Are gummy vitamins halal?

It depends on the ingredients. Most gummy vitamins are set with gelatin, which usually comes from pork or from beef that is not halal-slaughtered. Look for pectin-based (plant) gummies, fish gelatin or a halal certification, and check the label for other doubtful ingredients.

The gelatin problem

Gelatin is made from the skin and bones of animals, and the animal is often a pig. The Quran forbids pork (Quran 2:173) and also meat not slaughtered in the proper way. Unless the label says the source and the product is halal-certified, plain "gelatin" should be treated as doubtful. The Quran tells us:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ كُلُوا۟ مِمَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ حَلَـٰلًا طَيِّبًا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ "O humanity! Eat from what is lawful and good on the earth and do not follow Satan's footsteps. He is truly your sworn enemy." Quran 2:168

Some scholars apply the idea of complete chemical transformation (istihalah) to gelatin and permit it. Most halal certifiers and many scholars say to avoid pork gelatin when you have a choice. The Prophet ﷺ said that the halal and the haram are clear, and between them are doubtful matters, and whoever avoids them protects his religion (Sahih al-Bukhari 52). See Can Muslims take medicine made with pork gelatin?

What to look for on the label

Pectin, agar, carrageenan or starch: plant-based setting agents, generally fine.
Fish gelatin: generally accepted as halal.
Bovine (beef) gelatin: acceptable only if the beef is halal, so look for certification.
"Gelatin" with no source: doubtful, so avoid it.
"Vegan" or "vegetarian": useful, but still check the other ingredients.

Other ingredients to check

Gummies can contain more than gelatin. Carmine or cochineal (E120), a red colouring made from insects, is debated among scholars. Confectioner's glaze or shellac (E904) is also an insect product. Glycerine can come from plants or animals, and some flavourings are dissolved in alcohol. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer and ask about the source. See Are E-numbers halal?

Good alternatives

Plant-based or halal-certified gummies.
Tablets, powders or liquids that do not use gelatin. Remember that some capsules are also made from gelatin.
Getting nutrients from food where you can, with advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Protein powders and other supplements follow similar rules. See Can Muslims take protein powder and supplements?

If you took one by mistake

There is no sin for something done without knowing. The Quran includes the prayer, "Our Lord! Do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake" (Quran 2:286). Just check labels from now on.

Key points

Gelatin usually comes from pork or non-halal beef unless stated otherwise.
Choose pectin-based, fish gelatin or halal-certified gummies.
Check for carmine, shellac, glycerine and alcohol-based flavours.
Avoid doubtful matters when you have a good alternative.

Tip: Take a photo of the ingredient list in the shop. You can check it calmly later, or send it to the manufacturer with one clear question about the gelatin source.