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What brands of edibles are vegan and how to find them?

3 min read

Many popular gummy brands use gelatin for their chewy texture, but the cannabis market is expanding with numerous plant-based alternatives. For those asking what brands of edibles are vegan, a growing number of reputable companies now cater to this dietary preference with delicious, animal-product-free options across a variety of product types, ensuring conscious consumption is possible.

Quick Summary

Explore the top cannabis brands providing vegan-friendly edibles, including gummies, chocolates, and mints, and learn how to identify products free from animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, dairy, and honey.

Key Points

  • Check Labels for Gelatin: Many standard gummies use animal-derived gelatin; opt for products specifying fruit pectin or other plant-based thickeners.

  • Trusted Vegan Brands: Wyld, Plus Products, Camino, Lost Farm, Smokiez, and 3Chi are known for offering clear vegan options.

  • Look Beyond Gummies: Vegan edibles are also available as mints, chocolates, tinctures, and infused drinks, expanding your choices.

  • Avoid Hidden Ingredients: Be vigilant for less obvious non-vegan ingredients like beeswax, honey, dairy, and food coloring like carmine.

  • Prioritize Transparent Companies: Look for brands that offer clear ingredient lists and third-party lab testing (CoA) to ensure product quality and accurate vegan status.

  • Pectin is Your Friend: Pectin is a plant-based, vegan gelling agent derived from fruits, making it a safe choice for gummies and chews.

  • Not All Edibles Are Vegan: Never assume a product is vegan; always verify the ingredients list or look for certified vegan logos to be sure.

In This Article

Navigating the Vegan Edibles Market

As the cannabis and wellness industries evolve, so does the demand for products that align with specific dietary and ethical choices. This has led to a significant increase in the availability of vegan-friendly edibles. For a product to be considered truly vegan, it must contain no animal-derived ingredients, including the less-obvious additives like gelatin, beeswax, or certain food colorings. Fortunately, many manufacturers are now transparent about their ingredients, making it easier than ever for consumers to find suitable options.

Key Vegan Brands in the Edible Space

Several leading brands are celebrated for their commitment to offering vegan edibles. These options typically substitute animal-based ingredients with plant-derived alternatives like fruit pectin or agar. When shopping, look for these names:

  • Wyld: Known for its fruit-forward gummies, Wyld offers a dedicated line of vegan and gluten-free products, often using hemp-derived CBD.
  • Plus Products: This brand boasts a line of fully vegan and gluten-free edibles made with all-natural ingredients, including Blackberry Lemonade and Sour Watermelon gummies.
  • Kiva Confections (Camino): Many of Camino's gummies are made with organic tapioca syrup and are free of animal products, including their Midnight Blueberry and Watermelon Lemonade varieties.
  • Lost Farm by Kiva: Lost Farm offers strain-specific live rosin edibles, and their fruit chews are notably vegan.
  • Smokiez Hybrid Sours: These fruit chews are a popular vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free option, free of high-fructose corn syrup.
  • 3Chi: This brand offers a selection of delta-8 and delta-9 THC gummies, with many being vegan-friendly and specifying ingredients clearly.
  • Joy Organics: A brand specializing in CBD, Joy Organics offers vegan CBD gummies that contain no gelatin and use full-spectrum hemp extract.
  • Medterra: For those seeking THC-free vegan options, Medterra provides broad-spectrum CBD gummies with added ingredients like L-Theanine for calm.
  • Kore Original: This brand specializes in vegan gummies for both delta-9 and CBD options.

How to Identify and Confirm Vegan Edibles

While brand lists are a great starting point, the most reliable method for ensuring an edible is vegan is to inspect the packaging and labeling yourself. Many reputable brands will explicitly state if a product is vegan-friendly on the packaging. If it's not immediately clear, check the ingredients list for specific animal-derived components.

Ingredients to Look For:

  • Gelatin: The most common non-vegan gelling agent used in gummies and chewables, derived from animal collagen.
  • Dairy Products: Milk, butter, milk powder, and whey are common in chocolates and some baked goods.
  • Honey: Found in some natural sweeteners and syrups.
  • Beeswax/Shellac: Used as a coating for candy and mints to prevent sticking and add shine.
  • Carmine: A red food coloring derived from crushed insects.
  • Bone Char: A filtering agent used in the processing of some sugars.

Reputable brands often provide clear, transparent labeling that details their ingredients and extraction processes. Many will also offer third-party lab testing results, or Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), to prove the quality and content of their products.

Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Edible Ingredients: A Comparison

Ingredient Category Non-Vegan (Commonly Found) Vegan (Preferred Alternatives)
Gelling Agents Gelatin, Collagen Fruit Pectin, Agar, Tapioca Syrup, Cornstarch
Fats Butter, Milk, Cream, Whey Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Plant-Based Oils, Soy Milk
Sweeteners Honey, Sugar (sometimes processed with bone char) Organic Cane Sugar, Agave Nectar, Maple Syrup
Coatings Beeswax, Shellac Carnuaba Wax, Plant-Based Glazes
Colorings Carmine (Red Dye) Plant-Based Dyes (e.g., beet juice, spirulina)

Beyond Gummies: Other Vegan Edible Options

While gummies dominate the market, vegan edibles come in many forms. For those who prefer alternatives, consider the following:

  • Mints: Brands like Petra offer microdose mints that are vegan-friendly.
  • Infused Beverages: Cannabis-infused drinks and sodas are often vegan, but it's always best to check the label for any animal-derived flavorings.
  • Tinctures: Liquid tinctures are generally vegan, consisting of cannabis extract and a carrier oil like MCT oil, but ensure no honey is used.
  • Chocolates: Vegan chocolates are available, but require careful label reading to ensure no dairy is present. Look for options explicitly labeled as vegan. Pantry is one brand mentioned as having a keto-friendly cacao bite option.

Conclusion

Finding vegan edibles today is more straightforward than ever, with numerous brands prioritizing plant-based ingredients and transparent labeling. By starting with reputable, known-vegan brands and always taking the time to read the ingredients list, you can confidently choose edibles that align with your ethical and dietary needs. Whether you're in the market for a gummy, mint, or beverage, the market now offers a wide array of delicious, animal-product-free choices. Source: Happy Leaf Portland on vegan edibles

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most traditional cannabis gummies are not vegan as they use gelatin, which is an animal-derived product. However, many vegan options are now available that use fruit pectin or other plant-based gelling agents instead.

Yes, pectin is a fruit and vegetable-derived starch that is 100% plant-based and vegan. It is a common and effective substitute for gelatin in many vegan gummy and chewable products.

Other common non-vegan ingredients include dairy products (milk, butter) in chocolates and baked goods, honey in some syrups, beeswax or shellac for candy coatings, and certain colorings like carmine.

Yes, many brands now offer vegan chocolate options made with plant-based ingredients like coconut milk or cocoa butter instead of dairy. You must always check the ingredient list to confirm.

Some red dyes, like carmine, are derived from insects, making them non-vegan. Conscientious brands that cater to vegan consumers will use plant-based colorings, such as those from beet juice or spirulina.

No, not always. While many beverages are vegan, it is still important to check the ingredients list. Some flavorings or clarifying agents might be animal-derived, so always read the label to be sure.

To be certain, look for clear vegan certification or labeling on the product packaging. Additionally, check the brand's website for third-party lab testing results and detailed ingredient information, which indicates transparency.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.