Yes — Sticky Balsamic Pearls are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and contain no honey or fish products. Here's exactly what's inside the shell and the vinegar, so you can check them against your own dietary needs.

What's Actually Inside a Balsamic Pearl

Every Sticky Balsamic Pearl has two parts. The center is Sticky Balsamic's own multi-medal-winning balsamic vinegar — made from grapes, with fruit varieties or truffle essence and a little sugar added depending on the flavour. The outer shell is mostly alginate, a natural derivative of seaweed. To make each pearl, the balsamic mixture is dripped into a tasteless, edible seaweed solution using a technique called reverse spherification — the casing solidifies around each drop, then the pearls are jarred. There's nothing else hiding in there: no dairy, no egg, no gelatine.

Are Balsamic Pearls Vegan?

Yes. Both the balsamic vinegar center and the alginate shell are entirely plant-based. Sticky Balsamic Pearls contain no dairy, egg, meat, fish, or honey — the shell uses seaweed-derived alginate rather than gelatine (which is how some other spherified foods get their gel texture, but not this one).

Are Balsamic Pearls Gluten-Free?

Yes, Sticky Balsamic Pearls are gluten-free. If you're managing coeliac disease or a gluten sensitivity, they're safe to use as a finishing garnish across your usual gluten-free meals.

Are They Nut-Free and Dairy-Free?

Yes to both. Sticky Balsamic Pearls contain no nuts and no dairy, which makes them straightforward to use on shared platters, cheese boards, or dishes for guests with common allergies — though as always, check the jar label for the most current allergen statement if you're catering for someone with a severe allergy.

Are Balsamic Pearls Halal or Kosher?

Sticky Balsamic Pearls are vegan, however are not currently certified halal. There is no kosher certification listed for this product either. If certification status matters for your household or event, it's worth checking directly with Sticky Balsamic before serving.

Do Balsamic Pearls Contain Added Sugar?

A small amount of sugar is added to the balsamic vinegar itself to achieve its rich, rounded flavour — the same way it's added to the standard Sticky Balsamic bottles. Because pearls are used a spoonful at a time as a finishing garnish rather than poured on generously like a dressing, the actual amount consumed per serving is small.

Allergen & Dietary Snapshot

• Vegan: Yes
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Dairy-free: Yes
• Egg-free: Yes
• Nut-free: Yes
• Contains honey: No
• Halal certified: No
• Kosher certified: No

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shell of a balsamic pearl made from?

Mostly alginate, a natural gel derived from seaweed. It's tasteless and edible, and it's what holds the liquid balsamic center together until the pearl bursts.

Do balsamic pearls contain gelatine?

No. The shell is plant-based alginate, not animal-derived gelatine, which is part of why the pearls are vegan.

Are balsamic pearls suitable for a nut allergy?

Yes, Sticky Balsamic Pearls are nut-free. As with any packaged food, check the jar's current label if you're catering for someone with a severe allergy.

Can I eat balsamic pearls if I'm avoiding gluten?

Yes, they're gluten-free and safe to use on a gluten-free plate.

Are balsamic pearls the same as fish roe or caviar?

No — despite sometimes being called "balsamic caviar" because of their look, there's no fish or animal product involved. They're 100% plant-based balsamic vinegar and seaweed-derived alginate.