The Crucial Distinction: Original vs. Chewy
When a consumer asks, "do love hearts contain gelatine?", they are often thinking of the classic, hard, fizzy confectionery that has been a staple in British sweet shops for decades. The good news for vegetarians and vegans is that these original Swizzels Love Hearts do not contain gelatine and are suitable for a vegan diet. The confusion arises because Swizzels also produces a chewy, gummy version of the popular sweet, known as Squashies Love Hearts, which do contain gelatine. This critical difference means that it is essential to check the product type and ingredients list before purchasing.
Ingredients of Classic Swizzels Love Hearts
For the original version of this beloved sweet, the ingredient list is free from animal products. Instead of gelatine, the recipe uses a blend of other ingredients to achieve its characteristic texture and flavour. A typical list includes:
- Sugar
- Acidity Regulator: Malic Acid
- Anti-caking Agents: Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Carbonate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Modified Starch
- Flavourings
- Colours: Anthocyanin, Beetroot Red, Copper Chlorophyllin, Curcumin, Lutein, Paprika Extract
As you can see, gelatine is not present in this formulation, making it a safe choice for those avoiding animal-based ingredients. The stearic acid used by Swizzels is plant-derived.
Ingredients of Swizzels Squashies Love Hearts
In stark contrast to the original, the chewy Squashies Love Hearts contain a key gelling agent derived from animal sources. The ingredients for this softer version clearly state:
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Gelling Agent: Gelatine
- Modified Starch
- Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate
- Flavourings
- Pectin
- Glazing Agent: Carnaubawax
- Colours: Anthocyanin, Copper Chlorophyllin, Curcumin, Lutein, Paprika Extract
For anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet, the inclusion of gelatine means that Squashies are not suitable for consumption. Some other non-Swizzels versions or gummy variants of 'love hearts' also use gelatine, sometimes explicitly noting Halal beef gelatine.
The Role of Gelatine in Confectionery
Gelatine is a gelling agent derived from animal collagen, typically sourced from the skin, bones, and tendons of cows or pigs. It is widely used in the food industry to create the chewy, jelly-like texture found in many gummies and jellies. For vegetarians and vegans, or those with other dietary restrictions such as Halal, avoiding products with gelatine is a necessity.
How to Check if Your Sweets are Gelatine-Free
Beyond simply knowing the difference between the original Love Hearts and Squashies, it's always best practice to check the ingredients list on the packaging. Here are some pointers for what to look for:
- Read the Label: Look for the term "gelatine" in the ingredients list. It is usually listed under the heading for gelling agents.
- Look for Certifications: Many manufacturers will explicitly state if a product is suitable for vegans or vegetarians, often accompanied by a symbol. Swizzels clearly labels its Original Love Hearts as vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
- Check the Product Type: Be mindful of product descriptions. A 'chewy' or 'gummy' version of a sweet is a strong indicator that it might contain gelatine, even if a non-chewy version doesn't.
Comparative Ingredients: Classic vs. Chewy
| Feature | Original Swizzels Love Hearts | Swizzels Squashies Love Hearts |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Hard, fizzy, and crunchy | Soft and chewy |
| Gelling Agent | Modified Starch | Gelatine |
| Dietary Status | Vegan and Vegetarian | Not Vegetarian or Vegan |
| Colours | Anthocyanin, Beetroot Red, etc. | Anthocyanin, Copper Chlorophyllin, etc. |
| Primary Sweetener | Sugar | Glucose Syrup, Sugar |
| Key Ingredient | Malic Acid for fizz | Gelatine for chewiness |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the simple question, "do love hearts contain gelatine?" has a nuanced answer. The original, hard and fizzy Swizzels Love Hearts are completely free of gelatine and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. However, the chewy Squashies Love Hearts, along with other gummy confectionery using the 'Love Hearts' name, do contain gelatine and should be avoided by those on a plant-based diet. Always read the ingredients list carefully to ensure your sweet treat aligns with your dietary needs. The manufacturer, Swizzels, provides clear information on their website, highlighting their many vegan-friendly options, including the classic Love Hearts.
Are Love Hearts Vegan? - Plant Based News
Additional Resources
- Swizzels official website for ingredient information
- Online retailers listing ingredients and dietary information
- Vegan news sites providing clarification on confectionery
