The short answer: Rowntree's Fruit Gums are now vegan-friendly
For years, the chewy, fruity goodness of Rowntree's Fruit Gums was off-limits for those following a vegan diet due to the inclusion of gelatine. However, in recent years, the recipe was changed to remove all animal-derived ingredients. The brand's official statements and product descriptions on major retailer websites now confirm that the classic sweets are 'Vegan Friendly', allowing more people to enjoy them. This change reflects a growing consumer demand for more inclusive and plant-based confectionery options.
What changed in the recipe?
The key ingredient standing in the way of vegans was gelatine, a gelling agent derived from animal collagen. The manufacturer made a significant reformulation to eliminate this and another animal-derived colourant, carminic acid. This was a careful process to ensure the sweets retained their iconic, satisfyingly chewy texture without compromising on flavour. The new ingredients list reveals the plant-based alternatives that now create the familiar chewiness.
The old recipe
Before the update, the standard ingredients for Rowntree's Fruit Gums included gelatine, which is made by boiling animal skin, bones, and cartilage. Some older versions also contained carminic acid (E120), a red colourant derived from cochineal insects. For vegans and vegetarians, these ingredients made the product strictly non-compliant with their dietary choices. Historical references and older product information confirm the presence of gelatine, so it's vital to check the packaging for the most current information.
The new vegan-friendly recipe
To create the same texture without animal products, the new vegan-friendly recipe uses a combination of plant-based thickeners. The key gelling agent is now gum arabic, a resin from the acacia tree. Starch is also used to achieve the desired consistency. The reformulation also means the colours are now derived from plant and vegetable concentrates, with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. A typical modern ingredients list includes: glucose syrup, sugar, starch, thickener (gum arabic), acids (malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid), concentrated fruit juices, and vegetable and plant concentrates for colour.
How to identify vegan Rowntree's fruit gums
To be certain you are buying the vegan version of Rowntree's Fruit Gums, you should always check the packaging. Look for clear labelling that states 'Vegan Friendly' or a similar designation. Many retailers, such as Sainsbury's and Morrisons, also list 'Suitable for Vegans' in the dietary information section of their product listings.
Common gelatine alternatives in vegan sweets
The use of plant-based ingredients is a growing trend in the confectionery industry. Replacing gelatine with other natural gums and starches is a common practice for many brands. Other vegan alternatives include:
- Agar-Agar: A seaweed-derived gelling agent used to create firm jellies and gummies.
- Pectin: A polysaccharide found in fruits and vegetables, often used to thicken jams and jellies.
- Cornstarch & Tapioca Starch: Used as thickeners and binders to create different textures.
- Guar Gum: Derived from guar beans, it's used as a thickening agent.
Vegan gummy candy alternatives
While Rowntree's is now an option, a wide range of other vegan gummy sweets are available on the market. These brands and products are formulated to be completely free of animal products from the outset.
- Sour Patch Kids: The ingredients list is free of gelatine and dairy, though some prefer to verify colours.
- Swedish Fish: A classic sweet that is often gelatine-free and suitable for vegans.
- Katjes Vegan Gummies: A brand that focuses specifically on vegan products, ensuring no animal-derived ingredients.
- YumEarth Organic Gummies: These organic, allergy-friendly gummies are certified vegan and free from artificial dyes.
- Candy Kittens: A gourmet sweet brand with a range of vegan-friendly options.
Vegan vs. non-vegan fruit gums comparison
| Feature | Vegan Fruit Gums (New Recipe) | Non-Vegan Fruit Gums (Old Recipe) |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatine | Absent (uses gum arabic, starch) | Present (used animal-derived gelatine) |
| Colourants | Plant and vegetable concentrates | May contain carminic acid (E120) |
| Chewiness | Satisfyingly chewy, but reportedly slightly softer | Denser, more traditional chew |
| Artificials | No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives | Generally free from artificial colours, but contained non-vegan colours previously |
| Dietary Suitability | Suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and some religious diets | Unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians |
Are other Rowntree's sweets vegan?
Good news extends beyond just the Fruit Gums. The company has also made other popular products vegan-friendly. According to Nestle's confectionery website, Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles and Jelly Tots are also now suitable for vegans, ensuring a wider range of options for those on a plant-based diet. This strategic move expands the brand's appeal to a broader audience.
What this means for your diet
For vegans, this recipe change removes the need to avoid Rowntree's Fruit Gums entirely. However, as with any treat, it's essential to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. High in sugar, sweets like these should not be a primary part of a daily nutrition plan. They are an occasional indulgence rather than a staple food. For those new to veganism, this is a good reminder to always check ingredient labels, as recipes for long-standing products can change over time. Being informed about these changes helps you stay on track with your dietary choices.
Conclusion: A sweet victory for vegan dieters
The journey of Rowntree's Fruit Gums from a non-vegan treat to a 'Vegan Friendly' confectionery item is a great example of how food brands are adapting to modern dietary trends. By removing animal-derived gelatine and carminic acid and replacing them with plant-based alternatives like gum arabic and starch, the brand has made its classic chew accessible to a wider consumer base. This change, along with other vegan-friendly options from Rowntree's like Fruit Pastilles and Jelly Tots, offers welcome news for those adhering to a vegan lifestyle. Always remember to check the latest packaging to ensure you're getting the most up-to-date, vegan-friendly version.
