The question of whether Smarties contain animal products is a common source of confusion, primarily because two entirely different candies share the same name in different parts of the world. The classic American wafer rolls are a cruelty-free, vegan treat, but the familiar chocolate-coated lentils from brands like Nestlé are not. This comprehensive guide will clear up the confusion by examining the ingredients of these distinct candies.
The Vegan American Smarties Candy Rolls
In the United States, the brand name "Smarties" refers to the small, colorful, wafer-like candies that come in cellophane rolls. These are famously free from the nine major food allergens, including dairy, egg, and soy. A quick glance at the Smarties Candy Company's official website confirms that their products are not only gluten-free but also entirely vegan, containing no animal products whatsoever.
Key Ingredients of US Smarties
- Dextrose: A type of sugar derived from corn.
- Citric Acid: A common food additive found in citrus fruits.
- Calcium Stearate: A lubricant that prevents candies from sticking together. The Smarties Candy Company confirms their calcium stearate is plant-derived.
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: The company uses vegan-friendly flavoring.
- Colors: Derived from synthetic food dyes that do not use animal products.
This simple, dry ingredient list makes the American Smarties a safe and compassionate choice for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. The candy's Canadian counterpart, known as Rockets®, is the same product and is also vegan.
The Non-Vegan Nestlé Smarties
Conversely, if you live in the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, a different product is called Smarties. These are chocolate candies with a colorful sugar shell, much like M&M's. The ingredients in these products immediately make them unsuitable for vegans and sometimes for vegetarians due to animal-derived components.
Key Ingredients of UK and Canadian Nestlé Smarties
- Skimmed Milk Powder: A fundamental component of the milk chocolate center.
- Cocoa Butter & Mass: These chocolate components are plant-based, but are combined with milk derivatives.
- Butterfat (from Milk): Another obvious dairy ingredient.
- Lactose and Proteins from Whey: Additional milk products used.
- Beeswax White: Used as a glazing agent to give the shells their shine. This is a common animal product to look out for in sweets.
- Carmine (Cochineal): Historically, Nestlé Smarties, particularly the red-colored ones, used the colorant carmine (E120), which is derived from crushed cochineal insects. While some modern versions may use plant-based colors, older information and specific market ingredients may still include this. Always check the label.
Because of the inclusion of milk, butterfat, and beeswax, Nestlé Smarties are not vegan. The inclusion of carmine means they are not even vegetarian in some cases, although Nestlé UK has stated their products are suitable for vegetarians. This is likely because the colorants have been updated, but it is always best to check the most current ingredient list.
Understanding Ambiguous Ingredients
Carmine (E120)
Carmine is a red dye made from the crushed bodies of cochineal insects. It is frequently used in red and pink food products. If you see E120 or "cochineal extract" on a label, the product is not vegan or vegetarian. While Nestlé has replaced this in many markets with plant-based alternatives like beetroot red, older or regional versions may still contain it. This is a key ingredient for concerned consumers to monitor.
Beeswax (E901)
Beeswax is a wax produced by honey bees. It is often used as a glazing agent to make candy and other foods shiny. Products containing beeswax are not considered vegan, as it is an animal product. Both the UK and Canadian versions of chocolate Smarties list beeswax as an ingredient. The American Smarties do not use beeswax, opting for a different, vegan-friendly process.
Smarties Comparison: US vs. UK (Nestlé)
| Feature | US Smarties (Wafer Rolls) | UK & Canada Smarties (Chocolate) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Product | Tangy, sugary wafer tablets | Milk chocolate in a hard shell |
| Vegan | Yes | No |
| Vegetarian | Yes | Yes (in UK, with newer formulations) |
| Contains Dairy | No | Yes (Skimmed milk powder, butterfat) |
| Glazing Agents | No beeswax, vegan friendly | Yes, contains beeswax (E901) |
| Colorants | Synthetic dyes (vegan friendly) | Often plant-based, but historically used carmine |
| Allergen Info | Top 9 allergen-free | Contains milk, wheat, soy |
How to Determine If Your Smarties Are Vegan
To ensure you are consuming a vegan-friendly product, always check the label for two key identifiers. First, check for a UPC code beginning with "0 11206". If found, the product was packaged in a facility that produces vegan Smarties. Second, carefully examine the ingredient list. The presence of milk, butterfat, carmine (E120), or beeswax (E901) indicates the product is not vegan.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway is that the term "Smarties" does not refer to a single, universally consistent product. For those in the United States, the wafer rolls are a definitively vegan and allergen-free candy, proudly advertised as such by the Smarties Candy Company. For consumers in the UK, Canada, and other regions, the chocolate-based version from Nestlé is not vegan due to dairy products and beeswax. By understanding the geographical differences and reading ingredient labels, consumers can easily determine whether their Smarties contain animal products and make informed dietary choices. A single check can prevent a significant misstep for those dedicated to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
For more information, please visit the official Smarties Candy Company website to learn about their vegan product line: Smarties Candy Company
Additional Vegan Candy Options
- Skittles: The newer formulations of Skittles are gelatin-free and vegan.
- Sour Patch Kids: The main ingredients are vegan, free from gelatin.
- Swedish Fish: Most varieties are vegan, though some may contain beeswax. Always check the packaging.
- Twizzlers: A popular gelatin-free option, suitable for vegans.
- Airheads: These taffy-like candies are dairy and gelatin-free.
- Enjoy Life Chocolate: A brand that specializes in allergen-free, vegan chocolate products.
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy: The hard candy varieties are typically vegan-friendly.
