What Candy Is Vegan According to PETA?

December 30, 2025 •

2 min read

According to PETA, a surprising number of mainstream candies are 'accidentally vegan,' meaning they contain no animal-derived ingredients. This guide will explain what candy is vegan PETA endorses, detailing which popular options are safe for plant-based diets and what ingredients to watch for on labels.

Quick Summary

This article lists popular, readily available candies that are vegan-friendly, citing information from PETA. It explains how to check labels for common non-vegan ingredients like gelatin, carmine, and beeswax. The guide covers hard candies, chewy options, and specialty vegan brands, empowering you to make informed choices.

Key Points

Check PETA's Guides: PETA lists numerous 'accidentally vegan' and intentionally vegan candies on their website to help consumers find cruelty-free options.
Beware of Gelatin: This animal-derived ingredient is common in many gummy candies, so look for options made with plant-based alternatives like pectin.
Look Out for Carmine and Shellac: These are insect-derived ingredients used for color and shine, so check labels for 'confectioner's glaze' or 'natural red 4'.
Scan for Dairy: Milk, whey, and casein are common in chocolate and creamy candies; many brands now offer specific dairy-free versions.
Read Labels, as Ingredients Change: Candy formulations can be updated, so make a habit of checking the ingredient list for any changes, even with historically vegan products.
Don't Stress Over Trace Amounts: PETA advises that striving to reduce animal suffering is the goal, so don't be overly concerned about trace cross-contamination.
Explore Specialty Brands: Beyond mainstream options, many companies like Go Max Go and Enjoy Life specialize in fully vegan candy products.

PETA's Stance on Vegan Candy and Animal-Derived Ingredients

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) assists vegans in finding products free from animal ingredients, including a list of 'accidentally vegan' candies. They highlight common hidden animal products in sweets.

Common Non-Vegan Ingredients in Candy

To ensure your candy is vegan, check labels for the following:

Gelatin: Derived from animal parts, it provides chewiness in gummies and marshmallows. Look for plant-based alternatives like pectin.
Carmine: A red dye made from crushed insects, also known as 'natural red 4' or 'cochineal extract'.
Shellac: A glossy coating from lac bugs, often labeled 'confectioner's glaze'.
Beeswax: Used for shine or to prevent sticking.
Dairy Products: Ingredients like milk, whey, and casein are found in many chocolates and creamy candies.

Popular Vegan Candy Brands and Options

Many common candies are 'accidentally vegan.' PETA and other resources provide lists, but always check labels as ingredients can change.

Hard Candies: Examples include Dum Dums, Jolly Rancher Hard Candies, Life Savers, and U.S. Smarties.
Chewy & Taffy Candies: Options often include Airheads, Sour Patch Kids, and Red Vines. Note that some Swedish Fish varieties might contain beeswax.
Chocolates & Other Treats: Some dark chocolates are vegan, and specialty brands like Cocomels offer dairy-free options.

Comparison of Vegan and Non-Vegan Candy Ingredients

Understanding ingredient differences is key to making vegan choices:


Candy Type	Non-Vegan Ingredients	Vegan Alternatives	PETA-Endorsed Vegan Candy	Notes
Gummy Candies	Gelatin, Carmine, Beeswax	Pectin, Agar-Agar, Fruit Juice Concentrates	Sour Patch Kids, Jujyfruits, Jelly Belly Vegan Gummies	Gelatin is a primary non-vegan ingredient.
Taffy	Gelatin (some brands), Milk Products	Plant-based oil, Natural flavors	Airheads, Red Vines, Twizzlers	Check labels, as ingredients can vary.
Chocolate Bars	Dairy (Milk, Whey, Casein), Butter Fat	Plant-based milk (oat, soy, almond), Coconut oil	Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate, Hershey's Oat Made Dark Chocolate, Go Max Go Bars	Dark chocolate is often, but not always, vegan.
Hard Candies	Beeswax (for glaze), some colors	Plant-based wax, Natural food coloring	Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, Smarties (U.S.), Dum Dums	Generally safer, but verify glaze ingredients.

Reading Labels: How to Spot Hidden Animal Ingredients

Regularly checking ingredient labels is essential. Be cautious of vague terms like 'natural flavors.' While most are plant-based, some can be animal-derived. PETA suggests not worrying excessively over trace amounts, focusing instead on reducing animal products. Some white cane sugar is filtered using bone char, but organic or beet sugar is vegan; PETA views bone char as a processing aid rather than an ingredient to avoid strictly. Remember that ingredients can change, and products may vary by country.

Conclusion: Navigating the Candy Aisle with Confidence

Finding vegan candy is manageable by using resources like PETA's guides and carefully reading labels. Many mainstream candies are vegan, and more plant-based options are becoming available. Knowing what candy is vegan PETA highlights allows you to enjoy sweets ethically.

For more information on accidentally vegan products and ingredient explanations, see the PETA Living section on animal-derived ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all dark chocolates are vegan. While most are dairy-free, some brands add milk fat, whey, or milk solids. Always check the ingredient list to be certain.

According to PETA and other sources, most Skittles varieties sold in the U.S. are vegan. The company removed carmine and gelatin, making them free of animal ingredients, though it's always wise to check for special or limited edition varieties.

In the U.S., Swedish Fish are generally vegan, but some packages, depending on manufacturing location, may contain beeswax. Always read the ingredients list to confirm.

The most common animal-derived ingredient in traditional gummy candies is gelatin, which is made from the skin and bones of animals.

Yes, but with caution. 'Accidentally vegan' means a product isn't intentionally marketed as vegan but happens to have no animal ingredients. Always check the label, as formulations can change over time.

Confectioner's glaze is made from shellac, a resin secreted by the female lac bug, and is not vegan.

Not necessarily. Some white cane sugar is refined using bone char, which is charred animal bones. Vegans who are concerned about this can choose organic sugar or beet sugar, though PETA generally advises not to worry over trace processing aids.