Vegan Candy Guide: A Roadmap to the Best Ethical Sweets

Everyone is born with an innate attraction to all things sweet, so it should come as no surprise that the love of candy transcends all ages and cultural boundaries.

As far back as 2000 BCE, ancient Egyptians were making treats from honey, nuts, and dried fruits like dates and figs. Not long after, dried sugarcane was used in India to create the world’s first granulated sweetener, and there’s been no end to confectionery innovation since then.

Now, candies come in all colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors imaginable, which is both good and bad news for discerning eaters. All too often, undesirable ingredients make it into the mix, including animal products. How can you avoid them while still satisfying your sweet tooth as a vegan? It’s easy when you know what to look for!

What Makes Some Candy Not Vegan?

Animal products have been historically used as cheaper shortcuts to make mass production possible. You may not recognize the names at first, and to make matters worse, it’s almost impossible to read all that fine print on such a tiny label. When in doubt, consult the brand’s website for a closer look. Keep an eye out for the following:

Milk, whey, butter, butterfat, or casein: Though this may seem obvious, dairy can show up in some surprising places. Beware that “lactose-free” doesn’t necessarily mean dairy-free, too.

Eggs, egg whites, or egg albumin: Often used to bind sugary substances together, egg derivatives can be found in sweets such as meringue.

Gelatin: Made from ground hooves and bones, this is what gives many old-fashioned gummies their chew and marshmallows their springy texture.

Beeswax: There are many other perfectly good food grade waxes that will prevent candies from sticking to one another, but this option is harvested from bees that really need it more than we do.

Honey: As a ploy to give sugary treats a health halo, honey is sometimes used as a supposedly more natural alternative to white sugar. It’s too bad it’s inherently cruel on a commercial scale, and definitely not vegan.

Confectioner’s glaze or shellac: This sounds so innocent, and it’s included for purely aesthetic reasons. This substance gives many candies a shiny outer shell, but unfortunately, it’s the product of bug secretions. (Ewww!)

Carmine or cochneal: Waiter, there’s a bug in my candy! That’s right, this red coloring comes from the natural pigments found in various insects.

Bone char: This is quite possibly the worst offender on this list because unlike the others, manufacturers don’t need to list this as an ingredient, so it’s very hard to know when it has or hasn’t been used. It’s part of the process used to bleach sugar bright white, using cattle bones. For more information, here’s our take on whether sugar is vegan.

Best Vegan Candy Options

Are you ready for a sweet revolution? Vegan candy brands are taking the world by storm with their delicious and ethical treats! Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for something new and exciting, these candy bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Gourmet, high-end ingredients, fancy flavors, and dedicated vegan brands are elevating the art of confectionary as we know it. These are truly special treats, some of which may need to be ordered online, but are worth the extra effort.

Vegan Candy Bars

Go Max Go – With Go Max Go’s vegan candy bars, you don’t have to miss out on the classic chocolate bar experience. They make vegan spins on the most popular classic candy bars like Snickers, Almond Joys, and 3 Musketeers.

Sjaak’s (Eli’s Earth) – Sjaak’s is known for its high-quality, organic, and fair trade chocolates, which are made using only the finest natural ingredients. From their classic chocolate bars to their unique truffles and seasonal treats, Sjaak’s is a favorite among vegan and chocolate lovers alike.

Gigantic – Gigantic’s vegan candy bars are so deliciously huge, they’re practically mythical! Made with all-natural ingredients and free from dairy, gluten, and soy, they’re perfect for ethical snackers who like their treats gigantic.

Trupo Treats – Trupo Treats is a vegan candy company that makes chocolate dipped wafer candy bars, chocolate bars, vegan Crunch-style bars, and more. So go ahead, treat yourself to Trupo Treats and see why they’re making waves in the vegan candy world!

Misfits – Embrace your inner misfit with these vegan candy bars made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients. Perfect for candy lovers who want to try something different and fun without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vego – Vego’s vegan chocolate bars are so big, they’re practically a meal! Made with fair-trade ingredients and available in flavors like Hazelnut, Almond Bliss, and Dark Nuts and Berries, they’re perfect for sharing (or not!).

Amy’s – These Dreamy bars uphold their name. The made with organic dark chocolate and boast a creamy nougat center. It’s rich, delicious, and completely vegan and kosher!!

Vegan Chocolate Candies

Don’t worry, there’s a ton of options for you ethical chocoholics, too! Check out our complete guide to vegan chocolate.

• Chomp!
• Enjoy Life Foods
• Free2b
• Go Max Go
• Hershey’s Oat Made
• Hu Kitchen
• Jojo’s
• Justin’s Dark Chocolate
• Lagusta’s Lucious
• Lakanto
• Love Raw
• Nelly’s Organics
• Notty
• No Whey Foods
• Raaka Chocolate
• Panda Chocolates
• Reese’s Plant Based
• Sjaak’s
• Pascha Chocolate
• Charm School Chocolate
• Taza Chocolate
• Vego

Vegan Gummies

These chewy and delightful treats come in an endless array of shapes, sizes, and flavors, with options ranging from classic fruit flavors to more daring and exciting varieties. Think juicy watermelon, tangy pineapple, or even zesty grapefruit. Plus, with brands like Katjes making rainbow gummies and Annie’s dropping kid-friendly minis, you can snack guilt-free without compromising on taste. And who says gummies are just for snacking? Add them to your next smoothie bowl, use them as toppings on your cupcakes, or even melt them down and turn them into a creative and colorful glaze.

To help you on your quest for the best vegan gummies out there, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the most delicious and ethical brands around. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth in the most fun and ethical way possible!

• Annie’s Fruit Snacks
• Better Bears
• Candy Kittens
• California Gummy Bears
• Funtasty
• Healthy Hippo
• Hunny Bon
• Joyride Sweets
• Jom
• Katjes
• Oomph!
• Project 7
• SmartSweets (Sweet Fish, Sour Blast Buddies, Peach Rings, Sourmelon Bites, Cola Gummies, Red Twists and Lollipops)
• Soley
• Sugarfina
• Surf Sweets (DelishFish, Fruit Bears, Fruity Rings, and Cinnamon Bears)
• The Gummy Project (low-sugar gummies benefiting endangered keystone species)
• The Organic Candy Factory
• Vegobears

Vegan Chewy Candies & Caramels

• Chimes Gourmet Ginger Chews
• AvenueSweets
• Cocomels
• Hey Boo
• Lovely Candy Co. (Chewy Candies, Hard Candies, and Lollipops)
• Torie & Howard
• YumEarth (Everything EXCEPT for Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms, and Candy Corn)
• Vegan Marshmallow Brands

And so much more! The great news is that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller, local producers that are just getting started. Always seek out these sweet, inventive individuals and support small business!

Mainstream Candies That are “Accidentally” Vegan

When you want an accessible, affordable treat to share with everyone for holidays like Halloween or Easter, or just need to satisfy a craving while on the road, there are lots of great candies on the market that are perfectly suitable for vegans.

As always, formulas can change without notice, so make sure you check labels before you purchase.

Chewy Vegan Candies

• Airheads
• Fruit By the Foot and Fruit Roll-Ups
• Mamba Fruit Chews
• Mary Janes
• Now and Later
• Starbursts
• Skittles

Soft & Gummy Candies

• Dots
• Jolly Ranchers Lollipops and Hard Candy
• Jujubes
• Laffy Taffy
• Panda Licorice
• Red Vines
• Smart Sweets (all flavors except fruit gummy bears)
• Sour Patch Kids
• Swedish Fish
• Twizzlers

Vegan Hard Candies

• Bottlecaps
• Brach’s Cinnamon Hard Candy, Hi-C Fruit Slices, Hi-C Orange Slices, Beer Barrels, and Star Brites
• Charm Lollipops
• Chick-O-Sticks
• Dum-Dums
• Fireballs
• Fun Dip
• Gobstoppers
• Lemonheads
• Nerds
• Pez
• Pixy Stix
• Ring Pops
• Smarties (made in the US only)
• Sweet Tarts
• Zotz

Nutty Candies

• Atkins Peanut Butter Bar
• Chew-et’s Peanut Chews
• Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews
• Lance Peanut Bar
• OCHO (peanut butter, coconut, and caramel chocolate candy bars)

Vegan Bubblegum

• Big League Chew
• Blow Pops
• Cry Babies
• Hubba Bubba Bubblegum
• Super Bubble

Homemade Vegan Candy Recipes

If you prefer a DIY approach, you have even more options when it comes to vegan candy, both simple and complex. Here are some sweet ideas to get you started:

• Vegan Snickers Recipe
• Vegan Almond Joy Bars
• Stuffed Dates With Peanut Butter
• Vegan Chocolate Truffles
• Superfood Chocolate Bark

The Ethics of Chocolate

While many people turn to vegan chocolate as an ethical alternative to traditional chocolate, it is important to remember that not all vegan chocolate is ethically sourced. In fact, the chocolate industry has a long history of exploitative labor practices, including child labor and slavery.

To ensure that the chocolate you purchase is ethically sourced, it’s essential to do your own research and look for certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ. Additionally, the Food Empowerment Project’s chocolate list provides a helpful resource for evaluating the ethics of various chocolate brands. This comprehensive list takes into account factors like child labor, slavery, and environmental impact, and can be a useful tool for consumers who want to ensure their chocolate purchases are truly harmless. By using resources like the Food Empowerment Project’s chocolate list, consumers can make informed choices and support companies that prioritize ethical sourcing and labor practices.

More Vegan Candy Resources

• Vegan Caramel Candies
• Vegan Halloween Candy Guide
• Vegan Gummies
• Vegan Chocolate Guide

May this vegan candy guide bring some sweetness to your life! If we missed any of your favorite vegetarian candies, feel free to mention them in the comments below.

The post Vegan Candy Guide: A Roadmap to the Best Ethical Sweets appeared first on World of Vegan.

We firmly believe that everyone deserves to live healthier, happier lives. We invite you to join us in our mission of embracing healthier living through education, inspiration and empowerment - because at Paleovsketo.com, we understand that it is no longer enough to know WHAT we should be eating; we must all learn HOW too!

Whether you’re just getting started with a new diet or lifestyle change or if you’ve been following a nutritional plan for years; our website aims to provide guidance and act as an inclusive community forum that welcomes everyone from all walks of life. Share your stories, passions, recipes and advice with us; together let us revolutionize the way people think about healthy eating by promoting delicious and nutritious practices backed by science.

All contributions are welcome - so pick up that spatula and email us at [email protected]! You are a part of the universe - so act like it with confidence, grace and integrity while learning to embrace the power of plants through careful mindful eating today! Join the ranks now of thousands of inspired individuals who aim to make their lives easier while optimizing nutrition intake- you won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plant-based meals more expensive than other types of diets?

Plant-based diets don't necessarily have to be more expensive than others. Eating a balanced plant-based diet without spending much money depending on the type and quantity of foods you eat is possible. Rice, beans, eggs, nuts, potatoes and other vegetables can all be inexpensive and provide excellent protein sources at lower prices. You can also reduce food costs by planning your meals and buying bulk. Besides individual ingredients, there are now many ready-to-eat plant-based meals that can further reduce your grocery expense.

Is it possible to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases by eating a plant-based diet?

In today's world, a plant-based diet is gaining more popularity due to its various health and environmental benefits. It is a diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables as well whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and removing or greatly reducing animal proteins such as milk and meat. Plant-based diets have many advantages, including better heart health, digestive health benefits and increased energy levels. They also offer potential environmental protection. Plant-based diets can be supplemented with excellent plant-based protein sources.

What are some tips for transitioning to a plant-based diet?

It can be daunting to change to a plant-based lifestyle, but with the right knowledge and support it can be an exciting lifestyle shift. Some tips for transitioning to this type of diet include:

1. For optimal macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, structure your meals around whole foods instead of processed foods.
2. We are committed to creating delicious, healthy meals that appeal to everyone.
3. It is important to create a support system, including friends, family members, and certified medical professionals.
4. You can add excitement to your meal by trying new recipes.
5. Slowly changing your habits and paying more attention to your nutrition intake.

These tips can help individuals to transition slowly to a plant based diet.

Can a plant based diet be dangerous?

Many people have enjoyed the health benefits of adopting a plant based diet. However, any type diet can prove to be dangerous if it's not properly managed. People who transition to a more plant-based lifestyle must be aware of the importance of proper vitamin intake such as iron, B12 and omega 3 fatty acids. Unbalanced diets without adequate replacements can lead to deficiencies and other health problems. Living a vegan or plant-based lifestyle could also mean you cut out dairy and eggs. This can cause muscle damage. Plant-based diets should be adjusted to meet individual needs. If necessary, a nutritionist or doctor can be consulted.

Statistics

• In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)
• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

[TAG28]

• Diabetes

[TAG30]

• Effects of plant-based diets on weight status: A systematic review - PMC


• Healthcare professionals can use plant-based nutrition to prevent and treat chronic diseases. PMC

[TAG33]

• How common is vitamin B-12 deficiencies? The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

[TAG35]

• Weight Loss


• Plant-Based Diets and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

How To

How do you make plant-based meals that are both delicious and filling?

It is possible to cook delicious, filling, plant-based dishes with the right ingredients, creative recipes, and preparation. First, you should choose fresh produce and quality ingredients. Then create a grocery plan based on your recipes. Also, make sure to invest in proper storage equipment to keep your prepared food fresh.

Next, you need to be mindful of variety in meal preparation. You should focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds. Try to find different colors for better nutrition. Every meal should have a balanced mix of fiber, proteins and healthy fats. You can also make batch cooking easier by using kitchen appliances such slow cookers or multi-cookers.

You can be creative in the kitchen, while adhering to a vegan diet. Spices such as chili powder or cayenne pepper can enhance dishes while remaining healthy. Whole foods can transform bland plant-based meals into delicious, flavorful meals in minutes. You can use beans instead of "meats" and roasted butternut squash as an alternative to french fries. If all else fails you can mix leftovers from earlier in week to create something new.

By utilizing these tips, individuals can enjoy a delicious plant-based diet without sacrificing flavor or fullness - so go forth and get cooking!

Resources:

[TAG38] I’m so glad we made it to March. The days are growing longer already and I love how the spring sunshine illuminates our kitchen. The daffodils that…The post

[TAG39] No one food can reduce your risk for cancer, but there is an overall diet that can. Learn what it means to eat a plant-based diet and see all the ways it can

[TAG40] These hearty bowls feature roasted fajita veggies and halloumi cheese over beans and cilantro-lime rice. This recipe makes an amazing vegetarian dinner! I’m so

[TAG41] Following a plant-based diet (think vegan, vegetarian, or even flexitarian) is associated with a bevy of potential health benefits. That includes a lower risk

[TAG42] These thumbprint cookies offer classic shortbread flavor with dazzling jam centers. Using almond flour makes them gluten free and extra delicious! They’re

[TAG43] ...

[TAG44] Ever tried artichoke in lasagna? If not, you’ve been missing out. This vegetarian recipe is freshly flavored, hearty and cheesy, but not too heavy. It’s a

[TAG45] Choosing more plant-based foods can help you eat a healthier diet. A Heart & Stroke dietitian explains how.

[TAG46] February is here! If you bookmarked any hearty soups and stews that you haven’t gotten to try yet, this is the month to make them. In just…The post What to

[TAG47] One of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health is to move to a plant-based diet. We have everything you need to know to get started here

[TAG48] 3 More Complete Plant-Based Proteins 👇🏾Part 2 Peace and blessings! Here is Part two to 3 of the complete plant-based proteins. A quick refresher: a

[TAG49] Whether you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely.

[TAG50] Columbia and NYP nutritionist Sabrina Toledano explains the benefits of a plant-based diet and how to get started.

[TAG51] Hint: Your energy levels, gut microbiome, and environmental impact all win big.