Nutrition and Diet: Are fizzy fangs vegetarian? A guide to checking your candy

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 40% of confectionery products contain gelatin, a non-vegetarian ingredient, making it crucial to check labels before purchasing. This raises an important question for those with dietary restrictions: are fizzy fangs vegetarian? The answer isn't straightforward and depends entirely on the specific brand producing the sweet.

Quick Summary

The vegetarian status of Fizzy Fangs varies by brand. Some manufacturers explicitly label their sweets as vegetarian or vegan, while others may contain non-vegetarian ingredients like gelatin. Always check the ingredient list to confirm suitability for your diet.

Key Points

Brand-Dependent Status: The vegetarian status of Fizzy Fangs varies significantly by brand, so always check the label, as there is no universal answer.
Gelatin is the Culprit: The main non-vegetarian ingredient to watch out for in gummy sweets like Fizzy Fangs is gelatin, which is derived from animal products.
Plant-Based Alternatives: Many brands now use plant-based gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, and modified starches, making their products vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Some brands, like Co-op, may produce their vegetarian-friendly sweets on the same lines that handle gelatin, posing a risk for those with strict dietary adherence.
Read the Label Carefully: Beyond gelatin, look for ingredients like shellac, carmine, and check for any cross-contamination warnings on the packaging before purchasing.
Reputable Brands: Opting for well-known brands that explicitly label their products as vegan or vegetarian, such as Bebeto and Vidal, is the safest bet for those seeking a plant-based option.

The Key Ingredient: Why Some Gummies Aren't Vegetarian

For many people, the chewy, gelatinous texture of gummy sweets is a defining feature. However, this texture is traditionally achieved using gelatin, an animal-derived product. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones of animals, primarily cows and pigs. This process makes any candy containing it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.

The Gelatin Problem

As a direct byproduct of the meat industry, gelatin's inclusion in food products like sweets creates a significant hurdle for those following a plant-based diet. For a long time, this meant avoiding a whole category of confectionery. However, growing awareness and consumer demand for vegetarian and vegan options have driven many manufacturers to seek alternatives. This has led to a major shift in the confectionery industry, offering more choices for those with dietary restrictions.

Alternatives to Gelatin

Thanks to innovation, many modern confectioners have perfected plant-based gelling agents that replicate the texture of traditional gummy candies without using animal products. Common alternatives include:

Pectin: A natural gelling agent found in the cell walls of many fruits, especially apples and citrus fruits. It is widely used to thicken jams and jellies and is a popular gelatin substitute.
Agar-Agar: A jelly-like substance derived from seaweed. It is a powerful gelling agent and is a staple in many vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Modified Starches: These include modified potato and tapioca starches, which are frequently used in modern recipes for Fizzy Fangs and other gummy sweets to achieve the desired chewiness.

The Specifics: Brand by Brand

The most important takeaway for anyone asking, "Are fizzy fangs vegetarian?" is that there is no universal answer. The suitability of the sweet depends on the specific brand. While some brands are entirely vegan and vegetarian, others might have cross-contamination risks or use different recipes.

For example, brands like Bebeto and Vidal explicitly label their Fizzy Fangs as vegetarian or vegan. This is a clear indicator that they have used plant-based alternatives to gelatin in their recipe. Similarly, some UK retailers, such as Sainsbury's, also sell their own-brand Fizzy Fangs with a vegetarian or vegan label.

Conversely, other manufacturers might produce their sweets on lines that also handle products containing gelatin. The Co-op's Fizzy Fangs, for instance, have a warning stating, "Produced on a line handling Gelatine," even if the product itself does not contain it. For strict vegetarians or vegans, this cross-contamination risk is a significant consideration.

The Rise of Plant-Based Confectionery

The move towards plant-based alternatives is part of a broader trend in the food industry. As more consumers adopt vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets, manufacturers have responded by reformulating classic products to be more inclusive. This is not just limited to gummy sweets but also extends to other confectionery that traditionally used animal products, such as marshmallows (using plant-based hydrocolloids instead of gelatin) and milk chocolate (using milk alternatives). This expansion of the plant-based market gives consumers far more options than ever before and makes shopping for dietary-specific products much easier.

How to Read Candy Labels for Vegetarians

To ensure your candy aligns with your dietary principles, it is essential to become a vigilant label reader. While the front of the packaging may have enticing images, the back holds the most important information.

The Red Flags to Look For

Gelatin: This is the most obvious and common animal-derived ingredient in gummy sweets. If you see it on the list, the product is not vegetarian.
Shellac (Confectioner's Glaze): Used to give a glossy finish, this is derived from the excretions of insects and is therefore not considered vegetarian or vegan by many.
Carmine: A red dye made from crushed cochineal insects. Though many modern red dyes are synthetic, it's always worth checking for this specific ingredient.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Even if the ingredients are vegetarian, a warning about being produced on shared equipment with animal products may be a concern for some individuals.

Comparing Fizzy Fangs: A Brand Breakdown


Brand	Vegetarian/Vegan Status	Contains Gelatin?	Cross-Contamination Risk?	Key Ingredients	Verdict
Bebeto	Vegetarian & Vegan	No	Unlikely (Halal certified)	Modified potato starch, corn starch	Safe
Vidal	Vegan	No	No	Modified potato starch, modified tapioca starch	Safe
Sainsbury's	Vegan & Vegetarian	No	Low	Modified potato starch, modified tapioca starch	Safe
Co-op	Check ingredients carefully	No (ingredients listed)	Yes, produced on line handling gelatin	Modified potato starch, carnauba wax	Potential risk
Sweets & Candy	Vegetarian & Vegan	No	Yes, handles milk, gluten, nuts	Modified potato starch, modified tapioca starch	Generally safe, check for allergies

Making Informed Choices

Choosing vegetarian or vegan confectionery requires more than just a quick glance. Always take the time to read the ingredients list and any allergen warnings. If you are unsure about a specific brand or ingredient, a quick online search or checking the manufacturer's website is the best course of action. This ensures your treat aligns with your dietary ethics and avoids any unwanted surprises.

For more detailed information on plant-based ingredients and alternatives, you can refer to The Vegan Society's resources.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

While the answer to, 'Are fizzy fangs vegetarian?' is not a simple yes or no, the landscape of confectionery is more vegetarian-friendly than ever before. Thanks to brands like Bebeto, Vidal, and some supermarket own-brands, plant-based Fizzy Fangs are widely available. However, the onus remains on the consumer to check labels carefully, especially with pick-and-mix options or products from less-transparent manufacturers. By staying informed, you can enjoy a fizzy treat that aligns perfectly with your diet and values.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Fizzy Fangs are vegetarian. The use of vegetarian or vegan ingredients depends entirely on the manufacturer. Many brands produce a vegetarian version using modified starches, but others might use animal-derived gelatin or have cross-contamination risks.

Several brands offer vegetarian or vegan Fizzy Fangs. Brands like Bebeto and Vidal explicitly label their products as suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Some supermarket own-brands, such as Sainsbury's, also carry vegan and vegetarian versions.

The most important ingredient to look for in gummy sweets is gelatin. If the ingredients list contains gelatin, the sweet is not vegetarian. Also, be aware of other animal-derived products like shellac and carmine.

Gelatin is a gelling agent derived from boiling animal parts, including bones, ligaments, and skin, typically sourced from cows or pigs.

Common plant-based alternatives to gelatin include pectin (from fruit), agar-agar (from seaweed), and modified starches (from potato or tapioca).

Yes, some manufacturers produce both gelatin-based and gelatin-free sweets on the same equipment. This can lead to cross-contamination, which may be a concern for strict vegetarians or vegans. Always check the packaging for allergen or production line warnings.

You can find vegetarian Fizzy Fangs at most major supermarkets, online confectionery stores, and health food stores. Look for products explicitly labeled 'Vegan' or 'Vegetarian Society Approved' to ensure they are suitable.