The Verdict on Traditional Squashies
For those following a vegan diet, the classic Raspberry and Milk flavour Drumstick Squashies are not a suitable option. The primary ingredient preventing them from being vegan is gelatin, which is used as a gelling agent to create their signature chewy, foamy texture. Gelatin is a protein derived from the collagen found in animal bones, tendons, and skin, making it incompatible with a plant-based lifestyle. While the nostalgic taste is a beloved part of many childhoods, it's essential for vegans and vegetarians to avoid these specific products.
Reading the Label is Key
Some third-party retailers have incorrectly listed traditional Squashies as vegan or vegetarian, causing confusion among shoppers. This is often due to a mix-up with different product lines or inaccurate labelling. The best practice is always to check the official ingredients list, which consistently confirms the presence of animal-derived gelatin in the original foam gum products.
Are there any vegan Squashies products?
This is where it gets a little complicated, but with a happy ending for vegan sweet lovers. The short answer is no, traditional Squashies foam gums are not vegan. However, confectionery giant Swizzels has expanded its product range to include many vegan-friendly options, some of which might even bear similar branding or flavour names. These specifically formulated vegan products use plant-based gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar instead of gelatin. Examples include:
- Vegan-Friendly 'Choos': Swizzels launched vegan-friendly versions of their Drumstick and Refreshers 'Choos' in 2017, using entirely plant-based ingredients.
- Swizzels Squash (Drinks): A range of Swizzels-branded squashes (concentrated fruit drinks) is certified vegan, offering the flavours of Bubblegum and Refreshers in a liquid format.
- Other Swizzels Vegan Sweets: The company now actively promotes its extensive vegan range, including Refreshers Chew Bars, Love Hearts, and Fizzers.
Finding Vegan-Friendly "Squashies" Alternatives
Even if the original foam gums aren't vegan, the market is full of delicious and cruelty-free alternatives that satisfy the same cravings. Here are some options for your next sweet fix:
Commercial Vegan Sweets
For a convenient and wide variety of options, many brands now specialise in vegan-friendly confectionery.
- Vegan Confectionery Brands: Companies like Candy Kittens, BUBS, and many independent sweet shops offer an extensive range of vegan gums and chews. These brands often use fruit pectin or other plant-based starches to achieve a chewy texture.
- Supermarket Own-Brands: Major supermarkets often have their own range of vegan gummy sweets. A Reddit user mentioned that some Aldi foam sweets have a texture similar to Squashies.
- Accidentally Vegan Sweets: Some popular sweets are unintentionally vegan. A key tip is to look for sweets that use starch or pectin rather than gelatin. Familiar names like Sour Patch Kids and Skittles are often vegan-friendly in many regions.
The DIY Approach: Making Your Own
For a more hands-on approach, you can easily create your own "squashie-like" gummies at home. By replacing gelatin with a plant-based gelling agent, you can control the flavours and ingredients entirely. A popular option is agar-agar powder, a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed. Here's what you'll need:
- Fruit juice for flavour and colour (e.g., raspberry, apple)
- Agar-agar powder
- Sweetener of choice (e.g., maple syrup, sugar)
- Optional: citric acid for a tangy kick
By boiling the ingredients and pouring them into silicone moulds, you can create your own customised vegan sweets with a fun, chewy texture.
A Nutrition Diet Perspective on Vegan Sweets
While finding vegan alternatives for your favourite treats is a win, it's important to remember the broader context of a healthy nutrition diet. Just because a product is vegan doesn't automatically mean it's healthy. Many vegan sweets can still be high in sugar and low in other nutrients.
A balanced vegan diet should be based on whole foods, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Treats like vegan Squashies should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, not relied upon as a source of nutrition. Always remember to check fortified foods for key nutrients like Vitamin B12, Calcium, and Vitamin D when on a vegan diet.
| Feature | Traditional Squashies (Not Vegan) | Vegan Gummy Alternatives | Homemade Vegan Gummies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | Animal-derived Gelatin | Pectin or Agar-Agar | Agar-Agar |
| Vegan Status | No | Yes | Yes |
| Key Ingredients | Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Gelatin, Flavourings | Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Fruit Puree, Pectin | Fruit Juice, Sweetener, Agar-Agar |
| Texture | Chewy, foamy | Can vary from firm chew to soft jelly | Highly customisable |
| Control | None | Limited by brand | Full control over ingredients |
| Availability | Widely available in many shops | Available at health food stores, online, or specialist vegan retailers | Made at home with ingredients from most stores |
Conclusion
In summary, the journey to finding a vegan alternative to Squashies highlights the importance of label awareness and the growing range of plant-based options in the confectionery market. Traditional Squashies, containing gelatin, are not suitable for a vegan diet. However, Swizzels has expanded its offerings with vegan-friendly 'Choos' and other products, and a wealth of alternatives from other brands exist, using plant-based gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar. For those seeking an entirely customisable treat, making your own vegan gummies is a fun and simple project. When enjoying these sweets, remember to do so in moderation, as a healthy vegan diet relies primarily on whole foods for optimal nutrition. Always double-check ingredient lists, as formulations can change and some resellers may provide incorrect information.
