The Growing Vegan Range at Swizzels
For decades, Swizzels has been a staple in British sweet shops, known for its fun and nostalgic confectionery. As consumer habits have shifted towards plant-based diets, the company has responded positively by actively developing and reformulating its products. In 2017, Swizzels made a significant move by launching specifically vegan Drumstick Choos and Refreshers Choos, a key milestone in their transition. Following their success, the company revamped all of its chew bars to be fully vegan a year later, cementing its commitment to providing inclusive sweet options. This means that fans of classic Swizzels sweets don't have to miss out on their favourite flavours, as many have a new, vegan-friendly recipe.
Why Ingredient Changes Matter
Many classic sweets traditionally contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatine, which is made from animal bones and skin. By removing this and other animal products like condensed milk or butter, Swizzels has made many of its treats accessible to a much wider audience, including vegans, vegetarians, and those following halal diets. This proactive approach also extends to their promotional activities, with the company running campaigns like "All These, All Year, All Vegan" to raise awareness of their plant-based offerings.
A Definitive List of Vegan Swizzels Sweets
Many of Swizzels' most famous products are now suitable for a vegan diet. This list provides an overview of some of the most popular treats you can find and enjoy guilt-free.
Chews and Bars:
- Drumstick Choos: These chewy versions are vegan-friendly, unlike the traditional lollies.
- Refreshers Choos: The chew version of the fizzy classic is a safe bet for vegans.
- Vimto Chew Bars: Made with real fruit juice, these are suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets.
- Other Chew Bars: All chew bars, including Refreshers in various flavours (Lemon, Strawberry, Cherry Cola, Sour Apple) and Stinger, are now vegan.
Fizzy and Hard Candy:
- Love Hearts: The iconic fizzy sweets with messages are completely vegan.
- Parma Violets: These floral-flavoured classic sweets are vegan-friendly.
- Fizzers: The classic fizzy sherbet sweets are suitable for vegans.
- Double Lollies: The original double-flavoured fizzy lollipops are vegan.
- Fruity Pops: These hard-boiled fruit flavour lollies are also safe for vegans.
Crunchy and Other Treats:
- Rainbow Drops: Made from puffed maize and rice, these light, fruity treats are vegan.
- Double Dip: The powdered dip with a hard swizzelstick is vegan.
- Curious Chews: These chewy sweets are suitable for vegans.
- Candy Whistles & Lipsticks: The hard, pressed candy shapes are free from animal products.
Which Swizzels Sweets are NOT Vegan?
While many sweets are now vegan, it is crucial to remember that some products still contain animal-derived ingredients. These are typically the chewier, softer products that rely on gelatine for their texture, or those containing milk products.
The Non-Vegan List:
- Drumstick Lollies: The classic lollies contain gelatine, so vegans should choose the 'Choos' version instead.
- Squashies: All varieties of Squashies contain gelatine and are not vegan.
- Fun Gums: These jelly-based sweets, including the Pigs' Mugs and Milk Bottles, contain gelatine.
- Butterscotch: As the name suggests, this contains butter and is not vegan.
- Assortment Packs: Mixed tubs and bags, like the 'Sweet Shop Favourites Tub,' often contain a mix of vegan and non-vegan sweets. Always check the ingredients list for non-vegan items like gelatine or milk.
Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Swizzels Sweets
| Product | Vegan Status | Key Non-Vegan Ingredients | Vegan Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drumstick Choos | Vegan | N/A | N/A |
| Drumstick Lollies | Non-Vegan | Gelatine | Drumstick Choos |
| Refreshers Chew Bar | Vegan | N/A | N/A |
| Squashies (all varieties) | Non-Vegan | Gelatine | Refreshers Choos, Curious Chews |
| Love Hearts | Vegan | N/A | N/A |
| Fun Gums | Non-Vegan | Gelatine | Fruity Pops, Curious Chews |
| Parma Violets | Vegan | N/A | N/A |
| Butterscotch | Non-Vegan | Butter | Most other hard candy |
| Rainbow Drops | Vegan | N/A | N/A |
| Assortment Packs | Variable | Gelatine, Milk | Swizzels 'Vegan Mix' Bags |
Why Check the Label? The Importance of Verified Ingredients
Product formulations can change, and it's always best practice for vegans to check the label before purchasing, especially when buying assorted packs. Swizzels is transparent about its ingredients, and many products are explicitly labelled as 'vegan friendly' or feature a clear vegan icon on the packaging. However, this is not always the case for older stock or multi-product packages. Furthermore, while the ingredients are vegan, it's worth noting that some Swizzels products contain palm oil. Some vegans choose to avoid this ingredient due to environmental concerns, which is a personal choice to consider. For definitive ingredient information, you can always check the official Swizzels website official Swizzels vegan page.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Vegan Swizzels Treats
With a clear commitment to providing vegan-friendly options, Swizzels has ensured that many of its beloved classics remain accessible to those on a plant-based diet. From the nostalgic fizz of Love Hearts to the chewy joy of Drumstick Choos, there is a wide range of products to choose from. By remembering to avoid certain gelatine-based sweets like Squashies and classic Drumstick lollies, and always checking the label on mixed bags, vegans can confidently indulge in their favourite retro treats.
