Vegan American Sweets
Gone are the days when finding vegan sweets meant settling for boring fruit pastilles. The vegan sweet scene has exploded, and you'd be surprised how many American classics are accidentally vegan. From sour belts to fruity chews, there's a whole world of plant-based treats waiting for you. And the best part? You don't have to sacrifice that nostalgic taste you remember from childhood.
Read moreWhich American Sweets Are Naturally Vegan?
You're in for a treat. Loads of American sweets skip the gelatine and dairy without even trying. Sour Patch Kids lead the pack – those tangy little troublemakers are 100% vegan. So are Swedish Fish, those chewy red favourites that taste like summer. Twizzlers? Vegan. Airheads? Most flavours get the green light. Even Jolly Ranchers make the cut.
But here's where it gets interesting. Some brands surprise you. Dots, those gumdrop-style sweets your nan probably loves, contain no animal products. Neither do Smarties (the American chalky ones, not our chocolate version). And if you're after something minty, Junior Mints also pass the vegan test.
Why Are Some American Sweets Accidentally Vegan?
It's all about the ingredients. American sweet makers often use corn syrup and modified food starch instead of gelatin. They prefer synthetic colours over cochineal (which is derived from crushed beetles, by the way). And many fruit-flavoured sweets skip milk products because, well, fruit and dairy don't exactly scream "perfect match."
Cost plays a part, too. Plant-based ingredients are often more affordable than their animal-derived counterparts. So manufacturers save money, and you get vegan sweets. Everyone wins.
Ingredients to Avoid in American Sweets
Reading labels becomes second nature when you're vegan. Watch out for gelatine – it's in more sweets than you'd think. Confectioner's glaze (also called shellac) comes from lac beetles. Carmine, also known as cochineal, gives sweets their distinctive red colour, but it's not vegan. Milk products are often sold under various names, including whey, casein, and lactose. Even "natural flavours" can be dodgy.
Some sneaky ones catch people out. Altoids contain gelatin. So do most marshmallows and gummy bears. Nerds use carmine for colouring. And those Butterfinger bars you love? Dairy city.
Are Reese's Products Vegan?
Bad news for Reese's fans. Every single Reese's product contains milk. The peanut butter cups, pieces, sticks – all of them have dairy. The chocolate coating needs milk, and even the peanut butter filling includes milk fat. Some companies offer vegan versions of peanut butter cups, but Reese's has yet to join the bandwagon.
If you're craving that chocolate-peanut butter combo, other brands have your back. Justin's makes dark chocolate peanut butter cups that are dairy-free. Trader Joe's also offers a vegan version.
How to Tell if American Sweets Are Vegan
Start with the ingredients list – it's your best friend. Look for the "Contains" statement; if it mentions milk, eggs, or gelatine, move on. Many sweets now sport vegan labels, making life easier. However, don't rely solely on "dairy-free" claims. Dairy-free doesn't always mean vegan.
Online databases help too. Websites track which sweets are vegan-friendly and update their information when formulas change. Because yes, recipes do change. That sweet you've been eating for years might suddenly contain milk powder.
When in doubt, contact the manufacturer for clarification. Most companies answer quickly on social media. They'll tell you straight if their sweets are vegan.
Where Can I Buy Vegan American Sweets in the UK?
We stock a brilliant range of Vegan American Sweets at Sweets and Candy. Our shelves feature all the classics: Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Twizzlers, and more. We've done the label reading for you so that you can shop with confidence.
Online shopping makes it even easier. Browse our vegan section, add your favourites to the basket, and we'll deliver them straight to your door. We update our stock regularly, bringing in new vegan finds from across the pond.
Local American sweet shops are popping up everywhere, too. Most establishments carry vegan options, although the selection varies. Health food stores often stock vegan versions of classic sweets. And don't overlook supermarkets – their international aisles hide some gems.
Do Vegan American Sweets Taste Different?
Here's the truth: most people can't tell the difference. Those accidentally vegan sweets taste the same as they always have because the recipes haven't changed. A Sour Patch Kid tastes like a Sour Patch Kid, whether you're vegan or not.
Even sweets explicitly made to be vegan nail the flavours these days. Food science has come a long way. Plant-based alternatives to gelatine create the same chewy texture. Natural flavours replicate fruit tastes perfectly. You're not missing out on anything.
Ready to explore the world of Vegan American Sweets? We've got shelves packed with plant-based treats that'll satisfy any sweet tooth. From sour sensations to fruity favourites, there's something for everyone. Pop into our shop or browse online – your subsequent vegan sweet discovery awaits.