Why Classic M&M's are Not Vegan
For a truly vegan product, all ingredients must be free from animal-derived sources. Unfortunately for candy lovers, M&M's fail this test on multiple fronts. The most obvious and significant reason is the use of milk chocolate. This is not simply a matter of a few ingredients; the milk chocolate itself is comprised of several dairy components. Even M&M's dark chocolate varieties contain dairy, as confirmed by numerous ingredient lists.
Dairy Ingredients in M&M's
The standard M&M's recipe includes several dairy-based ingredients. These are typically listed directly on the packaging, though their technical names may not always be immediately recognizable to the new vegan.
- Skim milk: A core ingredient in milk chocolate, derived from cow's milk.
- Lactose: The main sugar found in milk, which is often used in confectionery.
- Milkfat: Another component derived from milk, providing richness and flavor.
These ingredients are found across virtually all M&M's flavors, including peanut, peanut butter, and dark chocolate, making all variants unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Controversial Coloring and Glazing Agents
Beyond dairy, the colorful candy shell of M&M's presents further issues for many ethical vegans. While most food colors are synthetic, they raise concerns due to animal testing.
- Artificial Colors: Dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are commonly tested on animals to ensure safety for human consumption. Many vegans choose to avoid these products for this reason.
- Confectioner's Glaze: The glazing agent used can be a source of confusion. In the UK, some M&M's contain shellac, a substance derived from the female lac beetle, making it definitively not vegan. US versions typically use carnauba wax, which is plant-based and therefore vegan-friendly. However, the dairy content still prohibits all M&M's from being vegan.
The Problem with Bone Char Sugar
Another ingredient concern for ethical vegans is the processing of cane sugar. In some cases, cane sugar is filtered using bone char, which is made from the charred bones of cattle, to achieve a whiter, more refined appearance. Although this process does not leave bone char in the final product, many vegans consider it a non-vegan process. It is often difficult to confirm if a specific brand's sugar is processed with bone char, but some ethical vegans choose to avoid products that are not certified vegan for this reason.
Ethical Sourcing and Corporate Practices
For a truly ethical vegan, the analysis extends beyond the ingredient list. The parent company of M&M's, Mars Inc., has faced scrutiny over its broader corporate practices. The use of palm oil, a technically vegan ingredient, is a point of contention due to deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction associated with its production. Additionally, reports of child labor and worker's rights abuses in cocoa sourcing have been leveled against Mars Inc., leading some ethical vegans to boycott their products.
Delicious Vegan Alternatives to M&M's
The good news is that a growing market of vegan alternatives means you don't have to miss out on chocolatey, candy-coated treats. Here are some popular options:
- Unreal: Offers dark chocolate peanut gems and dark chocolate crispy quinoa gems that are certified vegan and available in many stores.
- Little Secrets: Known for its gourmet, fair-trade chocolate candy. Their "Pieces" come in dark chocolate, sea salted peanut, and sea salted almond varieties.
- No Whey! Foods: A top allergen-free brand that offers a product called "Choco NoNo's" which mimic M&M's. They are dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.
- Mummy Meegz: A UK-based brand that has introduced "M'z Gems," a dairy-free milk chocolate M&M alternative.
- Homemade Versions: For a completely controlled option, many vegan bloggers and chefs share recipes for creating homemade, plant-based chocolate candies using cocoa butter, plant milk powder, and natural food colorings.
Comparison of M&M's and Vegan Alternatives
| Feature | M&M's | Unreal Gems | No Whey! Choco NoNos | Mummy Meegz M'z Gems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dairy | Yes (Milk chocolate) | No | No | No |
| Artificial Dyes | Yes (Red 40, Yellow 5, etc.) | No (Natural colors) | No (Natural colors) | No (Natural colors) |
| Glazing Agent | Carnauba wax (US) / Shellac (UK) | Carnauba wax | Carnauba wax | Carnauba wax |
| Sourcing Concerns | Yes (Palm oil, cocoa) | Ethical sourcing practices | Often highlights clean ingredients | Ethically sourced cocoa, palm oil-free |
Navigating the World of Vegan Snacks
When exploring the world of vegan products, it's crucial to adopt a vigilant approach to reading ingredient labels. Here are some pointers to help navigate the market and avoid accidentally consuming animal products:
- Read Every Label: Never assume a product is vegan based on its name or appearance. Always check the ingredients list thoroughly.
- Look for Certifications: The best way to ensure a product is vegan is to look for official vegan certifications from organizations like the Vegan Society or Vegan Action. These labels guarantee the product is free of animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals.
- Be Aware of Hidden Ingredients: Watch for less obvious animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, carmine (sometimes called natural red 4), and casein (a milk protein).
- Do Your Research: If a company lists a controversial ingredient like palm oil, take a moment to research their sourcing practices and see if they are committed to sustainability. Websites like The Good Shopping Guide offer ethical ratings for many brands.
- Connect with the Community: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to vegan food. These communities are often the first to know about new vegan products and can share valuable information about brand integrity.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
While M&M's remain a non-vegan product due to the inclusion of dairy and other problematic ingredients, the good news for vegan consumers is the availability of many high-quality, delicious alternatives. By making informed choices, vegans can enjoy their favorite treats without compromising their ethical principles. Always check labels, research manufacturers, and explore the wide variety of dedicated vegan brands on the market to satisfy your sweet tooth responsibly. Your choices have a powerful impact, not just on your own nutrition diet, but on the larger systems of animal welfare and corporate ethics.
