The Core Reason M&M's Are Not Vegan
The most significant and undeniable reason that M&M's are not vegan is their main ingredient: milk chocolate. The classic M&M's formula, and all its variations, is built around a chocolate center that contains a number of dairy products. Common ingredients listed on M&M's packaging include skim milk, lactose, and milkfat. Vegans strictly avoid all animal-derived products, including dairy, which immediately disqualifies M&M's from being considered vegan.
Hidden Animal-Derived Ingredients
Beyond the obvious dairy, M&M's contain several other ingredients that are unacceptable to most vegans, some of which vary by region:
- Colorants: The vibrant colors of M&M's candy shells often come from a mix of artificial and natural colorings. Some of these, like carmine (also known as cochineal or E120), are derived from crushed insects and are found in M&M's in the UK and Europe. While US versions use artificial colors, many ethical vegans still avoid them due to a history of animal testing for safety clearance.
- Glazing Agents: Some international varieties of M&M's explicitly list beeswax as a glazing agent. In other candies, confectioner's glaze (shellac), derived from lac insects, is used, though M&M's are not typically cited as containing this.
- Refined Sugar: In the United States, cane sugar is sometimes processed using bone char, which is made from the charred bones of cattle. This practice makes it a non-vegan ingredient, though it's often impossible to verify if the sugar in a particular product, like M&M's, was filtered this way.
Vegan Alternatives to Satisfy Your Candy Cravings
Fortunately, for those following a vegan diet, there are many fantastic alternatives that mimic the taste and experience of M&M's without using any animal-derived ingredients. These products use plant-based chocolate and natural, cruelty-free colorings.
- Unreal Dark Chocolate Gems: These are widely available and come in several varieties, such as peanut and crispy quinoa, offering a direct vegan dupe for M&M's.
- Little Secrets Pieces: This brand offers various vegan pieces, including dark chocolate and sea salted peanut, which are an excellent alternative.
- YumEarth Choco Yums: Made by an allergy-friendly company, these are another great option for a vegan, chocolate-coated candy.
- No Whey! Foods Choco No No's: This product is specifically designed to be a vegan and dairy-free imitation of the classic M&M's.
- Trupo Treats Earth Gems: A newer option in the market that provides vegan, M&M-style candy.
M&M's vs. Vegan Candy Alternatives
| Feature | Conventional M&M's | Vegan Gems (e.g., Unreal) |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Base | Contains milk chocolate (skim milk, milkfat, lactose) | Uses plant-based dark chocolate (no dairy) |
| Coloring Agents | Artificial colors (animal-tested) and sometimes carmine (insects) | Uses vegetable juices and other natural, cruelty-free sources |
| Glazing | May use beeswax or other animal-derived agents depending on region | Uses vegan alternatives like carnauba wax or zein |
| Sugar | Cane sugar, possibly processed with bone char | Often certified organic or vegan sugar, avoiding bone char processing |
| Ethical Considerations | Not cruelty-free due to animal testing and ingredients | Actively avoids animal exploitation and promotes ethical sourcing |
What to Look for When Buying Vegan Candy
When searching for vegan-friendly sweets, it's crucial to read labels carefully. Here are some key ingredients to watch out for, along with their vegan alternatives:
- Dairy: The most common culprit, including milk powder, whey, lactose, and milkfat. Look for products labeled 'dairy-free' or 'vegan'.
- Carmine (E120): This red food coloring is derived from insects. Instead, look for dyes from vegetable sources.
- Beeswax (E901): A bee product often used as a glaze. Carnauba wax is a common vegan alternative.
- Confectioner's Glaze (E904): Another name for shellac, a product of lac bugs. Look for coatings made from plant-based sources, like corn protein.
- Refined Sugar: While tricky to confirm without a vegan certification, buying organic sugar or products with beet sugar can help avoid bone char processing.
- Natural Flavors: This umbrella term can sometimes include animal-derived ingredients. Check with the manufacturer if uncertain.
Conclusion
While the answer to 'Can vegans eat M&M's?' is a definitive no, this does not mean that chocolate-covered candy is off-limits. The variety of excellent vegan alternatives on the market means that you can still enjoy a colorful, crunchy treat while staying true to a plant-based diet. By understanding the ingredients to avoid, like dairy, carmine, and potentially bone char-refined sugar, vegans can confidently make informed choices and find satisfying, cruelty-free options. The growth of the vegan food market ensures there are more and more delicious and ethical choices available all the time.
For more information on vegan alternatives to common snacks, you can check out resources like PETA's guide to vegan candy.(https://www.peta.org/living/food/vegan-candy-bars-better-childhood-favorites/)
