Are Original Love Hearts Vegan?
Yes, original Love Hearts are suitable for vegans. The manufacturer, Swizzels, has confirmed that these classic sweets contain no animal-derived ingredients. The main ingredients are sugar, acidity regulators, flavourings, and colours, all of which are sourced from plants. The key reason for their vegan status is the absence of gelatine, a gelling agent made from animal collagen often found in chewy sweets.
The Importance of Ingredient Checking
Despite the positive news regarding original Love Hearts, it's always crucial for vegans to check labels. Some ingredients can have both animal and plant-based sources, leading to confusion. A prime example is stearic acid, which acts as an anti-caking agent in Love Hearts. While stearic acid can be derived from animal fat (tallow), Swizzels specifically uses a plant-based source for this ingredient in Love Hearts. This highlights the importance of trusting information directly from the manufacturer or reputable vegan sources.
Love Hearts Ingredients Deep Dive
Here is a breakdown of the key ingredients in original Love Hearts and their vegan status:
- Sugar: The sugar used by Swizzels in the UK is vegan, meaning it is not processed using bone char.
- Acidity Regulator: Malic Acid: A vegan ingredient commonly found in fruits.
- Anti-caking Agents: Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Carbonate: Swizzels confirms that the stearic acid and magnesium stearate used in Love Hearts are plant-based.
- Flavourings: All flavourings are derived from plant-based sources.
- Colours: Anthocyanin, Beetroot Red, Copper Chlorophyllin, Lutein, Paprika Extract: All colours are plant-derived. Carmine, an insect-derived colourant, is avoided.
Love Hearts vs. Other Swizzels Products
Not all Swizzels products are vegan. Several contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatine. This distinction is vital, highlighting why reading labels and checking specific product information is crucial.
| Feature | Original Love Hearts | Swizzels Candy Sticks | Love Hearts Squashies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Yes | No | No |
| Key Non-Vegan Ingredient | N/A | Beef Gelatine | Gelatine |
| Texture | Hard, fizzy, compressed powder | Chalky and brittle | Soft and chewy |
| Common Mistake | Assuming all Swizzels products are vegan | Confusing them with vegan hard candies | Assuming because Love Hearts are vegan, all variants are too |
Vegan Candy Alternatives
Many other vegan candy options are available. Alongside Love Hearts, some popular sweets are now vegan or have vegan versions. Examples include the U.S. version of Smarties (Rockets in Canada), Airheads, and Sour Patch Kids. Always check packaging as formulations vary by region. Dedicated vegan sweet shops also offer plant-based confectionery, including Giant Love Hearts.
Conclusion
Original Love Hearts are vegan-friendly due to their plant-based ingredients and lack of gelatine. Swizzels confirms their suitability for vegans on its website. However, be aware that other Swizzels products like Candy Sticks and Squashies are not vegan due to animal-derived ingredients. By understanding these differences, vegans can enjoy Love Hearts. For more information, consult resources like the Vegan Society or Vegan Food & Living.
