Accidentally Vegan Favorites
Some of the most surprising vegan candies are those that were never intended to be plant-based. These “accidentally vegan” options don’t contain any obvious animal-derived ingredients and can often be found at mainstream grocery stores. However, always double-check the ingredients, as recipes can change or vary by region.
- Skittles: The classic fruit-flavored Skittles are free of gelatin and dairy in most countries. Always read the label, especially for new or limited-edition flavors.
- Sour Patch Kids: These chewy, sour candies are widely considered vegan, as they do not contain gelatin.
- Swedish Fish: In the US, Swedish Fish do not contain gelatin, making them a common vegan find. In other countries, they may contain beeswax, so check the package.
- Twizzlers: All flavors of Twizzlers are free of gelatin and dairy. The company does not market them as a vegan product, but they are considered vegan based on their ingredients.
- Airheads: The brand's taffy candies are free of animal products.
Dedicated Vegan Brands and Mainstream Plant-Based Lines
For those who prefer a certified vegan option, or are looking for a plant-based version of a classic bar, a growing number of brands specialize in vegan candy. Furthermore, major manufacturers have started releasing specific plant-based versions of their popular products.
- Go Max Go Foods: This company is famous for its plant-based versions of classic candy bars, such as the "Twilight" (like a Milky Way) and "Jokerz" (like a Snickers).
- UNREAL: Offers a variety of vegan-friendly dark chocolate options, including Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.
- Vego: Specializes in thick, creamy vegan chocolate bars made with hazelnut paste and whole hazelnuts. Their wrappers are also compostable.
- Coracao Confections: This brand focuses on high-quality, organic vegan candy bars, including flavors like Salted Caramel and Hazelnut.
- Hershey's: The company has introduced its "Hershey's Plant-Based Chocolate Bar Almond & Sea Salt," offering a dairy-free alternative to their traditional chocolate.
- Reese's: Also stepping into the plant-based market, Reese's now sells "Plant-Based Peanut Butter Cups".
Dark Chocolate is Often a Safe Bet
For many, a craving for a rich chocolate bar is what needs satisfying. The good news for vegans is that many dark chocolate varieties are naturally dairy-free. However, the level of cacao content can be an indicator, but is not a guarantee. The higher the percentage of cacao, the more likely the bar is vegan, but it’s still crucial to check the ingredient list for hidden milk products.
Notable Dark Chocolate Options
- Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate (70%, 85%, 90%): These specific percentages are often vegan, but other bars from the brand may contain milkfat. Always verify the ingredients.
- Green & Black's Organic Dark Chocolate: A popular organic option, Green & Black's often offers dark chocolate bars that are vegan-friendly.
- Alter Eco: This company specializes in fair-trade chocolate and has many vegan options, with some bars featuring high cacao percentages.
How to Navigate the Candy Aisle
When searching for vegan candy bars, the key is to be a diligent label reader. Here's a list of ingredients to watch out for:
- Milk, milkfat, milk powder: Obvious dairy products.
- Whey and casein: Milk proteins that are not vegan.
- Gelatin: A common ingredient in chewy candies and often derived from animal hooves.
- Confectioner's glaze (or resinous glaze): Often contains shellac, a substance derived from beetles.
- Beeswax: Sourced from honeybees and not considered vegan.
- Natural flavors: While often vegan, they can be animal-derived, so it's a gray area for strict vegans.
If you are unsure about a product's vegan status, check the company's website or look for official vegan certification logos. A fantastic resource for further research and finding new products is PETA's guide to vegan chocolate.
Comparison of Popular Vegan-Friendly Candy Bars
| Candy Bar | Vegan Type | Key Feature | Chocolate Type | Allergens/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Max Go Jokerz | Dedicated Vegan | Classic nougat, caramel, peanuts | Vegan Chocolate | Tree nuts, Peanuts |
| Hershey's Plant-Based | Mainstream Plant-Based | Almond and sea salt | Vegan Chocolate | Tree nuts |
| UNREAL Dark Chocolate Coconut | Dedicated Vegan | Fair-trade, coconut filling | Vegan Dark Chocolate | Coconut |
| Lindt Excellence Dark | Accidentally Vegan (High%) | Rich, high-cacao content | Vegan Dark Chocolate | Potential cross-contamination |
| Coracao Confections Salted Caramel | Dedicated Vegan | Rich caramel made with coconut cream | Vegan Dark Chocolate | Tree nuts, Coconut |
Conclusion
Finding vegan-friendly candy bars has become easier than ever, thanks to both the discovery of "accidentally vegan" treats and the introduction of new dedicated plant-based products by major brands. By carefully reading ingredient labels and looking for specific vegan brands, those on a plant-based diet can still enjoy a wide variety of delicious confections. Whether you prefer the nostalgic taste of an accidentally vegan sweet or the innovative flavors of a specialized brand, the options continue to grow, making it simpler to find a satisfying vegan treat.
