The Surprising Truth: Classic Love Hearts Are Vegan
Yes, the original Swizzels Love Hearts, in their well-known pastel-coloured, fizzy tablet form, are completely vegan. The recipe has been formulated without any animal-derived products, meaning they contain no gelatine, dairy, or egg. This is a relief for many who want to enjoy this nostalgic sweet without compromising their dietary ethics. The company has made a conscious effort to cater to the growing number of vegetarians and vegans, ensuring that their classic and much-loved recipe remains cruelty-free.
What are Love Hearts made of?
The ingredients list for the classic Love Hearts roll confirms its vegan status, primarily consisting of sugar, acidity regulators, and natural colourings. Unlike many other sweets that get their chewiness from gelatine, Love Hearts achieve their fizzy, compressed texture through a different process entirely. The specific ingredients typically include:
- Sugar: The primary ingredient providing the sweet taste.
- Acidity Regulators (Malic Acid): Adds the tangy, sherbet-like flavour.
- Anti-Caking Agents (Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Carbonate): These ingredients prevent clumping. Importantly, the stearic acid used in Swizzels' Love Hearts is plant-derived, a detail confirmed by the manufacturer.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: This is the ingredient that provides the signature fizz.
- Modified Starch: Helps with the texture and binding of the candy.
- Flavourings: All are plant-based.
- Colours (Anthocyanin, Beetroot Red, Copper Chlorophyllin, Lutein, Paprika Extract): These are all derived from natural, plant-based sources.
The Importance of Avoiding Non-Vegan Love Hearts Variants
This is where it can get confusing for vegan sweet lovers. While the classic chalky Love Hearts are vegan, not all Love Hearts-branded products from Swizzels are. For example, 'Squashies Love Hearts' contain gelatine, a non-vegan ingredient derived from animal collagen. It is crucial to always check the ingredients list, especially when purchasing newer products or variations of a classic sweet. A product's name can be misleading if it refers to a brand rather than a specific formulation.
Original Love Hearts vs. Squashies Love Hearts: A Comparison
| Feature | Original Fizzy Love Hearts | Squashies Love Hearts |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Type | Hard, fizzy, compressed candy | Soft, chewy, gummy sweet |
| Vegan Status | Yes, fully vegan | No, contains gelatine |
| Key Ingredients | Sugar, plant-based stearic acid, natural colours | Glucose Syrup, Gelatine, Sugar, natural colours |
| Texture | Crunchy and powdery | Soft and squishy |
| Appearance | Pastel-coloured, stamped hearts | Brightly coloured, heart-shaped gummies |
| Where to Find | Available in rolls and bags | Typically sold in larger bags |
Other Vegan-Friendly Sweets from Swizzels
Swizzels has expanded its vegan offering beyond the classic Love Hearts. Many of their other famous sweets are now suitable for a plant-based diet. This includes classics that were traditionally vegan by accident as well as new formulations made intentionally vegan. Some of these include:
- Parma Violets: These iconic floral-scented sweets are vegan.
- Original Fizzers: The original compressed fizzy sweets are also suitable for vegans.
- Drumstick Chews & Refresher Chews: While the Drumstick lollies often contain gelatine, the chewy bar versions have been re-formulated to be vegan.
- Rainbow Drops: These light, sugary puffed sweets are vegan-friendly.
- Many chew bars: Swizzels confirmed in 2018 they changed the ingredients of their chew bars to be suitable for vegans.
For a full list of their vegan-friendly products, it is always best to check the official Swizzels website.
Navigating the Sweet Aisle as a Vegan
Being a savvy shopper for vegan sweets involves a few key steps. First, never assume a product is vegan based on its name alone, as variations and similar-looking products can have different recipes, as shown with Love Hearts and Squashies Love Hearts. Second, always read the ingredients list. Look out for common animal products like gelatine, beeswax, shellac, and dairy ingredients such as milk powder. Many companies, including Swizzels, are now adding clear vegan-friendly labels to their packaging to make it easier for consumers. Lastly, research trusted vegan-friendly brands or specialty vegan sweet shops online. Companies like Candy Kittens or Toms Sweethearts offer a wide selection of guaranteed vegan products.
Conclusion: A Win for Vegan Sweet Lovers
For those seeking a nostalgic treat, the classic Swizzels Love Hearts are indeed a perfectly vegan choice. However, the discovery that not all Love Hearts-branded products are vegan highlights the importance of checking labels diligently. By staying informed about the different product formulations and knowing which brands or lines to trust, vegans can continue to enjoy a variety of delicious sweets without compromising their principles. So go ahead, share a classic Love Heart—it's a sweet, and completely vegan, gesture. For more vegan sweet options from the company, you can explore the official Swizzels website.
