A Guide to What Common Sweets Are Vegan?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to PETA, many popular candy brands are unintentionally vegan, making it surprisingly easy for those on a plant-based diet to satisfy their sweet cravings. This guide reveals what common sweets are vegan, from fruit-flavored chews to classic cookies, along with tips for smart label-reading to navigate hidden animal-derived ingredients.

Quick Summary

This resource lists popular accidentally vegan sweets, chocolates, and desserts, while highlighting key non-vegan ingredients. It offers tips for deciphering labels and identifies certified vegan brands for peace of mind.

Key Points

Check Labels Carefully: Always read ingredient lists, as formulations and cross-contamination warnings vary by product and region.
Beware of Gelatin: This animal-derived protein is commonly found in chewy candies. Look for plant-based alternatives like pectin or agar-agar instead.
Dairy is Widespread: Many chocolates and creamy sweets contain milk derivatives like whey or milk powder. Opt for dark chocolate or products made with plant-based milk alternatives.
Many 'Accidentally Vegan' Items Exist: Common sweets like Original Oreos (most variants), US Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, and Twizzlers are free of animal products.
Watch for Hidden Colorings and Glazes: Carmine (E120) and confectioner's glaze (shellac) are derived from insects. Many vegan brands use plant-based colorings and glazes.
Explore Dedicated Vegan Brands: For guaranteed animal-free ingredients, consider brands specializing in vegan sweets like Candy Kittens or YumEarth.

A common misconception about a vegan diet is that it eliminates all of life's small indulgences, including sweets. In reality, the landscape of confectionery has evolved, with many traditional treats being naturally free of animal products and a growing market for intentionally vegan options. The key to success is understanding which ingredients to avoid and recognizing the 'accidentally vegan' products that have long been staples on store shelves. However, careful label reading is always recommended, as ingredients can vary by country and manufacturer.

Accidentally Vegan Candies: Your Go-To List

Many of the sweets we grew up with, and continue to enjoy today, are surprisingly vegan. This is often because their primary ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, and flavorings rather than dairy, eggs, or gelatin.

Fruit-Flavored Chews and Hard Candies

This category is a treasure trove for vegans, as many gummy and chewy candies achieve their texture with modified cornstarch or pectin rather than gelatin.

Sour Patch Kids (US versions): The US formula for these famously sour candies does not contain gelatin, though formulations can differ in other regions, so always check the label.
Skittles: These rainbow-colored treats are vegan, as they are gelatin-free.
Swedish Fish (some varieties): Many classic Swedish Fish are gelatin-free, but always verify the ingredients, as some variations may contain beeswax.
Starburst: The UK versions of Starburst are vegan, using a plant-based gelling agent. However, the US versions contain gelatin and are not vegan.
Twizzlers: These licorice candies are made without animal products.
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy: A classic hard candy that is typically vegan.
Dum Dums Lollipops: Most flavors are vegan, but it is always wise to double-check the ingredient list for any changes.
Airheads: These tangy taffy-like candies are accidentally vegan.

Classic Cookies and Biscuits

For those who prefer a baked treat, several common cookies and biscuits are also suitable for a vegan diet.

Original Oreos: The classic Oreo is famously vegan, containing no animal ingredients. However, the manufacturer notes a risk of cross-contamination with milk from the manufacturing facility.
Jammie Dodgers: These classic British cookies are also a popular accidentally vegan treat.
Lotus Biscoff: The original caramelised biscuits and spread are both vegan.
Bourbon Biscuits: A staple in many parts of the world, these chocolate sandwich cookies are generally vegan.

Dedicated Vegan Confectionery Brands

For those who prefer certified vegan products without the worry of cross-contamination, several brands specialize in plant-based sweets.

Candy Kittens: A UK brand offering a wide range of gourmet vegan gummies with unique flavors.
Jealous Sweets: Another popular brand of vegan gummy sweets, often found in health food stores.
YumEarth: This brand specializes in organic, allergy-friendly candy, with many vegan options including chewy candies and lollipops.
Dandies Vegan Marshmallows: A plant-based alternative to traditional marshmallows made without gelatin.

Understanding Hidden Ingredients

When venturing beyond the list of known vegan sweets, it is crucial to know what to look for on an ingredients list. Several common non-vegan additives are used in confectionery.

Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen, this is a common gelling agent in gummy candies, marshmallows, and some desserts. Look for plant-based alternatives like pectin, agar-agar, or carrageenan.
Milk and Dairy Products: Milk powder, whey, and casein are frequently found in chocolate and caramel-based sweets. Dairy-free alternatives use plant-based milks like oat or rice milk.
Shellac (Confectioner's Glaze): A resin secreted by the female lac bug, this is often used to give candy a glossy coating. Look for carnauba wax, a plant-based alternative, instead.
Carmine (E120/Cochineal): This is a red food coloring made from crushed cochineal beetles. Beet juice or other plant-based colorings are used in vegan products.
Honey: Produced by bees, honey is not considered vegan. Check for other sweeteners like agave or maple syrup.
Bone Char Sugar: In some regions, particularly the US, cane sugar is processed using bone char to achieve its white color. Many vegans do not fret over this due to the difficulty of avoiding it entirely, but organic or beet sugar is always bone char-free.
Palm Oil: While technically vegan, many vegans avoid palm oil due to the environmental impact and deforestation linked to its production.

Comparison of Popular Sweets


Sweet Product	Vegan Status	Common Non-Vegan Ingredients	Vegan-Friendly Alternatives
Haribo Gummy Bears	No	Gelatin	Candy Kittens, Jealous Sweets, YumEarth
Original Skittles	Yes	None (Gelatin-free)	N/A
Sour Patch Kids (US)	Yes	None (Gelatin-free)	N/A
Sour Patch Kids (UK/EU)	No	Gelatin	Jealous Sweets, Candy Kittens
Cadbury Dairy Milk	No	Milk, milk powder	Vego, Moo Free, certain dark chocolates
Original Oreos	Yes (Accidental)	None (Trace milk due to cross-contamination)	Vegan Bakery Cookies 'N Cream
Starburst (US)	No	Gelatin	Skittles

Making Your Own Vegan Treats at Home

For complete control over ingredients, making your own sweets at home is a rewarding option. Popular choices include vegan brownies, cookies with dairy-free chocolate chips, or chia seed pudding. You can also find recipes for homemade gummies using pectin or agar-agar, or fruit leather using pureed fruits. This approach guarantees no hidden animal products, addresses concerns about ingredients like bone-char processed sugar, and gives you the freedom to experiment with healthier, naturally sweetened options.

Conclusion: A Sweet Journey

Ultimately, a vegan diet does not mean the end of enjoying sweet treats. With a bit of knowledge and a habit of reading labels, you can find a vast array of common sweets that are vegan, from classics like Oreos and Sour Patch Kids to specialized plant-based brands. While some ingredients like gelatin and dairy are obvious culprits, a nuanced understanding of others like shellac or regional sugar processing practices can ensure your choices align with your ethical preferences. Whether you choose convenience store classics or homemade creations, a delicious and animal-friendly sweet treat is never far from reach.

For more detailed information on common non-vegan ingredients, a helpful resource can be found on PETA's website, which details many accidentally vegan products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Oreo flavors are vegan. While the classic original, golden, and double stuf flavors are typically vegan, variants with fudge or milk chocolate coatings, like Cakesters, contain dairy.

For most vegans, trace amounts of milk from shared factory equipment are acceptable. However, brands like Oreo will add a 'may contain milk' warning. If you have a severe allergy, it is best to choose certified vegan products.

Gelatin is a very common non-vegan ingredient used in many gummy candies to achieve their chewy texture. It is made from animal bones and connective tissue.

Yes, many vegan sweets use plant-based gelling agents like pectin (from fruits), agar-agar (from red algae), and carrageenan (from seaweed) to achieve a similar chewy consistency.

In the US, some white cane sugar is filtered using bone char from animal bones. However, organic sugar and beet sugar are not processed this way. Many vegans accept bone-char processed sugar, while others avoid it.

No, the vegan status of Sour Patch Kids depends on the region. US versions are gelatin-free, but UK/EU versions typically contain gelatin. Always check the ingredients for your specific location.

Look for dark chocolate, as many varieties are naturally dairy-free. Also, seek out brands that specifically label their products as vegan or use plant-based milk alternatives like oat or rice milk instead of cow's milk.