Why M&M's Are Not Vegan
The fundamental reason why M&M's are unsuitable for a vegan diet is the inclusion of dairy. The milk chocolate used in all M&M's products, regardless of the variety, contains skim milk, lactose, and milkfat. These are direct animal-derived ingredients that are explicitly avoided by vegans.
Beyond Dairy: Other Non-Vegan Ingredients
While dairy is the primary concern, a closer look at the ingredients and manufacturing process reveals further reasons for vegans to avoid M&M's.
- Artificial Colors: The vibrant candy shell of M&M's gets its color from artificial food dyes, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5. A point of contention for many ethical vegans is that these colorings are regularly tested on animals to meet safety regulations. This makes them non-cruelty-free and therefore non-vegan from an ethical standpoint.
- Refined Sugar: In the United States, a significant amount of white refined sugar is filtered using bone char—a charcoal made from the charred bones of cattle. While the final product does not contain bone char particles, the process uses an animal-derived product, leading many vegans to avoid such sugar unless it is confirmed bone-char-free. It is unclear if the sugar in M&M's is processed this way.
- Glazing Agents: Ingredients lists can also include glazing agents that may be animal-derived, though formulations differ by country. For example, some UK products have historically used carmine (from insects) or beeswax. American versions typically use carnauba wax, which is plant-based, but the presence of other animal-derived trace elements may remain.
- Natural Flavors: The term “natural flavors” is an umbrella classification that can encompass both plant-based and animal-based sources. Because the origin of these flavors is not always transparent, many vegans choose to avoid products listing this ingredient unless its source is confirmed to be plant-based.
Vegan Alternatives to M&M's
For those craving the familiar chocolate-shelled candy, several brands offer delicious and ethical vegan alternatives. These products use plant-based milks and natural colorings to replicate the M&M experience without using animal products.
- Unreal: Known for its quality, Unreal offers Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems and Dark Chocolate Crispy Quinoa Gems, which are often found in Whole Foods and other retailers. They use natural, cruelty-free colors.
- Little Secrets: This company provides several vegan options, such as their Dark Chocolate Pieces and Sea Salted Peanut Pieces, using fair-trade cocoa and high-quality ingredients.
- No Whey! Foods: This brand specializes in dairy-free and vegan products, including their Choco No No's, which are free from both dairy and peanuts.
- Mummy Meegz: A UK-based company, Mummy Meegz offers “M'z Gems,” with both milk chocolate and peanut variations. They are also palm-oil free and use recyclable packaging.
- YumEarth: Offering Choco Yums, these are an allergy-friendly and vegan-certified alternative, available in multiple flavors.
Comparing M&M's and Vegan Alternatives
| Feature | M&M's (Standard) | Vegan Alternatives (e.g., Unreal) |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Contains Milk, Skim Milk, Lactose | Dairy-free, Uses plant-based milk |
| Chocolate | Milk Chocolate | Dark or Plant-based Milk Chocolate |
| Shell Coloring | Artificial Colors (animal-tested) | Natural, plant-derived colors |
| Refined Sugar | Bone char possibility (US) | Often confirmed bone char-free or organic |
| Palm Oil | May contain palm oil | Often prioritize sustainably sourced or palm-oil free options |
| Availability | Very widely available | Health food stores, online retailers, some supermarkets |
Conclusion
The verdict on whether vegans can have M&M's is clear and definitive: no. The presence of milk chocolate derived from dairy and other potentially animal-derived ingredients makes all varieties of M&M's unsuitable for a vegan lifestyle. However, the growing market for plant-based foods means that a wide variety of delicious and ethical alternatives are now readily available. Brands like Unreal, Little Secrets, and No Whey! Foods have developed excellent, cruelty-free replacements that mimic the taste and texture of M&M's, ensuring that vegans don't have to miss out on this popular candy treat.
Finding Your Favorite Vegan Candy
With so many options on the market, experimenting with different vegan brands is a fun way to discover a new favorite. Always check the ingredient list to ensure a product is genuinely vegan, as some brands may have mixed vegan and non-vegan offerings. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, there's a colorful, chocolatey alternative waiting for you. For more information on navigating the vegan lifestyle, visit the official PETA website for a list of accidentally vegan products and guides on avoiding animal products in food and other goods.
How to Choose the Best Vegan Alternative
- Prioritize ingredients: Look for products that use natural, plant-based colorings and confirm the sourcing of their sugar and flavorings.
- Consider ethical sourcing: Some brands go a step further by using fair-trade cocoa and avoiding unsustainable palm oil.
- Read reviews: Check online reviews from other vegans to find brands that best replicate the flavor and texture you enjoy.
- Check certifications: Look for vegan society or Certified Vegan logos on the packaging for extra assurance.
By being an informed consumer, you can easily find a satisfying and ethical candy that fits your vegan principles perfectly.
