What Are Twizzlers Made Of?
Many chewy candies contain gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient. However, classic Twizzlers twists do not. The original strawberry Twists list ingredients such as corn syrup, wheat flour, sugar, palm oil, salt, artificial flavor and color (Red 40), and soy lecithin. None of these are explicitly from animal sources, which is why they are often considered vegetarian.
The Nuances for Ethical Vegans
While most Twizzlers are free of direct animal ingredients, ethical vegans may have concerns about certain aspects of their production and sourcing.
Sugar Processing and Bone Char
A primary concern is the sugar used. Some cane sugar is refined using bone char, derived from animal bones. While the final sugar is bone char-free, the process is animal-derived. Hershey's uses both cane and beet sugar but doesn't specify the refining process for each.
Artificial Colors and Animal Testing
Artificial colors like Red 40 are synthetic but may involve animal testing for safety, which is an ethical issue for some vegans.
Palm Oil and Environmental Impact
Twizzlers contain palm oil, linked to deforestation and habitat loss. While not an animal-derived ingredient, the environmental impact leads some vegans to avoid it.
Comparison: Twizzlers vs. Gummy Candies
To understand why Twizzlers are generally vegetarian, it is helpful to compare them to other popular chewy candies that use animal-derived ingredients.
| Feature | Twizzlers (Twists) | Gummy Candies (e.g., Haribo) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Gelling Agent | Cornstarch and wheat flour | Gelatin (derived from animal collagen) |
| Texture | Chewy, pliable, licorice-style | Soft, jelly-like, bouncy |
| Animal-Based Ingredients | None (though processing raises some ethical concerns for strict vegans) | Yes, gelatin |
| Ethical Concerns (Vegan) | Sugar processing, animal testing for colors, palm oil impact | Animal gelatin source |
| Common Varieties | Strawberry, Black Licorice, Pull 'n' Peel | Bears, Worms, Rings |
What About Filled and Gummy Twizzlers?
Some Twizzlers varieties, particularly gummies, do contain gelatin. For instance, TWIZZLERS Gummies Original Flavors list gelatin as an ingredient. Always check the ingredient list, especially for non-traditional varieties.
Common vegetarian Twizzlers include:
- Original Strawberry Twists
- Black Licorice Twists
- Pull 'n' Peel (most flavors)
- Bites (most flavors)
- Nibs (most flavors)
- Chocolate Flavored Twists
A non-vegetarian example is TWIZZLERS Gummies Original Flavors, which contain gelatin.
Are There Vegan Alternatives to Twizzlers?
For strict vegans, several brands offer explicitly vegan candy options. These include:
- Panda Licorice: Offers vegan licorice, often with natural ingredients and molasses.
- YumEarth: Many candies are labeled vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and organic.
- Red Vines: Considered vegan and gelatin-free.
- SmartSweets: Provides gelatin-free, plant-based gummies.
The Final Verdict for Vegetarians and Vegans
Most Twizzlers are suitable for vegetarians as they lack direct animal ingredients like gelatin. However, ethical vegans may avoid them due to concerns about sugar processing and artificial color testing. It's essential to read ingredient labels, as some varieties, like gummies, contain gelatin. While vegetarians can generally enjoy many Twizzlers, vegans need to consider the broader supply chain ethics.
World Animal Protection has compiled a helpful list of cruelty-free treats, including Twizzlers.
Conclusion
Most Twizzlers varieties are vegetarian-friendly because they don't contain gelatin or other obvious animal ingredients. However, ingredients like sugar (potentially processed with bone char) and artificial colors (potentially tested on animals) may make them unsuitable for some ethical vegans. Always check the label, as some varieties contain gelatin. While vegetarians can generally eat Twizzlers, vegans must weigh the ethical implications.
