Unexpectedly Plant-Based Treats
Many mainstream candy brands offer products that don't contain animal-derived ingredients, often to the surprise of many. These "accidentally vegan" treats are a delight for those following a plant-based diet, though it's always wise to double-check ingredients, as formulations can change and vary by country. Here are some popular examples, based primarily on US ingredient formulations:
- Skittles: In the US, Skittles are vegan-friendly, with the brand having removed gelatin and carmine from its recipe years ago. However, some limited editions and formulations in other countries may differ, so checking the label is always the safest bet.
- Sour Patch Kids: The classic chewy, sour-then-sweet candies are a go-to for many vegans in the US because they use corn starch instead of gelatin to get their signature chew. European versions, however, typically contain gelatin and should be avoided.
- Swedish Fish: This chewy, berry-flavored candy is widely considered vegan in the US. Like Sour Patch Kids, it achieves its texture with corn derivatives rather than gelatin. A key detail to note is that some varieties may contain beeswax, so checking the specific packaging is crucial.
- Dots: The classic movie theater treat is surprisingly vegan, using a modified food starch instead of gelatin.
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy: Most hard candy varieties are naturally vegan, and the classic Jolly Rancher flavors are no exception, containing no animal products.
- Airheads: This taffy-like candy is free of animal ingredients, making it another popular accidentally vegan option.
- Twizzlers: Most Twizzlers licorice twists are vegan, relying on corn syrup and wheat flour for their texture rather than gelatin.
The Ingredients to Scrutinize
To be an informed consumer, it's essential to know what ingredients signal a candy is not vegan. Here is a list of some of the most common culprits:
- Gelatin: The most well-known non-vegan ingredient in chewy candies, gelatin is derived from the collagen found in the bones and skin of animals like cows and pigs. It's used as a gelling agent to create a bouncy, jelly-like texture.
- Carmine (or E120): This vibrant red dye is made from crushed female cochineal insects. If a bright red candy isn't clearly labeled vegan, it's worth checking for this ingredient.
- Confectioner's Glaze (or Shellac): This shiny coating is made from the resinous secretions of the lac bug, giving many candies a glossy finish.
- Beeswax (or E901): Produced by honeybees, beeswax is sometimes used to give candies a shiny exterior and prevent sticking. Some vegans avoid it, considering it an animal byproduct.
- Milk & Dairy Products: Found in many chocolate and creamy-based candies, dairy ingredients like milkfat, whey, and casein are obvious non-vegan additions.
- Sugar (Controversial): In the US, some non-organic cane sugar is refined using bone char, which is derived from cattle bones. While no bone char remains in the final product, some strict vegans avoid sugar processed this way.
Comparison of Popular Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Candies
| Feature | Vegan Candidate: Smarties (US) | Non-Vegan Example: Gummy Bears (Conventional) |
|---|---|---|
| Chewiness Source | Dextrose/cornstarch | Gelatin (animal-derived) |
| Outer Glaze | No glaze or uses vegan alternatives | Confectioner's glaze (shellac) |
| Sweetener Source | Often beet sugar or other vegan options | Potentially bone-char filtered cane sugar |
| Coloring | Artificial colors (not animal-derived) | May contain carmine (insect-derived) |
| Primary Texture | Hard, chalky tablet | Soft, bouncy, and gummy |
What to Consider Beyond the Ingredients
While reading ingredient labels is the most critical step, some vegans also consider a brand's overall ethical practices. Some companies may use palm oil, a technically vegan ingredient whose production has been linked to deforestation and habitat destruction for animals like orangutans. Additionally, some food colorings or additives may have been tested on animals at some point, a point of concern for some in the vegan community. Ultimately, how strictly a person adheres to these broader ethical considerations is a personal choice. For those seeking absolute certainty, certified vegan brands are the best option, though many popular brands offer accidentally vegan treats.
Conclusion: Finding Vegan Candy is Easier Than Ever
The market for plant-based foods has expanded significantly, and the range of accidentally vegan candies available is a testament to this growth. From classic favorites like Skittles and Sour Patch Kids (in the US) to hard candies and licorice, satisfying a sweet craving while adhering to a vegan lifestyle has never been more straightforward. By familiarizing yourself with common non-vegan ingredients like gelatin and carmine and learning which brands often avoid them, you can confidently navigate the candy aisle. While ethical sourcing beyond the ingredients list (like sugar processing or palm oil) remains a personal consideration, the sheer availability of surprisingly vegan options means that a sweet, cruelty-free treat is always within reach. The next time you're at the store, give the ingredient list a quick scan—you might be surprised by what you find.
Vegan Action Certified is an excellent resource for finding certified vegan products, including candies, for those who want to be 100% sure.
