The Core Issue: Milk Chocolate
The most straightforward reason M&M's are not suitable for those following a plant-based diet is the milk chocolate used in all standard varieties. While veganism excludes all animal products, including dairy, the inclusion of milk ingredients can also be a point of contention for some vegetarians, especially lacto-ovo vegetarians who typically consume dairy. The milk chocolate contains several milk-based components:
- Skim milk: A primary ingredient in M&M's milk chocolate recipe.
- Lactose: A milk sugar.
- Milkfat: The fatty component of milk.
These are not present in trace amounts but are fundamental parts of the product's core chocolate composition. Any vegetarian who avoids dairy, known as a lacto-vegetarian, would therefore find M&M's off-limits. However, for those who consume dairy, other, less obvious ingredients present an issue.
The Shell's Hidden Animal-Derived Ingredients
The colorful, crunchy shell of an M&M is the source of other non-vegetarian ingredients, though these can vary by country. It is within these shells that less common animal-derived components are used.
Insect-Derived Colorings and Glazes
One of the most notable non-vegetarian ingredients is carmine, also known as cochineal extract (E120). This red food coloring is harvested from the female cochineal insect and is often used to create the vibrant red color. While US-based M&M's often use synthetic alternatives, carmine has been explicitly confirmed in certain European and UK versions, making them unequivocally unsuitable for vegetarians.
Another insect-derived product is shellac (E904), a glazing agent secreted by the female lac bug. This is used to give the candies a shiny, polished finish. The Vegetarian Society updated its guidelines in 2022 to no longer approve products containing shellac. While M&M's UK lists beeswax as a glazing agent, which is also an animal-derived product, shellac is another common glazing agent that strict vegetarians avoid.
Refined Sugar and Potential Issues
Some refined cane sugar is processed using bone char, which is made from the charred bones of cattle. While the bone char itself is a processing filter and doesn't remain in the final product, its use in the refinement process is a significant concern for ethical vegans and many vegetarians. It is often unclear whether the specific sugar used in M&M's has undergone this process, which adds another layer of doubt for those following a strict dietary code.
Regional Formulation Variations
As mentioned, the specific non-vegetarian ingredients can differ depending on where the M&M's are produced. The UK formulation is often cited as explicitly containing animal-derived additives, whereas the US version uses a different set of ingredients. However, even the US version contains milk, making it non-vegan, and has potential issues with bone-char refined sugar.
Comparison of Non-Vegetarian Ingredients by Region
To illustrate the regional differences, here is a comparison of some key ingredients.
| Ingredient Category | UK M&M's | US M&M's | Reason for Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk Products | Contains milk powder, lactose, milk fat | Contains skim milk, lactose, milk fat | Present in milk chocolate center, not suitable for lacto-vegetarians |
| Red Coloring | May contain carmine (E120) | Uses synthetic red dyes (e.g., Red 40 Lake) | Carmine is derived from insects |
| Glazing Agents | Uses beeswax and carnauba wax | Uses carnauba wax and gum acacia | Beeswax is an animal product. Some stricter vegetarians may also avoid shellac if used. |
| Refined Sugar | Bone char filtration may be used | Bone char filtration may be used | Ethical concern over use of cattle bone-based processing agent |
Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives to M&Ms
For those who must or prefer to avoid M&Ms, several alternatives are available. Many brands specialize in vegan and vegetarian-friendly confectionery that mimics the colorful, chocolatey goodness of M&Ms without compromising dietary principles.
Some popular alternatives include:
- Little Secrets: Offers a variety of dairy-free chocolate pieces.
- Unreal: Provides dark chocolate crispy quinoa gems that are vegan and use natural colors.
- No Whey Foods - Choco No No's: These mimic M&Ms without using any non-vegan ingredients.
- YumEarth's Organic Candy Coated Chocolates: Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and free of artificial colors.
Conclusion
For vegetarians, the unsuitability of M&Ms stems from multiple ingredients, including the milk products that form the base chocolate and, in some regions, insect-derived colorings and glazing agents. While the specific list of ingredients can vary by country, making it essential to read the label, the presence of non-vegetarian components is widespread. Fortunately, the market for plant-based confectionery has grown significantly, offering a range of delicious and ethically aligned alternatives for those who must abstain from the famous candy-coated chocolates. Always check the ingredients list and research any unfamiliar additives to ensure a product aligns with your dietary values. An excellent resource for checking food additives is the food information provider Erudus, which details which E numbers are unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
