Do Smarties contain crushed beetles? The myth and the reality
The notion that the red candy coating on Smarties comes from crushed beetles is a widespread myth rooted in historical food production practices. The answer, however, is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on which candy you are referring to. There are at least two distinct products called "Smarties," and their ingredients and history differ significantly.
The tale of two Smarties
To understand the origin of this particular dietary urban legend, one must first distinguish between the two types of candies bearing the Smarties name:
- US Smarties: In the United States, Smarties are the small, tangy, hard-wafer candies sold in a cellophane wrapper. These are manufactured by the family-owned Smarties Candy Company and are known to be vegan-friendly and free of major allergens. The red coloring is derived from artificial food dyes like Red 40 Lake, not from insects. The company confirms that its products contain no animal products whatsoever.
- UK Smarties (Nestlé): In the United Kingdom and many other parts of the world, Smarties are chocolate-filled candies with a colorful shell, similar in form to M&Ms. Historically, the red shells of Nestlé's Smarties did contain carmine, a red dye derived from cochineal insects. However, in 2006, Nestlé removed all artificial colorings from its UK Smarties and replaced them with natural alternatives. The red color is now sourced from a red cabbage extract.
What is cochineal (carmine) and where is it used?
Cochineal extract, or carmine, is a natural red dye (also known as E120) derived from the dried, pulverized bodies of female cochineal insects that live on prickly pear cacti. The dye, known as carminic acid, is produced by the insects as a defense mechanism and has been used for centuries to color textiles and food. While no longer in modern Smarties, carmine is still used in a variety of other products, especially those that aim for "natural" ingredients, such as certain yogurts, juices, and cosmetics.
This shift in consumer preferences and labeling regulations has led many food manufacturers to seek plant-based alternatives to carmine, such as beet, paprika, and spirulina extracts.
Comparing US and UK Smarties ingredients
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the ingredients in US and UK Smarties, focusing on the components relevant to the "beetle" myth.
| Feature | US Smarties (Smarties Candy Company) | UK Smarties (Nestlé) |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Type | Small, hard, tangy wafer | Chocolate-filled shell |
| Red Coloring | Artificial colors (e.g., Red 40 Lake) | Natural color from red cabbage extract (since 2006) |
| Beetle-Derived Dye | No | Previously yes (carmine), but no longer |
| Vegan Status | Yes, confirmed vegan | No, contains milk chocolate and is not suitable for a vegan diet |
| Key Sweetener | Dextrose | Sugar |
| Glazing Agent | Calcium Stearate (plant-derived) | Carnauba wax and beeswax |
The move to natural colorings and its impact on diet
Nestlé's decision to remove artificial and insect-derived colorings from their UK Smarties is part of a broader trend in the food industry. For consumers, especially those following specific dietary restrictions, this change is significant. The shift to natural colorings, often from vegetables, fruits, and algae, means:
- Vegan diets: Individuals following a vegan diet must always check the ingredient list, as some "natural" colorings like carmine are still animal-derived. The vegan status of a product can also be affected by other ingredients, such as the milk in UK Smarties.
- Religious dietary laws: Carmine's insect origin makes products containing it unsuitable for some religious diets, such as those following the Hanafi school of Islamic law, which considers it haram. The use of vegan-friendly colorings is a cleaner alternative for these consumers.
- Allergies: Though rare, some individuals have allergic reactions to carmine. The switch to plant-based dyes removes this specific allergen for sensitive consumers.
- Synthetic concerns: Some people prefer to avoid synthetic food dyes for health reasons. The use of natural dyes addresses this concern, although natural dyes can also have limitations in stability and vibrancy.
Conclusion
The short and simple answer to the question "Do Smarties have beetles in them?" is no, regardless of whether you're referring to the hard wafer candies in the US or the chocolate lentils in the UK. However, the origin of this common myth is based on the historical use of carmine, a red dye from cochineal insects, in the UK version of the candy. This confusion highlights the importance of checking labels, especially for specific dietary concerns like veganism or allergies, and serves as a fascinating example of how food production and consumer demands have evolved over time.
Where to find more information
To see the official vegan statement for US Smarties, visit the Smarties Candy Company website: Our Candy - Smarties®.
