The Simple Answer: Yes, Twizzlers Are "Accidentally Vegan"
For many vegans, the primary consideration is the absence of animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, and gelatin. Most standard Twizzlers, including Strawberry Twists, fit this criterion as they do not use gelatin for their chewy texture. Instead, they use plant-based ingredients such as corn syrup, sugar, wheat flour, and cornstarch. The red color is from Red 40, a synthetic dye, not carmine from insects.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients List
To confirm the vegan status of specific Twizzlers products, checking the ingredient list is recommended as variations can occur. A typical list for Twizzlers Twists includes corn syrup, enriched wheat flour, sugar, cornstarch, palm oil, salt, artificial flavor, glycerin, citric acid, mineral oil, artificial color (Red 40), and soy lecithin.
Are the Additives Always Vegan?
Hershey has confirmed that the glycerin in Twizzlers is vegetable-based. Soy lecithin is plant-derived, and mineral oil, being petroleum-based, is typically considered vegan.
The Ethical Debate: Ingredients That Give Some Vegans Pause
Beyond direct animal products, some ingredients and practices raise ethical concerns for certain vegans.
The Sugar Controversy
Some U.S. white sugar is processed with bone char, a cattle bone-derived charcoal, for whitening. Although not in the final product, some ethical vegans avoid such sugar, and labels don't always disclose this process.
The Palm Oil Problem
Palm oil production is linked to deforestation and habitat loss, particularly impacting animals. Vegans with environmental concerns may avoid products like Twizzlers that contain palm oil.
Animal Testing and Artificial Colors
Synthetic artificial colors like Red 40, though not animal-derived, are often tested on animals for safety. This makes them problematic for vegans who oppose animal cruelty.
The Ambiguity of "Natural Flavors"
"Natural flavors" can be from plant or animal sources, and the origin isn't always specified. While likely plant-based in fruit candies, this ambiguity can be a concern for strict vegans without manufacturer confirmation.
Flavor by Flavor: Confirming Specific Twizzlers Varieties
While original Strawberry Twists are generally vegan, checking labels for other varieties is important. Hershey has confirmed several flavors as vegan, including Strawberry Twists, Black Licorice Twists, Chocolate Twists, Cherry Twists, Nibs, and Bites, and Pull 'n' Peel Cherry. Other varieties, like Rainbow Twists, lack explicit confirmation, though they don't contain obvious animal ingredients. The ethical concerns regarding sugar and other ingredients still apply.
Vegan-Friendly Candy Alternatives
For those seeking definitively vegan options without the ethical concerns of palm oil or bone char sugar, several brands offer alternatives. These include YumEarth (organic, vegan licorice), SmartSweets (plant-based gummies/twists), Panda Licorice (vegan options), and Red Vines (mostly vegan but may contain artificial colors).
Comparison of Twizzlers and Vegan Alternatives
| Feature | Twizzlers (Strawberry Twists) | YumEarth (Licorice) | SmartSweets (Red Twists) | Red Vines (Original) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status (Base Ingredients) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gelatin-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bone Char Sugar | Possible | No (organic sugar) | Unlikely (check labels) | Possible |
| Palm Oil | Yes | No | No | No (usually) |
| Artificial Colors (Animal Testing) | Yes (Red 40) | No (natural colors) | Yes (sometimes) | Yes (Red 40) |
| Organic | No | Yes | Some lines | No |
| Sweeteners | High Fructose Corn Syrup | Organic Sugar | Allulose/Monk Fruit | Corn Syrup |
Conclusion: Making Your Own Choice
The question of "are twizzlers vegan in the USA" depends on an individual's vegan standards. While most varieties avoid direct animal products like gelatin, dairy, or eggs, stricter vegans may have concerns about ingredients like bone char processed sugar, palm oil, and animal-tested artificial colors. Ultimately, the decision rests on personal ethical considerations. If the potential ambiguities are acceptable, Twizzlers can be considered a vegan treat. For those who avoid all potentially non-vegan practices, certified vegan alternatives are available. For more information, you can consult resources like Everything Vegan's guide on the topic Everything Vegan.
