Understanding What Makes Candy Non-Vegan
For many, the first question is about gelatin, but several ingredients commonly found in jelly and gummy candies can be derived from animals. A key component of traditional jellies is gelatin, a protein made from the boiled skin, bones, and cartilage of animals like pigs and cows. For a product to be truly vegan, it must use a plant-based gelling agent instead. Other non-vegan ingredients can include beeswax and carmine.
The Rise of Plant-Based Jellies
Thanks to increasing demand, manufacturers are turning to vegan alternatives to create the classic jelly texture. These plant-based options not only make products accessible to a wider audience but also appeal to consumers looking for cleaner, more natural ingredients. Common vegan gelling agents include:
- Agar-Agar: A gelatin substitute derived from seaweed, often sold as a powder or flakes.
- Carrageenan: A red seaweed extract commonly used in desserts and dairy alternatives.
- Pectin: A naturally occurring fiber found in fruits that is used to thicken jams and jellies.
- Cornstarch: Can also be used as a thickener in some recipes.
The Verdict on Specific 'Dream Jelly' Products
The term "Dream Jelly" can refer to different products from various companies, which is the main source of confusion. The vegan status hinges entirely on the specific brand you are considering.
Botanika Blends' Dreamy Jelly
This Australian brand explicitly labels its products as vegan-friendly. Their Dreamy Jelly is a calming, functional dessert mix designed to be made at home and is free from gelatin and other animal-derived ingredients. The key ingredients include plant-based thickeners like carrageenan and flaxseed fiber, along with natural flavorings.
Dreem Strawberry Flavour Jelly
In contrast, the Dreem Strawberry Flavour Jelly found on some international sites is not vegan. Its ingredients list specifies "Pure Beef Gelatin (Halal)" as a key ingredient, which means it is derived from animals and not suitable for a vegan diet.
Dream Candy Strawberry & Cream Jellies
Similarly, Dream Candy products, like their Strawberry & Cream Jellies, also contain non-vegan ingredients. Their ingredient list includes "pork gelatine" and "beeswax," making them unsuitable for vegans.
How to Determine if a Jelly is Vegan
For any product you encounter, follow these steps to confirm its vegan status:
- Check for an explicit Vegan Label: Look for a certified vegan logo or a "Vegan-Friendly" label on the packaging. Brands committed to veganism will make this clear.
- Read the Ingredients List: Scan for common non-vegan ingredients like gelatin, carmine (red food coloring), and beeswax. For example,
Dreemjelly explicitly lists beef gelatin, clarifying its non-vegan status. - Look for Plant-Based Gelling Agents: If it doesn't contain gelatin, look for ingredients like agar-agar, pectin, or carrageenan, which are plant-based thickeners.
- Research the Brand: If the packaging is unclear, a quick online search for the brand and product will often provide a definitive answer from the manufacturer's website or vegan review sites.
Vegan Jellies vs. Non-Vegan Jellies: A Comparison
| Feature | Vegan Jellies (e.g., Botanika Blends) | Non-Vegan Jellies (e.g., Dreem) |
|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | Plant-based (e.g., Carrageenan, Agar-Agar) | Animal-based (Gelatin, typically beef or pork) |
| Suitability | Suitable for vegans and vegetarians | Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians |
| Texture | Can vary; some find agar-agar creates a firmer, snappier texture than gelatin | Characteristically wobbly, soft, and melt-in-the-mouth |
| Ingredients | Natural, plant-based; often includes extra health benefits like probiotics | Can include artificial colors, flavors, and animal by-products like gelatin |
| Labeling | Explicitly labeled as 'Vegan' or 'Plant-Based' | May not mention suitability for specific diets; requires checking ingredients for clarification |
Beyond Candies: A Note on 'Dream Jelly' Lip Balms
It's also important to note that the term "Dream Jelly" can apply to other products, such as lip balms. The Herbivore Botanicals Dream Jelly lip balm is a prime example of a vegan-friendly cosmetic product. It is made with plant-based ingredients like tremella mushroom extract, shea butter, and various plant oils, and explicitly marketed as vegan. This reinforces the importance of context and checking the specific product rather than relying on the name alone.
Conclusion
The vegan-friendliness of Dream Jellies is not a given and depends entirely on the brand and specific product. While the Australian brand Botanika Blends offers explicitly vegan Dreamy Jelly dessert mixes, other products, like those from Dreem or Dream Candy, are not vegan due to the inclusion of animal-derived gelatin and beeswax. Conscious consumers should always take the time to check the product's label and ingredients list to ensure it aligns with their dietary choices.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Vegan status depends on the brand, not the name 'Dream Jelly': Different companies use the name for distinct products with varying ingredients.
- Check the ingredients list carefully: Look for animal-derived products like gelatin, beeswax, or carmine.
- Vegan versions use plant-based alternatives: These include carrageenan, agar-agar, or pectin instead of gelatin.
- Botanika Blends offers a certified vegan product: Their
Dreamy Jellyis explicitly labeled vegan and uses plant-based gelling agents. - Some 'Dream Jellies' are not vegan: Products from Dreem and Dream Candy contain animal-derived ingredients.
- Be aware of similar-sounding cosmetic products: Always verify you are looking at the correct product, as the name may be used for non-food items.
