Accidentally Vegan English Sweets
Many classic confectionery items that have been a staple of British childhoods for decades are, in fact, accidentally vegan. These are products not specifically marketed as vegan but contain no animal-derived ingredients. Their recipes rely on plant-based alternatives for gelling, colouring, and flavouring.
Gelatine-Free Chews and Gummies
For many years, the presence of gelatine—a gelling agent derived from animal collagen—was the primary reason many chewy sweets were off-limits to vegans. However, a significant number of brands have either always used plant-based alternatives or have recently reformulated their recipes.
- Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles: As of 2020, the iconic Fruit Pastilles are gelatine-free and suitable for vegans. Rowntree's also offers other vegan-friendly options, such as Jelly Tots and Fruit Gums.
- Swizzels Sweets: A large portion of the Swizzels range is vegan-friendly, including classics like Love Hearts, Parma Violets, and the popular Drumstick Chews. Always check the packaging, but many of their chews and hard-boiled options are safe.
- Millions: These tiny, chewy sweets are another accidentally vegan favourite, with most flavours available to vegans. A quick glance at the label is always wise to confirm no animal products are present.
- Skittles: In the UK, Skittles famously removed the insect-derived colouring (cochineal) from their recipe, making all flavours suitable for vegans.
- Starburst: Much like Skittles, Starburst is another widely available chew that is vegan-friendly in the UK.
Dedicated Vegan Brands and Modern Confectionery
The market for explicitly vegan sweets has exploded in recent years, with numerous brands creating innovative and high-quality products. These companies often use plant-based gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, and modified starches to achieve a satisfying texture.
Popular Vegan Sweet Brands in the UK
- Candy Kittens: A well-known gourmet sweet brand with a chic, modern image. Their entire range is vegan, and the sweets are made with high-quality ingredients and fruity flavours.
- Jealous Sweets: This brand offers a variety of vegan-friendly gummies and jellies that are also gelatine-free and made with natural ingredients.
- Free From Fellows: Known for producing vegan-friendly versions of classic sweets, including gummy bears, lollipops, and rhubarb and custard options.
- Bubs Godis AB: A Swedish brand of sweets that are widely available in the UK, offering a popular range of gelatine-free and vegan skull-shaped candies and other unique shapes.
Checking Ingredients: What to Avoid
To be sure a sweet is vegan, always read the ingredients list. Some key animal-derived ingredients to look out for, besides gelatine, are:
- Beeswax (E901): A glazing agent used to provide a shiny coating, derived from bees.
- Shellac (E904): Another glazing agent derived from lac beetles.
- Carmine (E120): A red food colouring made from crushed scale insects.
- Milk Derivatives: Ingredients like whey powder, milk fat, and casein are often found in chocolate and creamy sweets.
- Egg: Less common in modern sweets but still a potential allergen and animal product.
Comparison Table: Classic vs. Vegan-Friendly Sweets
| Feature | Traditional Jelly Babies (Not Vegan) | Vegan 'Jelly Babies' (e.g., Candycrave) | Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles (Vegan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | Beef Gelatine | Pectin or Starch | Pectin (from fruit) |
| Appearance | Recognisable soft, jelly-like form | Often the same shape, sometimes with a fizzy coating | Chewy, sugar-coated lozenges |
| Suitable For | Omnivores, vegetarians (not necessarily) | Vegans, vegetarians, omnivores | Vegans, vegetarians, omnivores |
| Key Ingredients | Gelatine, sugar, colours, flavourings | Pectin, sugar, fruit juice, colours | Sugar, fruit juice, gelling agent, flavours |
| Potential Allergens | Beef (uncommon allergen), dairy (in some varieties) | None (always check labels for cross-contamination) | None (always check labels) |
Conclusion: Navigating Your Vegan Sweet Tooth
Finding vegan sweets in the UK has never been easier. The days of limited options are long gone, replaced by a vast selection of accidentally vegan classics and specialist plant-based confectionery. From the fruity chews of Jelly Tots and the fizzy messages of Love Hearts to premium brands like Candy Kittens, there is a vegan sweet to satisfy every craving. While the availability of exciting new options is growing, the key is always to check the ingredient label, as formulations can sometimes change. By staying informed, you can enjoy a wide array of delicious and cruelty-free treats. For more information on vegan products, the Veganuary website is a great resource. You can find their list of accidentally vegan foods and other valuable resources there: https://veganuary.com/accidentally-vegan-products-uk/.
