What Fruit Pastilles are vegan friendly? A Guide to Cruelty-Free Sweets

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that many traditional gummy sweets and fruit pastilles contain animal-derived gelatine, an ingredient made from animal skin and bones? If you follow a vegan diet, knowing what fruit pastilles are vegan friendly is crucial for enjoying a sweet treat without compromising your values.

Quick Summary

This article explains which popular fruit pastilles brands, like Rowntree's, are vegan, details the non-vegan ingredients to watch out for, and teaches you how to identify cruelty-free confectionery with confidence.

Key Points

Rowntree's Go Vegan: The original Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles updated their recipe in 2020/2021 and are now officially vegan-friendly.
Beware of Gelatine: Conventional gummy sweets often use gelatine, an animal-derived gelling agent, which is not suitable for vegans.
Check the Label: Always read the ingredients list carefully for animal products and look for a certified vegan logo for verification.
Regional Variations Exist: Be mindful that recipes and ingredients can differ based on country and specific product, especially with brands like Maynards Bassetts, which can contain gelatine.
Texture Differences: The new vegan Rowntree's recipe replaced gelatine, which has resulted in a slightly softer but still fruity and chewy sweet.
Consider Other Ingredients: Besides gelatine, check for other potential non-vegan ingredients like beeswax (E901), carmine (E120), and shellac (E904).

The Shift to Vegan-Friendly Fruit Pastilles

For decades, many confectionery companies used gelatine, a gelling agent derived from animal collagen, to give sweets like fruit pastilles their iconic chewy texture. This made most traditional fruit pastilles unsuitable for vegans. However, as plant-based eating has grown in popularity, a number of brands have adapted their recipes to cater to this market. The most notable example in the UK is Rowntree's, which changed its recipe to remove gelatine entirely. This change allows more people to enjoy the popular treat, but it also necessitates a closer look at labels, as not all manufacturers have made the switch.

Rowntree's Vegan Recipe Change

In 2020, after 140 years, Rowntree's announced that its iconic Fruit Pastilles would become vegan-friendly. After extensive testing and trials, Nestlé, the parent company, perfected a gelatine-free formula that maintained the fruity flavour and chewy texture the sweets are known for. The new recipe rolled out across different product formats over time, starting with sharing bags and later including single tubes and multipacks. This was a significant step in making a classic sweet accessible to a wider audience, including vegans, vegetarians, and those with certain religious dietary requirements. While some consumers noted a slight difference in texture, finding the new pastilles a bit softer, the reception was generally positive. Rowntree's has also confirmed that its Fruit Gums are also now vegan.

How to Check if a Fruit Pastille is Vegan

For sweet-lovers, the best practice is to always check the ingredients list before purchasing, as regional recipes and brand variations can differ. Look for clear vegan certification symbols on the packaging, as this is the most reliable way to confirm a product's vegan status.

Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For

While gelatine is the most common animal-derived ingredient in fruit pastilles, it's not the only one. Other ingredients to be aware of include:

Beeswax (E901): Sometimes used as a glazing agent to give sweets a shiny finish. A vegan alternative would be carnauba wax.
Carmine (E120): A red food colouring derived from the cochineal beetle. Vegan alternatives like anthocyanins and beetroot extract are now common.
Shellac (E904): Another glazing agent derived from the lac insect.
Milk Derivatives: Ingredients like whey can appear in some confectionery, so check the allergens list.

Reading the Label

Checking labels for vegan-friendly sweets involves more than just a quick glance. Here is a systematic approach:

Look for Certification: The easiest method is to find a logo from a certifying body like the Vegan Society. This guarantees the product has been verified as 100% vegan, from ingredients to production process.
Scan for Keywords: Look for explicit phrases like 'Suitable for Vegans' or 'Vegan Friendly' on the packaging.
Check the Ingredients List: If there's no vegan claim, meticulously read the ingredients list. Look for the non-vegan items mentioned above, especially gelatine.
Check for Allergens: Be aware that some products might be vegetarian but not vegan due to milk or egg derivatives. The allergens list often highlights this.
Be Aware of Cross-Contamination: While ingredients may be vegan, some products are made in factories that also handle animal products. If this is a concern, seek out certified vegan brands.

Popular Fruit Pastille Brands: A Vegan Comparison


Brand	Vegan Status	Key Ingredients	Notes
Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles	Vegan Friendly	Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Starch, Pectin, Concentrated Fruit Juices	Changed recipe in 2020; softer texture than original. Check packaging to confirm.
Maynards Bassetts Fruit Pastilles	Varies by region/product	Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Gelatine (Bovine), Fruit Juices	Many versions contain animal gelatine, particularly in some international markets. Always check the specific ingredients list.
The Vegan Candy Man Pastilles	Vegan Friendly	Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Starch, Acids, Fruit Juices	A specialist vegan confectionery brand, guaranteeing no animal products.

Making Your Own Vegan Fruit Pastilles

For those who enjoy a DIY project or want to be 100% certain of their ingredients, making your own vegan fruit pastilles is a rewarding option. Recipes typically replace animal gelatine with plant-based alternatives, most commonly pectin. Pectin is a naturally occurring fibre found in fruits that helps jams and jellies set. Some recipes may also use agar-agar, a gelling agent derived from seaweed. This method allows for full control over flavours, sugar content, and firmness. You can use fruit purées from your favourite fruits to create a personalised, naturally flavoured treat.

The Verdict on What Fruit Pastilles are Vegan Friendly

The journey for a truly vegan fruit pastille has evolved significantly, led by prominent brands like Rowntree's. While the new recipe might have a slightly different feel to the traditional one, it offers a chewy, fruity treat that aligns with vegan dietary requirements. The important takeaway is that not all pastilles are equal. Always make it a habit to check the packaging for vegan certification or scrutinise the ingredients list for gelatine and other animal-derived substances. By staying informed, you can confidently navigate the confectionery aisle and enjoy your favourite sweets guilt-free.

For more detailed information on reading labels for vegan-friendly products, check out the guide from Veganuary.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as of 2021, all Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles, including sharing bags, tubes, and multipacks, have a new gelatine-free, vegan-friendly recipe.

The most reliable method is to check the packaging for a vegan certification symbol. If none is present, carefully read the ingredients list for animal products like gelatine, beeswax, carmine, or shellac.

Yes, many versions of Maynards Bassetts Fruit Pastilles contain bovine gelatine and are not vegan. The recipe can vary by country, so it is essential to check the ingredients list on the specific product you are buying.

Gelatine is a gelling agent derived from animal collagen, which is found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. Because it is an animal byproduct, it is not suitable for a vegan diet.

Vegan fruit pastilles typically use a plant-based gelling agent like pectin, which is a fibre found in fruits. Agar-agar, derived from seaweed, is another alternative.

Some long-term consumers have noticed a slight change in texture, describing the new vegan pastilles as a bit softer than the original gelatine-based version. However, the fruity flavours remain the same.

No, not all fruit-flavoured sweets are gelatine-free. Many manufacturers still use gelatine for their chewy confectionery. It is crucial to read the ingredients list on any gummy or chewy sweet to be certain of its vegan status.