Are Rowntrees Fruit Blasters Vegan? A Detailed Ingredient Analysis
The question of whether Rowntrees Fruit Blasters are vegan has become a common one, particularly since the brand updated many of its products to be vegan-friendly. While products such as Fruit Pastilles were not vegan until their recipe change in 2020, the frozen Fruit Blasters have a different composition. The good news is that these ice lollies are, in fact, vegan-friendly. The key to this lies in the specific ingredients used, avoiding all animal-derived products often found in similar frozen treats or confectionery.
Fruit Blasters Ingredients Breakdown
According to information from Nestlé and major retailers like Tesco, Rowntree's Fruit Blasters consist of a simple list of plant-based ingredients. These include:
- Water
- Fruit Juice from Concentrate (e.g., Orange, Pineapple, Raspberry, Lemon)
- Sugar
- Glucose Syrup
- Maltodextrin
- Acid (Citric Acid)
- Stabiliser (Guar Gum)
- Flavourings
- Colours (Beetroot Red, Curcumin, Carotenes)
The absence of gelatin is a crucial factor. Instead, the product uses guar gum for stability and texture. This difference makes them suitable for a vegan lifestyle. Consumers should review allergen information, as some listings note a potential for traces of nuts, peanuts, and milk due to shared manufacturing facilities.
Comparison: Rowntrees Fruit Blasters vs. Other Products
A comparison between the vegan-friendly Fruit Blasters and a non-vegan Rowntree's product, such as Randoms, which contains gelatin, highlights the key differences.
| Feature | Rowntrees Fruit Blasters (Ice Lolly) | Rowntrees Randoms (Chewy Sweets) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Yes | No |
| Gelling Agent | Guar Gum (plant-derived) | Gelatine (animal-derived) |
| Artificial Ingredients | No artificial colours or flavours | No artificial colours or flavours |
| Texture | Frozen, water-based | Soft, chewy gummy sweet |
| Product Format | Individually wrapped | Bags of mixed sweets |
Allergen Information and Potential Contamination
While Fruit Blasters are made with plant-based ingredients, manufacturers provide allergen information. Some retailer websites state that Fruit Blasters 'May contain peanuts, nuts and milk' due to the possibility of cross-contamination in the factory. This is especially important for those with severe allergies. Those with mild sensitivities should check the most current packaging for allergen specifics.
Vegan Alternatives to Fruit Blasters
Many vegan-friendly options are available if you're looking for alternatives. Many supermarkets offer their own-brand vegan ice lollies, and many other Rowntree's products have been updated to be vegan.
- Other Rowntree's Vegan Sweets: Since 2020, Fruit Pastilles, Jelly Tots, and Fruit Gums are all vegan-friendly, having removed gelatin.
- Candy Kittens: This brand produces vegan gummy sweets in various flavours.
- Swizzels: Many sweets from this brand, including Love Hearts and some Drumstick Chews, are accidentally vegan.
- Skittles and Starburst: In the UK, these chewy sweets are also considered accidentally vegan.
Conclusion: Are Rowntrees Fruit Blasters Vegan?
Rowntrees Fruit Blasters are a vegan-friendly ice lolly option. Their ingredients, including guar gum instead of gelatin, make them suitable for a plant-based diet. Although some of the brand's other confectionery products are not vegan, many have been reformulated. Always check the packaging for allergen information, especially if you have allergies. The market offers numerous vegan confectionery alternatives. For more details, the Nestlé Confectionery website provides comprehensive information.
Visit the official Nestlé Confectionery website for product information
