Are Squashies ok for vegetarians? A complete guide

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 500,000 UK adults have adopted a vegetarian diet, making the question of whether popular sweets are suitable more common than ever. When it comes to the chewy, fruity confectionary, many people ask: Are Squashies ok for vegetarians? The simple answer is no, because most varieties contain gelatine, which is an animal-derived product.

Quick Summary

An investigation into Swizzels Squashies reveals that the majority of products are not vegetarian due to the inclusion of gelatine. This guide examines the ingredients, potential confusion with other Swizzels products, and highlights specific vegan-friendly versions that are now available.

Key Points

Not Suitable for Vegetarians: The standard recipe for Swizzels Squashies includes gelatine, an animal-derived gelling agent.
Gelatine is the Problem: Gelatine is made from boiling animal bones, skin, and connective tissues, making it incompatible with a vegetarian diet.
Always Check the Label: Confusion exists online, so the most reliable way to confirm is by checking the ingredients listed on the physical packaging.
Plant-Based Alternatives Exist: Many other brands and products use plant-based gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar, and some Squashies 'dupes' are vegan-friendly.
Growing Market for Vegan Sweets: The availability of high-quality vegetarian and vegan sweets has significantly increased, offering many options similar to Squashies.
Some Variants are OK: Certain online retailers and markets have been known to carry some varieties of Squashies that claim to be vegetarian or vegan. Always verify the ingredients list for the specific product in question, as not all flavours adhere to this. Some sites have even stated that Bubblegum Squashies from Swizzels were vegan, and the official site listed no gelatine.

Why most Squashies are not vegetarian

The primary reason that most Squashies are not suitable for vegetarians is the inclusion of gelatine. Gelatine is a gelling agent made from boiling the bones, skin, and other connective tissues of animals, most commonly from pigs and cows. This ingredient is what gives many traditional gummy and jelly sweets their characteristic chewy texture. Swizzels, the manufacturer of Squashies, lists gelatine as a key ingredient in many of its most popular flavours.

The ingredient list tells the story

For anyone on a vegetarian or vegan diet, reading the ingredient list is crucial. When examining the packaging for standard Drumstick or Love Hearts Squashies, the term 'Gelling Agent: Gelatine' is prominently featured. This confirms that the product contains animal-derived ingredients and should be avoided by vegetarians. While the natural flavours and colours may seem innocent, the use of gelatine overrides their suitability for a plant-based diet.

Gelatine vs. Plant-based gelling agents

While gelatine is a traditional gelling agent, the confectionery industry has increasingly adopted plant-based alternatives to cater to a wider range of dietary needs. These include pectin (from fruits), agar-agar (from algae), and carrageenan (from seaweed). Manufacturers can achieve a very similar texture and consistency without using any animal products by using these ingredients. Unfortunately, many of the classic Squashies recipes still rely on gelatine.

Confusion surrounding specific Squashies flavours

There has been some confusion and mixed information regarding certain Squashies flavours over the years, partly due to the brand's experimentation with recipes and the rise of online re-sellers who may list incorrect dietary information. For example, some online retailers have made misleading claims about Squashies being vegetarian. However, the official Swizzels website and many vegetarian-specific forums confirm the presence of gelatine in the standard product line.

A note on older versions

It's also important to note that recipes can change. For example, a version found on a third-party site might be different from the one currently available in a supermarket. To avoid any doubt, always check the packaging of the product you intend to buy. The ingredient list is the only definitive source of truth. The company's official nutritional information is also the most reliable resource for confirming ingredients.

Vegetarian and vegan Squashies alternatives

Fortunately for those with a sweet tooth, the market for vegetarian and vegan-friendly chewy sweets has exploded in recent years. Many manufacturers now offer plant-based options that replicate the texture and flavour of traditional gummy candies.

Here are some excellent alternatives to try:

Aldi's 'Twinnies': These have been noted as a popular dupe for Squashies and are explicitly marketed as vegan.
Katjes Vegan Gummies: This brand specializes in vegan gummy candy and is widely available in many countries.
Candy Kittens: A trendy brand known for its exotic flavours and vegan-friendly recipes.
The Natural Confectionery Co. Vegan Jellies: Offers delicious, soft, and fruity vegan jellies.

Comparing Squashies with Vegetarian Alternatives


Feature	Classic Swizzels Squashies	Vegetarian Gummy Alternatives (e.g., Candy Kittens)
Gelling Agent	Gelatine (animal-derived)	Pectin or Agar-Agar (plant-based)
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans	Suitable for both vegetarians and vegans
Availability	Very widely available in supermarkets	Increasing availability in mainstream stores, often in the 'free-from' aisle
Flavour Profile	Nostalgic, classic Swizzels flavours	Often more modern, 'gourmet' fruit flavours
Chewiness	Distinctive chewy, squishy texture	Can vary slightly but modern plant-based gums are very similar

Conclusion: Read the label to avoid gelatine

In conclusion, for those adhering to a vegetarian diet, Swizzels Squashies in their standard formulation are not suitable due to the inclusion of gelatine. This ingredient, derived from animal products, is the primary reason why these popular chewy sweets are off-limits. However, the good news is that the confectionery market has evolved considerably, and there are now numerous delicious, chewy, and fruity alternatives available that are entirely plant-based. The key takeaway for any consumer, regardless of dietary preference, is to make reading the ingredient list a habit. For vegetarians seeking that familiar sweet satisfaction, it’s best to explore the growing range of gelatine-free gummy candies on the market, ensuring that every sweet treat aligns with your dietary values.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while most of the original Squashies flavours, like Drumstick and Love Hearts, contain animal-derived gelatine, certain newer varieties or specific limited editions may be made with plant-based gelling agents. However, to be certain, always check the ingredients on the product's packaging.

Gelatine is a gelling agent used to create the chewy texture in many sweets. It is made from boiling the bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly pigs and cows, which is why it is not suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Several brands offer vegetarian or vegan alternatives, including Candy Kittens, The Natural Confectionery Co. Vegan Jellies, and Katjes Vegan Gummies. Some supermarket own-brand products, like Aldi's 'Twinnies', have also been noted as being suitable.

Yes, the most reliable way is to read the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for the 'Gelling Agent' and ensure it lists a plant-based alternative like pectin or agar-agar, not gelatine. Many vegetarian-friendly sweets will also have a clear 'Suitable for Vegetarians' or 'Vegan' logo on the front of the packaging.

Swizzels does offer vegan and vegetarian products in its portfolio, but historically, the classic Squashies have contained gelatine. Some newer flavours and certain online listings have suggested specific vegetarian/vegan versions, but consumers must verify the ingredients on the packet they are purchasing.

Not necessarily. While some sweets are both, being 'halal' means the ingredients and production process conform to Islamic dietary laws. This might involve using a non-pork gelatine, which is still an animal-derived product and not vegetarian. Always check for a specific vegetarian or vegan label if this is your dietary requirement.

For detailed information, reliable sources include official company websites, reputable sweet suppliers that specify dietary information, and resources like VeganFriendly.org.uk. Checking a product's nutritional information PDF on the manufacturer's site is also a solid method.