The Truth about Sneaky Animal Ingredients Hiding in Your Candy

“What do you mean it’s not vegan?” It’s a question I often hear when it comes to candies and sweets. When you think of candy, you imagine sweet, fun treats meant to satisfy a craving or bring a little joy to your day. However, candy can be surprisingly tricky territory for vegans and those looking to avoid animal products. Many candies contain hidden animal ingredients that you might not expect or recognize. From chewy gummies to glossy chocolate coatings, these seemingly innocent sweets can harbor animal products like gelatin, carmine, and even insect-based glazes.

When I divulge what some of these sneaky-named ingredients actually are, I often get a look of shock and mild horror. It’s astonishing how we’ve grown so accustomed to eating things without a second thought, rarely pausing to check their ingredients. Many are genuinely shocked when they discover what’s actually in the foods they consume.

In this post, we’ll explore the sneaky animal ingredients hiding in popular candies and reveal some vegan-friendly alternatives so you can indulge with confidence. While it’s always wise to limit our sugar intake, we should allow ourselves to indulge in a sweet treat now and then. Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, or just curious, this guide will help you navigate your candy choices while staying true to your values.

Common Animal-Based Ingredients

• Gelatin
• Carmine or Cochineal
• Shellac or Confectioner’s Glaze
• Lard or Tallow
• Whey and Casein
• Beeswax and Honey

Gelatin

Gelatin is a common gelling agent derived from animal collagen, typically obtained from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of cows or pigs. Known for its smooth, jelly-like texture, gelatin is widely used in the food industry, especially in candies, due to its unique properties that help create chewiness and elasticity.

How is Gelatin used in Candies?

• Gummies and Jelly Candies: Gelatin is a primary ingredient in gummy bears, gummy worms, and other chewy, gel-like candies. It gives them their signature elasticity, creating that bouncy texture.
• Marshmallows: Gelatin helps give marshmallows a soft, fluffy texture. When whipped with sugar and water, it creates an airy structure that makes marshmallows light and spongy.
• Soft Caramels and Chewy Candies: Some caramels and chewy candies incorporate gelatin to enhance their flexibility, allowing for a melt-in-your-mouth experience while maintaining structure.
• Jelly Beans and Coated Candies: Gelatin is sometimes used to thicken and stabilize the interior of jelly beans and to add shine to the outer coating.

Why Gelatin is Not Vegan-Friendly

Sourced from animal by-products, gelatin is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Many people are surprised to learn that this common candy ingredient contains animal collagen, as it’s often not immediately obvious from the look or taste of the candy.

Vegan Alternatives to Gelatin

• Agar-Agar: Derived from seaweed, agar-agar is one of the most popular vegan gelatin substitutes, especially for gummies, jellies, and other set desserts. It creates a similar firmness but has a slightly different texture. Curious about Agar? Dive into our post, Ultimate Guide to Agar, to discover everything you need to know about this vegan-friendly gelatin substitute. Looking for a simple gummy recipe made with pure fruit juice? Check out our post Homemade Vegan Gummies for an easy homemade gummy recipe!
• Pectin: Naturally occurring in fruits, pectin is commonly used in fruit snacks and jams. It provides a chewy texture without using animal products.
• Carrageenan: Another seaweed-derived thickener, carrageenan is often used in dairy-free products for its gelling properties.

Carmine or Cochineal

Carmine, also known as cochineal, is a red coloring derived from the dried bodies of cochineal insects, which are native to Central and South America. The dye has been used for centuries and is highly valued for its vibrant, long-lasting red pigment, which is often more stable than synthetic dyes. Carmine is commonly labeled as “natural red 4,” “E120” in Europe, or simply “carmine” on ingredient lists.

How is Carmine Used in Candies?

• Red and Pink Candies: Carmine is frequently used in candies that have a red, pink, or purple hue. It’s found in products like jelly beans, licorice, gummies, hard candies, and fruit-flavored treats to achieve specific colors.
• Candy Coatings and Decorative Elements: Carmine is also used as a food coloring in candy coatings, glazes, and decorative toppings, especially in seasonal and holiday-themed candies.
• Confectionary Glazes and Icing: It is sometimes included in icing or sugary glazes to achieve a deeper, more natural red color compared to synthetic dyes.

Why Carmine is Not Vegan-Friendly

Since carmine is made from insects, it’s not considered vegan or even vegetarian by those who avoid animal-derived products. Producing the dye involves harvesting and drying thousands of cochineal bugs to extract carminic acid, the compound that gives the dye its bright red color. This process is labor-intensive and results in the death of the insects, making it a non-vegan ingredient.

Vegan Alternatives to Carmine

• Beet Juice: This natural dye creates a red hue and is often used in candies, cakes, and juices, though it may be less stable than carmine under certain conditions.
• Red Radish Extract and Paprika: These plant-based options are also used for red and pink shades in foods.
• Annatto: Derived from achiote seeds, annatto can provide an orange-red color and is commonly found in processed foods.
• Synthetic Red Dyes (Red #40): Though these dyes are artificially produced, they are vegan-friendly and frequently used in candies.

Shellac or Confectioners Glaze

Shellac, also known as confectioner’s glaze when used in food, is a shiny, hard coating derived from a resin secreted by the lac bug (Kerria lacca), primarily found in forests in India and Thailand. This resin is harvested, processed, and dissolved in alcohol to create a liquid glaze that, when dried, creates a smooth, glossy surface on candies. Shellac is valued for its durable, moisture-resistant finish that enhances the appearance and shelf life of many candies.

How is Confectioners Glaze Used in Candies?

• Candy Coatings: Shellac is commonly used on the outer layer of hard candies, jelly beans, and chocolate-coated nuts and fruits to create a glossy finish that looks appealing and prevents the candy from sticking together.
• Panned Candies: Candies like malt balls, coated peanuts, and certain chocolates are often “panned” with shellac. Panning is a process where candies are rotated in a pan and coated layer by layer with shellac to achieve a smooth, polished effect.
• Edible Glitter and Decorative Coatings: Shellac is used to give edible glitter a shiny, reflective quality and is sometimes applied to sugar decorations on candies and cakes to enhance visual appeal.

Why Confectioners Glaze is Not Vegan-Friendly

Shellac is considered non-vegan because it is derived from insects, specifically the secretions of the lac bug. Harvesting shellac resin can harm or kill the bugs, making it an animal-derived product. As a result, vegans and those adhering to cruelty-free practices avoid foods with shellac or confectioner’s glaze.

Vegan Alternatives to Confectioners Glaze

• Carnauba Wax: Derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, this plant-based wax is commonly used as a vegan option. It provides a shine similar to shellac and is commonly used in both candies and cosmetics.
• Candelilla Wax: Sourced from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub, this wax is another plant-based option with a protective, glossy finish, though it is less common in food products than carnauba wax.
• Agar or Pectin-Based Coatings: These plant-based options can create a protective layer for certain candies, though they are less shiny than shellac.

Lard or Tallow

Lard and tallow are animal fats, with lard coming from pigs and tallow typically from beef or mutton. Although less common in modern candy-making, these fats have historically been used to add richness, texture, and stability to certain candies and baked goods.

How are Lard or Tallow Used in Candies?

• Traditional Candies and Baked Goods: Lard and tallow were once popular ingredients in traditional candies, baked goods, and confections, especially in recipes from times and places where animal fats were more accessible and affordable than butter or plant oils. They might appear in old-fashioned recipes for brittle, toffees, and caramels to enhance flavor and richness.
• Shortening and Structure in Confections: The solid structure of these fats at room temperature gives candies a specific texture, helping them hold their shape while remaining smooth and firm. This makes lard or tallow particularly useful in layered or molded candies.
• Moisture and Richness: These fats add a specific depth of flavor and moisture, making the texture softer or “melt-in-your-mouth.” Some older caramel, fudge, or nougat recipes may include small amounts of animal fats for this effect.

Why Lard and Tallow are Not Vegan-Friendly

Lard and tallow are strictly animal-derived and are not considered vegan, vegetarian, or even kosher or halal in many cases. Because they’re made from animal tissues, they are avoided by those on plant-based diets or by anyone who excludes pork or beef products for ethical, religious, or health reasons.

Vegan Alternatives to Lard and Tallow

• Coconut Oil: A popular plant-based fat, coconut oil has a similar melting point to lard and tallow, giving it a similar firmness at room temperature. It’s commonly used in chocolates and vegan caramels to add creaminess and richness.
• Palm Shortening: Made from palm oil, this plant-based shortening is solid at room temperature and works well in place of animal fats, though it’s used sparingly in vegan products due to sustainability concerns.
• Cocoa Butter: Found in many chocolates, cocoa butter provides a creamy, rich texture with a neutral flavor, making it ideal for candies that traditionally use tallow or lard.
• Vegetable Oils: Blends of vegetable oils, sometimes partially hydrogenated, can replicate the properties of animal fats in candies, though they may lack the firmness or mouthfeel of lard or tallow.

Whey and Casein

Whey and casein are two types of protein derived from milk. Whey is the liquid by-product of cheese-making, while casein is the main protein found in milk, giving it its white color. Both are popular in the food industry due to their unique functional properties, and they’re often added to candies to enhance texture and flavor.

How are Whey and Casein Used in Candies?

• Creaminess in Chocolates and Fudge: Whey and casein proteins enhance creaminess and create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture in milk chocolates, fudge, and creamy fillings. The proteins contribute to the rich, cohesive texture associated with milk-based candies.
• Binding and Structure in Chewy Candies: Whey, in particular, acts as a binder and stabilizer in chewy candies, helping to hold ingredients together and create a stretchy, cohesive consistency. It’s often used in nougat, caramel, and other chewy confections.
• Flavor Enhancement: Both whey and casein have a mild dairy flavor that enhances the taste of chocolates and other dairy-based candies, providing a slight creaminess and balancing the sweetness in confections. This subtle flavor helps create a richer taste profile in products like toffees and milk caramels.
• Protein Fortification: In some candies marketed as high-protein snacks or “healthier” treats, whey protein is added to boost protein content. You’ll often see whey in protein bars or fitness candies to provide additional protein without compromising on taste.

Why Whey and Casein are Not Vegan-Friendly

Since whey and casein come from milk, they are not vegan or dairy-free. They are, however, found in many non-vegan candies and chocolate products due to their functional benefits in texture and flavor. For those following a vegan diet or with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, whey and casein are ingredients to avoid.

Vegan Alternatives to Whey and Casein

• Soy Protein and Pea Protein: These plant proteins can mimic the binding and structure of whey in chewy candies, protein bars, and vegan nougats.
• Coconut Cream or Oat Milk Powder: To create a creamy texture similar to milk, coconut cream or oat milk powder is often used in vegan chocolates and caramels. These ingredients provide a rich, smooth consistency and a similar mouthfeel to dairy-based products. Check out our Easy and Dairy-Free Vegan Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel recipe to learn how to make vegan caramel using evaporated oat milk!
• Almond, Cashew, or Macadamia Nut Butters: Nut butters add creaminess and a rich texture in vegan confections, serving as dairy-free options that replicate the smooth mouthfeel offered by whey or casein.
• Cocoa Butter: In vegan chocolates, cocoa butter is the go-to ingredient for a silky, rich texture, providing a satisfying melt similar to that of milk-based confections.

Beeswax and Honey

Beeswax and honey are two bee-derived ingredients that add unique qualities to candies. Beeswax is primarily used as a protective coating, while honey is a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer. Though these ingredients offer beneficial properties in candy-making, they are not vegan, as they are derived from bees.

How are Beeswax and Honey Used in Candies?

Beeswax

• Shiny Coatings and Candy Glazes: Like shellac, beeswax is often used to give candies a smooth, shiny surface. It prevents candies from sticking together and gives them an appealing gloss. Hard candies, jelly beans, and some fruit-flavored chews use beeswax in their coating to improve appearance and texture.
• Preservative Qualities: Beeswax acts as a barrier to moisture and air, which can extend a candy’s shelf life. This coating also helps prevent sugar from crystallizing on the surface of hard candies.
• Alternative to Shellac: In some candies, beeswax is used as a more natural option to shellac or confectioner’s glaze. However, it is still considered non-vegan since it’s derived from bees.

Honey

• Natural Sweetener: Honey is used in place of sugar or corn syrup in some candies. It provides a slightly different texture and flavor, lending a more complex, natural sweetness to treats like honey-based caramels, nougat, hard candies, and honey drops.
• Moisture Retention: Honey has hygroscopic properties, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, which can help keep certain candies soft and chewy. In recipes for taffy, caramels, and some types of nougat, honey prevents candies from drying out too quickly.
• Flavor Enhancer: Honey has a distinct, mildly floral flavor that adds richness to confections. It can elevate the taste of fruit-flavored candies, nut-based candies, and chocolates.

Why Beeswax and Honey are Not Vegan-Friendly

Beeswax and honey are both produced by bees, and the extraction process disrupts their natural environment, making them non-vegan. Since bees are living creatures, vegans avoid these ingredients to minimize harm to bee populations and support cruelty-free practices.

Vegan Alternatives to Beeswax and Honey

• Carnauba Wax: Sourced from the carnauba palm, this plant-based wax provides a shiny coating similar to beeswax. It’s often used in vegan candies to prevent stickiness and add gloss.
• Agave Syrup or Maple Syrup: These plant-based syrups are used as honey substitutes in candies and add a similar sweetness and moisture retention. They work well in caramels, nougat, and chewy candies.
• Brown Rice Syrup: Known for its thick consistency, brown rice syrup adds sweetness and a mild caramel-like flavor to vegan candies, acting as a good substitute for honey.
• Date Syrup: This rich, naturally sweet syrup works well in confections and has a subtle fruitiness that can replace honey’s complex flavors in vegan candies.

Delicious Vegan Candy Options

With the rise in demand for vegan options, many companies are developing vegan substitutes to these traditional ingredients. These vegan-certified candies and treats are great for those seeking reliable plant-based options, especially for gifting or satisfying a sweet craving. Just look for the vegan certification on the packaging to ensure they’re 100% free from animal-derived ingredients.

• YumEarth – YumEarth offers a wide range of vegan candy options! Certified vegan and allergy-friendly, these treats are free from artificial colors and flavors. Choose from lollipops, licorice, gummy candies, fruit chews, fruit snacks, sour gummy chews, and coated chewy candies.
• Unreal Chocolate – Unreal also has a variety of delicious chocolaty treats including dark chocolate peanut butter cups, dark chocolate coconut bars, dark chocolate almond butter cups, dark chocolate crispy quinoa gems, and dark chocolate peanut gems.
• SmartSweets – These gummy candies come in plant-based options like Sourmelon Bites, Sweet Fish, and Peach Rings, made without gelatin or added sugars.
• Hu Chocolate Bars – Certified vegan chocolate bars with simple ingredients, available in flavors like Almond Butter Puffed Quinoa, Almond Crunch, Mint, and Hazelnut Butter. Be sure to check the label as some of their flavors are not vegan.
• Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Gummies – Organic and vegan gummy bears made with natural colors and flavors. Choose from fruity gummy bears, gummy worms, and delish fish gummies.
• No Whey! Foods – Also have a variety of vegan options including candy-coated chocolates, peanut butter cups, and chocolate bars.
• Endangered Species Chocolate Bars – Many of their dark chocolate varieties are vegan, certified, and ethically sourced, with flavors like Dark Chocolate with Forest Mint and Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt.
• Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels – Vegan-certified caramels made with coconut milk, available in flavors like Vanilla, Sea Salt, and Espresso.
• Wholesome Organic DelishFish – These are certified vegan and made with organic ingredients, similar to Swedish Fish but without artificial dyes.
• Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers – This candy is Trader Joe’s vegan-friendly take on gummies, with fruity, chewy options in ocean-inspired shapes.
• Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks – These fruity gummies are organic, vegan-certified, and available in flavors like Berry Patch and Tropical Treat.
• Dandies Marshmallows – Vegan marshmallows made without gelatin, great for snacking, baking, and making vegan s’mores. They also have fun holiday flavors like pumpkin, maple, and peppermint flavored!
• VegoBears Vegan Gummies – A delicious assortment of vegan gummies including fruity, sour, and foamy varieties, these vegan gummy bears are made with ingredients sourced from organic farms.

“Accidentally Vegan” Candies

While I always advocate for limiting sugar intake and avoiding candies with artificial or unhealthy ingredients, opting instead for treats made with more natural components, here are some popular “accidentally vegan” candies and treats that you can find in most stores. These items aren’t specifically marketed as vegan but happen to be free from animal products, making them popular among vegans! Again, it’s always important to check the ingredient list for any sneaky animal products.

• Swedish Fish
• Sour Patch Kids
• Twizzlers
• Airheads
• Skittles
• Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
• Smarties
• Dots
• Nerds
• Fireballs (Atomic Fireballs)
• Lemonheads
• Sweet Tarts (Original)
• Laffy Taffy

Common Questions

What are some of your favorite vegan sweet treats?

Share below! Craving more? Follow along with me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest for more delicious recipes & meal ideas!

Some of the links in this article may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase by clicking on an affiliate link. I only recommend products, services, and retailers that I trust, use myself, and believe will be beneficial to you. Thank you for your support! For more information visit our privacy page and disclosure page.

• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Mail
• X
• Threads