Unpacking the US vs. UK 'Smarties'
The question of whether Smarties are vegan is not as simple as it seems and requires an understanding of regional brand differences. In the United States, "Smarties" refer to the small, sugary, hard-candy tablets manufactured by the Smarties Candy Company, which are indeed vegan. In the United Kingdom and Canada, however, "Smarties" are a completely different product: candy-coated milk chocolates produced by Nestlé. This regional naming conflict is the source of all the confusion.
The US Smarties: A Vegan-Friendly Treat
For those in the United States, the classic roll of Smarties is a reliable vegan candy option. The company has explicitly stated that their products are vegan, and their ingredient list confirms this. The main ingredients are dextrose, citric acid, calcium stearate, and natural and artificial flavors and colors. The calcium stearate, which can sometimes be animal-derived, is confirmed by the Smarties Candy Company to be plant-based. This makes American Smarties a safe choice for vegans, as well as being gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
- Ingredients list: DEXTROSE, CITRIC ACID, CALCIUM STEARATE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, COLORS (RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 5 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, BLUE 2 LAKE).
- Cross-contamination: The Smarties Candy Company manufactures their candy in dedicated facilities, which ensures no cross-contamination with common allergens like milk, eggs, or nuts.
The UK Nestlé Smarties: Not Vegan
In stark contrast, the chocolate Smarties found in the UK and Canada are not vegan. These are a different product entirely and contain several animal-derived ingredients. The chocolate itself contains skimmed milk powder and whey powder, and the colored shells are glazed with beeswax. Therefore, Nestlé's Smarties are completely unsuitable for a vegan diet, despite being vegetarian.
- Ingredients list: Sugar, Skimmed Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Flour, Whey Powder Product (Milk), Butterfat (Milk), Vegetable Fats, Starch, Emulsifier (Lecithins), Colours, Spirulina Concentrate, Glazing Agents (Carnauba Wax, Beeswax White), Vegetable Concentrates, Barley Malt Extract.
- Key non-vegan ingredients: Skimmed milk powder, whey powder, butterfat, and beeswax.
Vegan Alternatives to Nestlé Smarties
For those looking for a vegan chocolate alternative to Nestlé's Smarties, several brands offer excellent options.
Comparison Table: Smarties vs. Vegan Alternatives
| Feature | US Smarties (Vegan) | UK Nestlé Smarties (Not Vegan) | Clarana Vegan Smarties (Vegan) | M'z Gems (Vegan) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Type | Hard candy tablets | Candy-coated milk chocolate | Candy-coated chocolate | Candy-coated chocolate |
| Key Non-Vegan Ingredient | None | Skimmed Milk Powder, Beeswax | None | None |
| Texture | Crunchy, sugary wafer | Crunchy sugar shell with milk chocolate | Crunchy shell with dairy-free chocolate | Crunchy shell with dairy-free chocolate |
| Origin | USA | UK, Canada | Germany | Switzerland |
Other Vegan-Friendly Candy
If you can't find a direct Smarties alternative, many other popular candies are also accidentally vegan, making them a great choice for a sweet treat:
- Skittles: The original and wild berry varieties are famously vegan.
- Sour Patch Kids: These are gelatin-free and a popular vegan option.
- Swedish Fish: Always check the label, but many are vegan-friendly, though some may contain beeswax.
- Jolly Ranchers: A classic hard candy that is vegan.
- Airheads: These chewy candies are typically vegan.
Understanding the Labels
Given the confusion surrounding the Smarties brand name, it's crucial for vegans to always read the label carefully. Look for common non-vegan ingredients, especially dairy derivatives like 'skimmed milk powder', 'whey', and 'butterfat', and glazing agents like 'beeswax' or 'shellac'. For items where the vegan status of certain additives like 'calcium stearate' is ambiguous, checking the manufacturer's website or contacting them directly is the safest approach.
Conclusion
The vegan status of Smarties is entirely dependent on your geographical location. American Smarties candy rolls are vegan and safe for those avoiding animal products, while the milk chocolate-filled Nestlé Smarties sold in the UK and Canada are not. By paying attention to the specific product and its manufacturer, consumers can make informed choices. Thankfully, a growing number of explicitly vegan alternatives and other accidentally vegan candies are available to satisfy any sweet tooth.
External Link
For more information on the history and confirmation of American Smarties' vegan status, visit the official Smarties Candy Company website [https://www.smarties.com/our-candy/].
