The Growing Vegan Chocolate Market
Historically, vegans had limited access to chocolate candy beyond specific dark chocolate varieties. Dairy, a core ingredient in most milk chocolate and caramel fillings, was a major hurdle. However, consumer demand for plant-based alternatives has pushed the confectionery industry to innovate. Today, companies both large and small are formulating products with plant-based milks, such as oat, almond, and coconut, to achieve a creamy texture without dairy. This shift means that finding a familiar and delicious vegan chocolate candy is easier than ever.
How to Identify Vegan Candy
For those new to veganism, or simply looking for dairy-free alternatives, it's crucial to know what to look for on a product label. While vegan certifications are the clearest indicator, reading the ingredient list is a reliable method. Common animal-derived ingredients to avoid in chocolate products include:
- Milk, milk solids, milk fat: Found in milk and white chocolate.
- Whey, casein: Milk proteins used in many fillings and coatings.
- Lactose: Milk sugar.
- Butter fat, butter oil: Dairy fats.
- Gelatin: Used in some chewy candies and fillings, though not typically in pure chocolate.
- Carmine (E120): A red food coloring derived from insects, sometimes found in colored candies.
Checking for allergen warnings is also a good practice, as many companies produce both vegan and non-vegan products on the same equipment, which may pose a cross-contamination risk for those with severe dairy allergies.
Mainstream Brands Going Plant-Based
Several large, well-known candy manufacturers have entered the vegan market by releasing plant-based versions of their popular products.
Reese's Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups
In 2023, Hershey's released a vegan version of its iconic peanut butter cup, much to the delight of plant-based consumers. These new cups use oat chocolate instead of traditional milk chocolate, combined with the classic peanut butter filling. They are certified vegan and offer a familiar, creamy taste that rivals the original, making the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup experience available to everyone.
Hershey's Oat Made Bars
Beyond Reese's, The Hershey Company has introduced plant-based oat chocolate bars. Flavors like Oat Made Extra Creamy with Almond and Sea Salt provide a smooth, dairy-free chocolate experience with added texture and flavor. Made with oat flour instead of milk, these bars offer a rich, chocolatey taste for those seeking a vegan version of a classic bar.
Cadbury Plant Bar (UK)
In the UK, Cadbury has released the Plant Bar, a vegan-friendly chocolate bar made with almond paste to achieve a silky texture. Available in flavors like Smooth Chocolate and Salted Caramel, these bars aim to replicate the classic Cadbury experience without dairy, demonstrating how major brands are adapting their recipes for a vegan audience.
The World of Dedicated Vegan Candy Brands
For those who want to support brands that specialize entirely in plant-based products, there is a wide range of options that often mimic or improve upon conventional candies.
Unreal Snacks: Classic Vegan Dupes
Unreal is a brand dedicated to creating delicious snacks with less sugar and all-real, Fair Trade certified ingredients. Their range includes popular vegan chocolate candies, such as:
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: A lower-sugar, dark chocolate version of the classic PB cup.
- Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars: A simple, fair-trade alternative to mainstream coconut bars.
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems: Vegan-certified chocolate candies colored by veggies.
Hu Kitchen: Simple, Wholesome Vegan Chocolate
Hu Kitchen is known for its focus on simple, clean ingredients, excluding refined sugar, cane sugar, dairy, palm oil, and soy lecithin from its dark chocolate bars. Their entire line of dark chocolate products is vegan, with flavor options ranging from Simple Dark Chocolate to more complex combinations like Cashew Butter + Pure Vanilla Bean. Hu bars provide a rich, satisfying dark chocolate experience for those who prioritize wholesome ingredients.
Go Max Go: A Vegan Candy Counter
Go Max Go specializes in creating vegan versions of classic candy bars, making it a go-to for those who miss a specific non-vegan treat. The brand offers products like:
- Cleo's Peanut Butter Cups: A dairy-free alternative to traditional PB cups.
- Twilight Candy Bars: A vegan dupe for a caramel and nougat bar.
- Jokerz Candy Bar: A version of a chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanut bar.
Accidentally Vegan Finds
Some candies are unintentionally vegan because their recipes do not require animal products. While some of these brands may handle dairy or other allergens in their facilities, they are technically vegan by ingredient. Examples of accidentally vegan chocolates often include simple dark chocolate bars (but always check for milkfat or milk derivatives), Goldenberg's Dark Chocolate Peanut Chews (check for the red and brown wrapper), and some dark chocolate baking chips. However, as mentioned previously, cross-contamination is a possibility and may concern those with strict allergies or ethical guidelines.
Navigating Your Vegan Candy Choices
As the availability of vegan candy grows, consumers have more choices than ever. Your preference for a familiar brand, a specialty vegan company, or an accidentally vegan product will determine where you start your search.
| Brand | Vegan Product | Chocolate Base | Key Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reese's | Plant Based PB Cups | Oat Chocolate | Creamy, familiar flavor profile | Mainstream Retailers |
| Hershey's | Oat Made Bars | Oat Chocolate | Extra creamy, with almond and sea salt options | Mainstream Retailers |
| Unreal Snacks | Dark Choc PB Cups, Coconut Bars | Dark Chocolate | Lower sugar, Fair Trade, non-GMO | Health Food Stores, Online |
| Hu Kitchen | Dark Chocolate Bars | Dark Chocolate | Simple ingredients, unrefined coconut sugar | Health Food Stores, Online |
| Go Max Go | Variety of bars | Rice/Other Plant Milk | Replicates classic candy bar flavors | Specialty Stores, Online |
Conclusion
Gone are the days when vegan chocolate options were scarce. The market has responded enthusiastically to the demand for plant-based treats, with both major and specialty brands offering delicious choices. For anyone wondering what popular chocolate candy is vegan, the answer is clear: there's an impressive array of dairy-free options, from classic peanut butter cups to innovative new bars. Whether you prefer a familiar brand like Reese's or want to explore dedicated vegan companies like Hu Kitchen or Unreal, satisfying your chocolate craving with a plant-based diet has never been more convenient or delicious. Always remember to check the ingredient labels and consider your personal dietary needs to find the perfect vegan chocolate candy for you.
