Regional Differences in M&M's Ingredients
For vegetarians, the question of whether M&M's are suitable depends largely on where the product is manufactured. There is a distinct difference between the ingredients used in M&M's sold in the UK versus those sold in the US. A careful examination of the product labels and company statements reveals the specific animal-derived additives that cause concern.
United Kingdom (UK) Products
In the UK, M&M's are officially deemed unsuitable for vegetarians. The primary reason is the inclusion of two key animal-derived ingredients: carmine and beeswax.
- Carmine (E120): This is a red food coloring derived from the crushed shells of cochineal insects. It is used to produce the vibrant red color of some M&M's shells. Since it is an insect product, it is not considered vegetarian.
- Beeswax: This is used as a glazing agent to give the candy shells their shiny finish. Beeswax is a product of bees and therefore not included in a vegetarian diet by most ethical standards.
United States (US) Products
The situation is more ambiguous for M&M's sold in the US. The regular milk chocolate M&M's ingredient list for the US does not explicitly mention carmine or beeswax. Instead, it uses different colorants and glazing agents.
- Artificial Colorants: The US version uses artificial food colorings like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. These are chemically synthesized and do not contain animal ingredients. However, some ethical vegetarians and many vegans avoid these dyes because they are often tested on animals.
- Carnauba Wax: This plant-based wax is used as the glazing agent in US M&M's, a vegetarian-friendly alternative to beeswax or shellac.
- Bone Char Processed Sugar: Another potential issue for stricter vegetarians and most vegans is the sugar source. In the US, some white sugar is refined using bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones, to whiten it. While the bone char does not end up in the final product, the refining process makes the sugar non-vegetarian for many individuals. It is unclear if Mars uses sugar processed in this way.
Ethical and Ingredient Complexities
While some might argue over the degree of animal involvement, for many vegetarians, the use of any animal-derived component is a dealbreaker. The presence of carmine and beeswax in UK products makes them non-vegetarian by any standard. The debate for US products becomes a matter of ethical interpretation, depending on the vegetarian's stance on animal testing and bone char processed sugar.
Dairy Content: A Shared Ineligibility for Vegans
It is important to note that all standard M&M's flavors—including milk chocolate, peanut, dark chocolate, and crispy varieties—contain dairy products like skim milk and milk fat. This means they are not suitable for vegans under any circumstances. Even dark chocolate varieties are not safe, as they still contain dairy ingredients.
Comparison of UK vs. US M&M's for Vegetarians
| Feature | UK M&M's | US M&M's | Suitability for Vegetarians | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Coloring | Carmine (E120) from insects | Red 40 (synthetic dye) | No (insect-derived) | Depends (animal testing concerns) |
| Glazing Agent | Beeswax (from bees) | Carnauba Wax (plant-based) | No (bee-derived) | Yes (plant-derived) |
| Milk Chocolate | Contains milk products | Contains milk products | N/A (not relevant to vegetarian status) | N/A (not relevant to vegetarian status) |
| Bone Char Sugar | Unconfirmed | Potential use, not guaranteed | Varies by interpretation | Varies by interpretation |
| Official Stance | Manufacturer states not suitable | Generally considered suitable, but with nuances | No | Depends on standards |
Alternatives to M&M's for Vegetarians and Vegans
For those seeking a crunchy, chocolatey treat without the ambiguity, several brands offer vegetarian-friendly and even vegan alternatives.
- Little Secrets Pieces: This brand offers various 'pieces' that are made with fair trade, non-GMO, and naturally colored ingredients. Their Dark Chocolate and Sea Salted Peanut options are confirmed vegan and suitable for vegetarians.
- Unreal Snacks: Unreal offers vegan alternatives to popular candies, including their Dark Chocolate Crispy Quinoa Gems, which mimic M&M's without animal products.
- No Whey Foods: Specializing in allergen-free chocolates, their 'Choco No No's' are a direct, dairy-free, and vegan alternative to M&M's, using only plant-based ingredients.
How to Check if Candy is Vegetarian
To be certain about any confectionery, it's essential to become a conscientious consumer. The following steps can help:
- Read the label carefully: Always check the ingredients list. Look for terms like carmine (E120), beeswax, shellac (confectioner's glaze), and animal-derived colorings.
- Check for vegetarian certification: Some products carry a vegetarian-approved symbol, indicating they meet specific standards. However, be aware of differing guidelines, as the Vegetarian Society in the UK recently changed its stance on ingredients like shellac.
- Visit the manufacturer's website: If in doubt, check the FAQ section of the company website for specific dietary information, as ingredients can change and vary by region.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether chocolate M and Ms are suitable for vegetarians has a different answer depending on where you are. Due to the confirmed presence of insect-derived carmine and beeswax, UK M&M's are definitively not vegetarian. US M&M's are more complex; while they don't contain insect products, ethical concerns around food dye testing and sugar processing mean they might not align with all vegetarians' principles. For those with strict ethical standards, opting for one of the many available vegetarian-friendly alternatives is the safest choice.
