Which Candies are Vegan?
When someone thinks about candy, the first words that probably come to mind are "delicious", "sweet" and "colorful". But, if you're vegan or following a plant-based lifestyle, another question comes to mind: "Is candy vegan?" Well, some of them are, there are many options to choose from
in all shapes and colors.
Is Candy Vegan?
Like I mentioned before, some are. Traditionally candies often contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin (from animal bones and connective tissues), beeswax, shellac (from lac bugs), and certain colorings derived from insects (like carmine).
However, many brands have seen the growing demand for vegan options and now offer candies that are completely free of animal products. Always look for labels that explicitly state the candy is vegan or check the ingredients list for common non-vegan additives.
Is Sugar Vegan?
Sugar itself comes from plants (sugarcane or sugar beets), so it should be vegan, right?
Well, like many other food products, the process in which they are made can sometimes complicate things. Some sugar manufacturers use bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve a white color in cane sugar, which means that not all sugars are vegan.
However, there are plenty of vegan-friendly sugars available. Look for organic, raw, or unrefined sugars, as well as those specifically labeled as vegan. Beet sugar is also a safe bet, as it is processed differently and doesn’t involve bone char.
Is Candy Still Vegan if There Has Been Cross-Contamination?
Cross-contamination occurs when a vegan product comes into contact with non-vegan substances during production. While this doesn’t change the ingredients of the candy itself, it can be a concern for strict vegans. Many companies strive to minimize cross-contamination by using dedicated equipment or cleaning thoroughly between batches. If this is important to you, look for candies made in certified vegan facilities or contact the manufacturer for more information. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice whether to consume products that might have minor cross-contamination.
Is Vegan Candy Healthy?
Some people have the misconception that vegan = healthy, which simply is not true. You can be vegan and eat junk food all day. Vegan candies can still be high in sugars, artificial colors, and flavors, and they often lack nutritional value.
However, since veganism is often asssociated with a healthier life style, there are healthier vegan candy options available that use natural ingredients, fruit juices, and organic sweeteners. Moderation is key—enjoy vegan candies as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. For a healthier option, consider making your own vegan treats at home using whole food ingredients.
Which candy is accidentally vegan?
Thise means that a candy became "accidentally" vegan because animal ingredients were not used to create the candy by the manufacturer in the first place. But that doesn't mean that in some special limited editions they won't release a version that is not, it's always better to confirm the labels.
Dots - Gumdrop-like candies, vegan.
Twizzlers - Iconic twists, vegan-friendly
Sour Patch Kids - Both tangy and sweet, vegan.
Swedish Fish - These chewy, fruity candies, vegan.
Skittles: Bright, chewy, fruity candies, vegan-friendly.
Jolly Ranchers (Hard Candy) - Hard candies, many flavors, vegan.
Airheads - Tangy taffy-like candies, vegan.
Brach’s Cinnamon Hard Candy: Spicy-sweet hard candies, vegan and bold in flavor.
Ring Pops: Wearable fruity candy rings, fun and vegan.
Fun Dip: Flavored powder with a candy stick, fun and vegan.
Fruit By the Foot: Long, tangy, fruity roll-up snack, vegan-friendly.
Fruit Roll-Ups: Chewy, stretchy fruit snacks, various flavors, vegan.
Laffy Taffy (Mini & Stretchy & Tangy): Chewy, tangy candy, vegan in certain varieties.
Smarties: Small, tangy candy tablets, colorful and vegan.
Now and Later: Long-lasting, chewy fruity candies, vegan-friendly.
Red Vines: Classic red licorice twists, mildly sweet, and vegan.
Sweet Tarts: Tart and sweet candies, tangy and vegan.
Zotz: Hard candies with fizzy, sour centers, unique and vegan.
Vegan Gummies
Instead of gelatin made from animal bones, many brands opt for plant-based alternatives like pectin (a soluble fruit-based fiber), agar agar (which comes from red algae), or carrageenan (made from red seaweed) to make their gummy sweets chewy and delicious.
Important note: While not all of the below brands are 100 percent vegan, they offer several vegan options, so check the ingredients list before purchasing.
Annie’s Fruit Snacks: Organic, chewy fruit snacks, naturally flavored and vegan.
California Gummy Bears: Fruity, plant-based gummy bears, made with real fruit.
Candy Kittens: Gourmet vegan gummies, crafted with natural flavors and real fruit juice.
Healthy Hippo Naturals: Low-sugar, vegan gummies made with natural ingredients.
HunnyBon Sweets: Plant-based, organic gummies with no artificial ingredients.
J. Luehders: Vegan fruit gummies, free from gelatin and artificial colors.
Joy Ride: Vegan gummies with natural flavors, low in sugar and free from artificial additives.
JOM: Organic, vegan gummies made with real fruit and natural flavors.
Katje’s: Vegan gummies with a variety of fruity flavors, made without gelatin.
Oomph! Sweets: Plant-based gummies with bold flavors and natural ingredients.
Organic Candy Factory: Organic, vegan gummy bears made with pure ingredients and real fruit.
Simply Fruit Bites: Vegan, chewy fruit snacks, made with simple, natural ingredients.
SmartSweets: Low-sugar, vegan gummies with natural sweeteners and flavors.
Soley: Organic, vegan fruit gummies, made with whole fruit and no added sugar.
Sugarfina: Premium vegan gummies with a variety of gourmet flavors and natural ingredients.
Surf Sweets
Surf Sweets: Organic, vegan gummies made with real fruit juice and no artificial colors.
Sweetkynd: Vegan gummies with natural flavors, low in sugar and free from artificial additives.
Vegobears: Vegan gummy bears made with natural ingredients and real fruit flavors.
Wholesome: Organic, vegan gummies made with fair trade ingredients and natural flavors.
Vegan caramels
Chewy, sweet, sticky candies are a favorite, but often they feature dairy in the recipe.
It’s not essential, as these delicious sweets below prove it.
AvenueSweets: Handcrafted vegan caramels, rich and creamy, made with coconut milk.
Cocomels: Smooth, dairy-free caramels made from coconut milk, offering a unique twist on traditional caramel.
Hey Boo: Vegan coconut caramel, velvety texture, and naturally sweetened.
Lagusta’s Luscious: Artisan vegan caramels with bold flavors, ethically made and hand-crafted.
Sanders: Vegan sea salt caramels, rich in flavor with a hint of sea salt.
SmartSweets Caramels: Low-sugar vegan caramels, offering a guilt-free sweet treat.
Vegan chews
Just like in gummies, you’ll sometimes find gelatin or carmine in chewy sweets.
But this doesn’t mean that vegans have to miss out—far from it. You’ll find plenty of flavorful, chewy vegan candy alternatives on the market in tropical, sour, fruity, and citrusy flavors.
Lovely Organic: Organic, vegan chewy candies made with simple, clean ingredients and natural flavors.
Oomph!: Plant-based, chewy candies with vibrant flavors and natural ingredients.
Pac Pac Snacks: Vegan chews made with real fruit, offering a naturally sweet and chewy snack.
Sweet Haven: Vegan chews crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients for a delightful, chewy treat.
Torie & Howard: Organic, vegan chewy candies with real fruit flavors and no artificial additives.
YumEarth: Organic, vegan fruit chews made with natural ingredients and free from common allergens.
Vegan Lollipops
There are plenty of vegan options to choose from when it comes to lollipops.
(Just watch out for dairy.)
Charms Blow Pops: Classic lollipops with a bubblegum center, featuring a variety of fruity flavors and a vegan-friendly formula.
Dum Dums: Small, vegan lollipops available in a wide range of fun flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Juicy Pops: Flavorful vegan lollipops that offer a juicy burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
Lovely Organic: Organic, vegan lollipops made with natural flavors and colors, offering a wholesome sweet treat.
Original Candy Company: Handcrafted, vegan lollipops with unique shapes and flavors, made with high-quality ingredients.
SmartSweets: Low-sugar, vegan lollipops with natural sweeteners and vibrant flavors for a healthier treat option.
Tazzy Candy: Boldly flavored vegan lollipops made with natural ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives.
Tree Hugger: Eco-friendly, vegan lollipops made with natural flavors and colors, promoting sustainable practices.
YumEarth: Organic, vegan lollipops made with real fruit extracts and no artificial additives, perfect for a natural sweet treat.
Vegan marshmallows
What makes marshmallows not vegan? - Gelatin. A clear, flavorless protein made from animal collagen, gelatin is used to create a bouncy marshmallow texture. But many brands have ditched the cruelty and launched gelatin-free vegan versions.
They use ingredients like carrageenan or agar agar to get the same familiar taste.
Dandies: Soft and fluffy vegan marshmallows made with all-natural ingredients, perfect for snacking or baking.
Freedom Confectionery: Light and airy vegan marshmallows, free from common allergens and made with natural flavors.
Funky Mello: Creamy, gourmet vegan marshmallows available in a variety of unique flavors, ideal for indulgent treats.
Mallow Puffs: Chocolate-coated vegan marshmallows that offer a delightful combination of soft and crunchy textures.
Max Mallow: Sugar-free, keto-friendly vegan marshmallows, providing a guilt-free, low-carb treat.
Suzanne’s Specialties: Organic, vegan marshmallows made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for roasting or snacking.
Trader Joe’s: Affordable and tasty vegan marshmallows available at Trader Joe’s, great for various uses.
Yummallo: Vegan marshmallows that are light, fluffy, and perfect for baking, roasting, or enjoying straight out of the bag.
A vegan lifestyle comes with some challenges, and one of them is always having to be on the lookout for animal substances in food products. (Milk powder for example, is everywhere).
But, like many things in life, with some education and in the case label-checking, when can find our candies too.
Whether you're a long-time vegan or just exploring plant-based options without any animal parts in it, there’s no need to give up your favorite sweets.
The vegan candy market is thriving, offering something for everyone to enjoy guilt-free. Remember, while these treats can temporary joy, balance them with a healthy diet to stay away from the dentist.
"Live kindly, eat kindly, be kind." 💚✨
