The Historical Reason: A Bug in the Recipe
For decades, the vibrant red color of traditional Smarties was not a plant-based food dye. Instead, the confectionery used carmine, also known as cochineal extract, which is derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. These insects are native to the prickly pear cacti of Central and South America and produce carminic acid as a defense mechanism against predators.
To produce the dye, the insects are harvested, dried, and crushed. It is a labor-intensive process, requiring tens of thousands of insects to create a single pound of the red pigment. This animal-based ingredient made the red Smarties unsuitable for vegetarians, and by extension, the entire product was considered non-vegetarian due to cross-contamination in the production process.
The Nestle Reformulation
Following increased consumer demand for more natural and vegetarian-friendly products, Nestlé announced a significant change to the Smarties recipe in the UK and other markets. This was part of a wider trend in the food industry to remove artificial colors from popular candies.
The red colorant was replaced with a plant-based alternative derived from red cabbage. For some time, blue Smarties were even removed from the UK line-up because a suitable natural blue dye was unavailable, but a natural dye derived from the cyanobacterium spirulina was later developed and reintroduced.
The Modern Status: Vegetarian but not Vegan
So, if the bug-based dye is gone, why the nuance? While Smarties are no longer colored with carmine, they contain other animal-derived ingredients that make them unsuitable for vegans. The most notable non-vegan ingredients are:
- Milk Products: As a milk chocolate product, Smarties contain skimmed milk powder, lactose, and butterfat, making them unsuitable for anyone following a vegan diet.
- Beeswax: A glazing agent derived from bees is often used to give the colorful shells their glossy finish. Shellac, another insect-derived glazing agent, is also a common culprit in other candies.
Comparison: UK Smarties vs. US Smarties
One of the biggest sources of confusion is the stark difference between the products called "Smarties" in different countries. The name refers to completely different candies with different ingredients. This table breaks down the key distinctions:
| Feature | UK/European Smarties (by Nestlé) | US Smarties (by Smarties Candy Co.) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Chocolate in a crisp sugar shell | Hard, pastel-colored sugar tablets |
| Primary Ingredients | Milk chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, milk products, wheat flour | Dextrose, citric acid, calcium stearate, artificial flavors and colors |
| Vegetarian Status | Yes, due to ingredient reformulations | Yes, and also vegan |
| Vegan Status | No, contains milk products and beeswax | Yes |
| Contain Carmine? | Historically yes, but replaced with plant-based dye | No, never contained carmine |
Beyond Smarties: Common Non-Vegetarian Additives
The story of Smarties and carmine is a great illustration of why reading ingredient labels is crucial for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Many seemingly harmless products contain hidden animal derivatives. In addition to carmine (E120) and beeswax (E901), other common non-vegetarian additives include:
- Gelatin: A gelling agent made from the bones and connective tissues of animals, frequently found in gummy sweets and marshmallows.
- L-Cysteine: An amino acid used in some baked goods to strengthen dough, often sourced from animal hair or feathers.
- Shellac: Another glazing agent derived from the secretions of lac insects, used to create a shiny coating on candy.
- Vitamin D3: Often sourced from lanolin, the waxy substance found in sheep's wool.
Conclusion
The simple question, "Why are Smarties not vegetarian?" has a two-part answer. Historically, the reason was the use of carmine, a red dye made from crushed insects. However, due to recipe changes in the UK and other regions, Smarties are now suitable for vegetarians as they use plant-based colorings. It's important to remember that these versions are still not vegan because they contain milk ingredients and beeswax. American consumers face a different reality, as US Smarties are a completely separate product altogether—a sugar candy that happens to be vegan. Always check the specific product's ingredient list, especially across different countries, to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.
For more information on other candies and additives, resources like Vegan.com provide comprehensive guides on avoiding animal-based ingredients.
