Are Bonbons Vegan? What You Need to Know

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to French law, a "bonbon de chocolat" must contain at least 25% chocolate, and traditional recipes often include non-vegan ingredients like dairy and gelatin. So, are bonbons vegan? The answer is not always, but many delicious plant-based alternatives are widely available today.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the key differences between traditional and vegan bonbons, detailing common non-vegan ingredients and explaining how plant-based alternatives are made. It provides tips for finding vegan bonbons, including ingredient checks and brand recommendations.

Key Points

Not Always Vegan: Traditional bonbons are often not vegan, as they may contain milk, cream, butter, or gelatin.
Read Ingredients Carefully: Check labels for common non-vegan ingredients like dairy products, gelatin, honey, carmine, and shellac.
Vegan Alternatives Exist: Many companies and recipes offer delicious vegan bonbons made with plant-based ingredients.
Look for Certifications: Explicit vegan labeling or third-party certifications can help identify cruelty-free products.
Homemade is an Option: It is straightforward to make vegan bonbons at home using plant-based chocolate, coconut cream, and natural sweeteners.
Dark Chocolate is a Safe Bet: High-quality dark chocolate is a good starting point, as it is often naturally dairy-free, but always check for cross-contamination warnings.

Traditional Bonbons vs. Vegan Bonbons

The question of whether bonbons are vegan largely depends on the specific type and brand. A bonbon is a small, chocolate-covered confection, often with a soft filling. Traditional European chocolate bonbons frequently use animal-derived products, while British-style bonbons, which are often chewy candies, may contain gelatin. In contrast, vegan bonbons are specifically crafted using plant-based ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of their traditional counterparts.

Non-Vegan Ingredients in Traditional Bonbons

To determine if a bonbon is vegan, it's essential to scrutinize the ingredient list. The most common animal-derived ingredients found in traditional bonbons and other sweets are:

Dairy Products: Milk, cream, butter, and whey are often used to create rich and creamy fillings like ganache, caramel, and fudge. Milk chocolate, the most common type, is also made with dairy milk.
Gelatin: This gelling agent, derived from animal collagen, is commonly used in chewy candies, including many British-style bonbons.
Honey: Some recipes and fillings use honey as a sweetener, which is avoided by most vegans.
Shellac (Confectioner's Glaze): Used to provide a shiny coating on candies, this glaze is made from the excretions of the lac insect and is not vegan.
Carmine: A red food coloring derived from crushed cochineal beetles, used in some red or pink candies.

Vegan Alternatives: Making Bonbons Plant-Based

Fortunately, skilled chocolatiers and home bakers have perfected the art of creating delicious, cruelty-free bonbons. Vegan bonbons utilize plant-based substitutes to achieve the same luxurious experience. Some common vegan-friendly ingredients include:

Vegan Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate (often naturally dairy-free) is a staple, while vegan 'milk' and 'white' chocolates are now made with alternatives like oat, rice, coconut, and cashew milk.
Plant-Based Creams: Coconut cream, cashew cream, and soy-based alternatives are used to create creamy ganaches and fillings.
Fruit Purees: Many bonbon fillings, especially those with a fruity center, are made with fruit purees, which are naturally vegan.
Syrups and Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, and brown rice syrup are excellent plant-based sweeteners.
Nuts and Seeds: Nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans, along with nut butters, are often used for praline fillings and nutty textures.

Finding and Identifying Vegan Bonbons

Navigating the world of confectionery requires a keen eye for labels. When purchasing bonbons, especially from a mixed box or a chocolatier, it's crucial to ask or check for clear vegan labeling. Many brands now explicitly state whether a product is vegan-friendly on their packaging.

Tips for Choosing Vegan Bonbons

Read the Ingredient List: Always check for dairy products (milk, butter, whey), gelatin, honey, carmine, or shellac.
Look for Certifications: Some vegan products carry a certification logo, making them easy to spot.
Trust Dark Chocolate: While not all dark chocolate is vegan (some is produced on the same equipment as milk chocolate, or has milk derivatives), a high-quality dark chocolate is a much safer bet than milk or white chocolate.
Research Brands: Several specialized vegan sweet shops and chocolatiers now offer extensive ranges of vegan bonbons, making it easier than ever to find options.

Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Bonbons: A Comparison


Feature	Traditional Bonbons	Vegan Bonbons
Common Chocolate Type	Milk or white chocolate, containing dairy.	Dark chocolate, or plant-based alternatives using oat, rice, or coconut milk.
Creamy Fillings	Made with dairy cream and butter.	Made with coconut cream, nut-based cream, or avocado.
Chewy Centres	May contain gelatin, a common ingredient in soft candies.	Use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or pectin.
Sweeteners	Sugar, honey, or corn syrup.	Maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or fruits.
Nutritional Profile	Typically higher in saturated fat and cholesterol from dairy.	Often richer in antioxidants from high cocoa content; lower in fat.

How to Make Your Own Vegan Bonbons

Making vegan bonbons at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. With some basic kitchen equipment, you can create delightful treats for any occasion. A simple, raw vegan bonbon recipe might involve a mixture of cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and a natural sweetener like agave or maple syrup. You can then fill them with a variety of plant-based ganaches or nut butter fillings.

For a more decadent experience, create a creamy filling with chilled coconut cream, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract. Use silicone molds to create perfectly shaped bonbons, and be sure to chill them thoroughly to ensure the chocolate shell sets correctly.

Conclusion

In short, while not all bonbons are inherently vegan, the market and culinary possibilities for plant-based versions are extensive and growing. Traditional recipes often contain dairy and other animal products, but with a careful eye on the ingredient list and a willingness to explore innovative new products, it's easy to find or make vegan bonbons that are just as delicious and satisfying. From classic dark chocolate to exotic spiced ganaches, the vegan bonbon offers a truly delightful and ethical indulgence for everyone. Sweet Vegan is one of many companies now focusing entirely on delicious, animal-free confectionery.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common non-vegan ingredients in bonbons are dairy products such as milk, butter, and cream, which are used to make milk chocolate and creamy fillings like ganache and caramel.

Dark chocolate bonbons are a more likely vegan option, as they are often made with cocoa and cocoa butter and without dairy. However, you must always check the label for ingredients like milk fat or cross-contamination warnings.

Vegan caramel fillings typically replace dairy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream, nut-based cream, or vegetable oils. Sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar can also be used.

Yes, gelatin is often used in certain types of bonbons, especially the chewy, hard-shelled variety common in the UK. It is important to check the ingredients list for gelatin or to look for vegan alternatives.

Confectioner's glaze, also known as shellac, is a shiny coating used on many candies. It is not vegan as it is derived from the excretions of the female lac insect.

You can find vegan bonbons at specialized vegan sweet shops, health food stores, and online retailers. Many artisanal chocolatiers also offer dedicated vegan assortments.

To make vegan bonbons, you can use dairy-free chocolate (like high-quality dark chocolate or vegan milk chocolate), a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream) for fillings, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup. Silicone molds and proper chilling will help them set perfectly.