin.
In case you didn't know, gelatin is a protein which comes from collagen. And that's found in the tendons, ligaments and tissues of animals.
But before you rule out all chewy sweets, they're not all made from gelatin — there are a number of vegan substitutes such as agar which comes from algae instead (not that that sounds particularly appetizing, mind you).
You enjoy that bag of gummy bears, now.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
From: Cosmopolitan UK
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Cat is Cosmopolitan UK's features editor covering women's issues, health and current affairs. news, features and health. The route to her heart is a simple combination of pasta and cheese (somewhat ironic considering the whole health writing thing), and she finds it difficult to commit to TV series so currently has about 14 different ones on the go.
-
Kelly Clarkson Claims Her Ex-Husband Owes Her Even More Money After He Allegedly "Violated Labor Laws" as Her Manager
The "Stronger" star was already awarded $2.6 million in a previous lawsuit.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Robert Downey Jr. Discusses the Highs and Lows of His Career After Oscar Win
"I think if you develop a moral psychology, things are a lot easier."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Anne Hathaway Steals the Show at SXSW Movie Premiere in a Sparkling Mini Dress
The 'Les Míserables' star's red carpet look featured geometric highlights.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Meet the Woman Blending the Traditional and the Modern in French Winemaking
How Florence Haynes combined the traditional and the contemporary for Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire.
By Sponsored Published
-
The 10 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets
The nonstick pans, pots, and skillets that make cooking easy.
By Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping Institute Published
-
The 9 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers to Level Up With
And no, it's not the same as iced coffee.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
The Royal Family Shared the Recipe for the Queen's Favorite Boozy Christmas Pudding
The Royal Family Twitter account shared the royal chef's recipe for the Queen's favorite boozy Christmas pudding.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
The 8 Best Mug Warmers to Keep Your Coffee Warm
See ya later, lukewarm lattes.
By Danielle St. Pierre Published
-
5 Best Soda Streams for Convenient Carbonation
Upgrade your sparkling water game with a Soda Stream carbonator that'll fizz up drinks in a flash.
By Zarah A. Kavarana Published
-
3 Pro Tips for Putting Together the Best Bouquets
Essential advice for everyday enthusiasts and budding florists alike.
By Marie Claire Published
-
5 Best Espresso Machines That’ll Make Barista-Approved Coffee
If your favorite kind of shot is an espresso, these machines will instantly jolt you out of bed for a dream-like brew that can be made right at home.
By Sanah Faroke Published