The core ingredients of US Swedish Fish
For many in North America, Swedish Fish are a familiar movie theater or convenience store candy. The unique, chewy, yet not-quite-rubbery texture is achieved without using animal-derived gelatin. The standard ingredient list for the US-produced version typically includes:
- Sugar and invert sugar: These sweeteners form the bulk of the candy, providing its sweet taste. Invert sugar is a combination of glucose and fructose, which helps the candy retain moisture and prevents crystallization.
- Corn syrup: This adds sweetness and helps control the candy's texture, providing a smooth consistency.
- Modified corn starch: Crucial for achieving the candy's signature chewy, dense texture. It is used in the molding process to form the fish shape.
- Citric acid: Adds a slight tartness and acts as a preservative to extend shelf life.
- White mineral oil: This is used to prevent the candy from sticking together and to give it a glossy finish. In Europe, different vegetable oils are used instead.
- Carnauba wax: Derived from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, this vegetable-based wax provides an additional glossy sheen. Some versions, particularly those found in "peg bags" or imported from Turkey, may contain beeswax instead.
- Artificial flavors and colors: Specific flavors like red #40 are used to give the candies their distinct fruit-like taste and color.
The key differences in Swedish-produced fish
While the US version is well-known, the original Swedish-produced candies differ in several important ways. The ingredients in the original Malaco brand fish, known as "pastellfiskar," are different to meet European regulations.
| Ingredient Component | US Swedish Fish | Swedish-Produced Fish (Malaco) |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | Not included; uses modified corn starch instead. | Can contain gelatin, especially in salty licorice varieties. |
| Wax / Glazing Agent | Carnauba wax for most US versions; beeswax for some specific packaging. | Beeswax is used as a glazing agent. |
| Oil | White mineral oil. | Vegetable oils (coconut, rapeseed). |
| Food Coloring | Uses specific US food dyes like Red #40. | Uses European food colorings (e.g., E160e, E141, E160a). |
| Texture | Chewy, sticky texture. | A slightly different texture, more akin to "wine gums". |
Is Swedish Fish a healthy food choice?
Despite being marketed as a "fat-free food," Swedish Fish are far from a healthy dietary choice. They are essentially pure sugar with added colors and flavors, offering no significant nutritional value. While moderation is key for all treats, here's why they are not a substitute for a nutritious diet:
- High in sugar: With a single serving containing a significant amount of sugar (23-32 grams depending on size), they contribute to high sugar intake. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Lack of nutrients: Swedish Fish provide no essential vitamins, minerals, protein, or dietary fiber. They are considered a source of 'empty calories'.
- Processed ingredients: The candy contains various processed components, including corn syrup, artificial flavors, and food dyes, which have been a subject of health concern for some consumers.
Vegan considerations beyond gelatin
While the absence of gelatin makes the US version vegetarian-friendly, the vegan status can be more complex for strict followers. As mentioned, some packaging uses beeswax, a non-vegan ingredient. Furthermore, the sugar used to make the candy may have been processed with bone char, a non-vegan method. Because the sugar source isn't always specified, this remains a concern for strict vegans.
Another ingredient to consider is white mineral oil, which is a petroleum byproduct, and palm kernel oil in some versions. The sourcing of palm oil is often controversial due to its environmental impact. Vegans should read the ingredient list carefully and investigate the manufacturer's practices if they have concerns.
Conclusion: The fine details behind the familiar treat
Knowing what is Swedish Fish candy made of reveals a confection with simple yet highly processed ingredients, varying significantly depending on its origin. While its gelatin-free status makes it accessible to vegetarians, its high sugar content and lack of nutrients place it firmly in the category of a treat to be enjoyed sparingly. For strict vegans, variations in wax and the potential for non-vegan sugar processing mean checking labels and sources is necessary. The candy's journey from a Swedish confection to an American movie snack staple has resulted in a product with a surprisingly complex story behind its simple fish shape.
For more information on the potential health implications of candy ingredients, you can explore resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
