Exploring Vegan-Friendly Candies: Which Sweets are Naturally Vegan?

• Written by Feb, 10 2025
• 0 Comments

Craving sweets but want to stick to a vegan diet? You're in good company. More people are realizing that a plant-based lifestyle doesn't mean missing out on delicious treats. The good news is many candies are, in fact, vegan-friendly without needing special labels.

At its core, a vegan sweet means it contains no animal products, which includes avoiding things like gelatin, milk, and honey. It might surprise you, but many beloved childhood candies already fit these criteria. Think about certain jelly beans or fruit chews – turns out, not all those colorful treats are off the table.

Here's a tip: check ingredient lists for sneaky non-vegan items. Words like 'carmine' or 'shellac' might pop up, so a little label detective work can help you spot fully vegan options.

• Understanding Vegan Criteria for Candies
• Popular Vegan Sweets to Enjoy
• Surprising Candies That Are Vegan
• Tips for Finding Vegan Options
• Making Homemade Vegan Treats

Understanding Vegan Criteria for Candies

So, what makes a candy truly vegan? It's not just about skipping meat; the vegan criteria for candies dive much deeper than that. The main thing is to ensure that none of the ingredients are derived from animals. Sounds simple enough, right?

Let's break it down. The top culprits to watch for are ingredients like gelatin, which comes from animal bones and is common in gummies and marshmallows. Milk and honey are other no-go items you'd find in things like chocolate bars and hard candies.

Common Ingredients to Avoid

• Gelatin: Often found in gummies and chewy candies.
• Milk: Used in creamy candies like chocolates.
• Honey: Sometimes found in hard candies or flavored chews.
• Carmine: A red dye made from insects, used for color.
• Shellac: Derived from beetles, often used as a glaze.

Keen Eyes and Labels

Reading and understanding the labels goes a long way. Look for candies labeled 'vegan', but even without that assurance, many regular candies can pass as vegan-friendly if you know what to look for. Remember, less familiar ingredients like 'lactose' and 'casein' sneak into sweets and don't fit a vegan lifestyle.

Fortunately, Some Sweet Surprises

Some mainstream candies that might surprise you by being vegan are Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and certain licorice brands. Turns out, their ingredients don't include gelatin or other animal products and are sweet victories on a vegan quest!

But don't just take candies at face value. Even within brands, ingredient lists can change, so the key is staying informed and curious while satisfying that sweet tooth responsibly.

Popular Vegan Sweets to Enjoy

If you've got a sweet tooth but want to maintain a vegan diet, don't worry – there's no need to skip dessert! Plenty of common candies are vegan by chance, and they're waiting for you to discover them.

Gummy Candies

People often think that all gummies contain gelatin, which is usually derived from animal products, but some brands are changing the game. Check out brands like Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish, as they're known for using plant-based ingredients instead.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a lifesaver for vegans – just make sure to choose options that contain 70% cacao or more and avoid any with milk solids. Brands like Green & Black's Organic and Lindt's Excellence series often have delicious options. Plus, the higher cacao content means you're getting a dose of antioxidants too!

Fruit Chews

Starburst might not be vegan-friendly, but alternatives like YumEarth's fruit snacks come in clutch for those craving something chewy and fruity. They're made with organic and recognizable ingredients, making them a popular vegan candy choice.

Licorice

Traditional licorice often checks out as a vegan option, but it's key to read the packaging. Look for brands like Red Vines that typically steer clear of animal-derived additives.

Hard Candies

It's so easy to grab hard candies on the go, and thankfully, many of them such as Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, and Smarties are generally vegan-friendly. Again, keep an eye on the ingredients just in case of recipe tweaks.

And here's an interesting bit of info:

So, when shopping for vegan sweets, don't forget to peek at the label. It's amazing what tasty treasures you can find with a little investigation and a passion for plant-based living.

Surprising Candies That Are Vegan

When you think of vegan sweets, you might not immediately think about some of the most accessible and familiar candies on the shelf. But surprise, surprise—many of your childhood favorites have been vegan all along! Let’s have a look at some unexpected candies that fit into a vegan diet without any modification.

Fruit Candies and Chews

First up, you'd expect something like a fruit chew or gummy to have animal derivatives, but often they don't. Classic candies like Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish are both vegan-friendly in their US versions. They don't use gelatin, which is a big win for vegans looking for a sour punch.

Dark Chocolate Delights

Believe it or not, some dark chocolate bars are naturally vegan because they skip the milk. Look for bars that have a high cocoa percentage and simple ingredients. Brands like Lindt's dark chocolate are great choices (just check to ensure no milk fat or butter oil).

Retro Throwbacks

A trip down nostalgia lane can also lead to vegan surprises. Remember Twizzlers and Red Vines? They're made without gelatin, which makes them a sweet, chewy option that's completely plant-friendly. They’re perfect for a movie night.

Lollipops and Hard Candies

Many hard candies like Dum Dums and certain lollipops are vegan, thanks to their simple sugar-based ingredients. Just be cautious of artificial colors, which some vegans choose to avoid.

So next time you're treating your sweet tooth, remember there's a world of vegan candy options to explore. Just be sure to double-check ingredients from time to time, as formulations can change. Enjoy the sweet discoveries!

Tips for Finding Vegan Options

Hunting for vegan sweets in a regular store can sometimes feel like a puzzle, but don't fret—it's totally doable! With a few simple tricks, you'll become a pro in no time.

Check the Labels

Ingredients are your best friends here. Look for words like 'gelatin' or 'casein' that might sneak in where you least expect. Watch out for less obvious names like 'confectioner’s glaze' – it's made from shellac, which isn't vegan. Make it a habit to scan for any animal-derived products.

Go for Certified Vegan Labels

If you're in a rush, products with a certified vegan label can be lifesavers. They assure you the candy is free from animal products and also hasn't been tested on animals. Keep an eye out for these little logos.

Explore Specialty Stores

Chances are, specialized stores or sections in larger supermarkets will have a bigger assortment of vegan candy. These places often carry brands that might be hard to find elsewhere, offering more choices for your sweet tooth.

Try Plant-Based Alternatives

For sweets like marshmallows that are typically non-vegan, there's good news! Plant-based versions exist and are often made with agar or another natural ingredient instead of gelatin. Give these alternatives a shot, and you might find they taste just as good, if not better.

Be Wary of Sugar

Did you know some sugar gets processed with animal bone char? While not all sugar is, it's a bummer to find out the hard way. Brands like organic or cane sugar are usually a safer bet as they typically avoid this process.

Online Resources Can Help

There's a wealth of online lists and resources dedicated to vegan-friendly candies. Bookmark a few favorites or follow social media groups to stay updated on new finds.

Use Store Apps

Some stores have apps or scanners that help you check if an item meets vegan criteria. These can be your go-to tools for saving time during your shop.

With these tips, you'll breeze through finding vegan candies and vegan desserts without any hassle. It just takes a bit more initial research, but soon enough, selecting wholesome treats will become second nature!

Making Homemade Vegan Treats

Ever thought about creating your own vegan sweets at home? Not only is this a rewarding experience, but it also lets you control exactly what goes in them. Say goodbye to scanning endless labels in store aisles!

1. Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate cravings? You can whip up vegan chocolate truffles in no time. The base ingredients are quite simple: coconut milk, dairy-free dark chocolate, and a splash of vanilla extract. Just melt the chocolate, mix it with the coconut milk, let it cool for a few hours, then roll into balls and voila — chocolaty perfection.

2. Chewy Vegan Caramel

A sticky-sweet treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. You’ll need coconut cream, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Combine the ingredients, simmer until thick, pour into a lined dish, and allow to set. These caramels can be cut into pieces and wrapped in parchment for gifting or even snacking at home.

3. Fruit Gummies

Fancy a fruity treat? Try making your own vegan gummies. Opt for agar-agar powder instead of gelatin. Blend fruit puree of your choice with a bit of sweetener, simmer with agar-agar, and pour into molds. In a couple of hours, you’ll have chewy, fruity candies that anyone can enjoy.

Pro Tips for Success

• Always read the labels of your vegan sweets ingredients. Sometimes even coconut milk brands can include sneaky animal products.
• For an extra gourmet touch, roll your truffles in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut.
• Experiment with different flavors and textures by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to your treats.

Creating homemade vegan desserts isn’t just about avoiding animal products; it's also about discovering new flavors and textures. Dive into the world of plant-based treats. You might be surprised at just how delightful and satisfying your creations can be!