Choosing a vegan diet means avoiding animal products in all your food, including the sweet treats you might indulge in. But don’t worry—going vegan doesn’t mean you have to give up candy. Many candies are already vegan-friendly because they don’t include animal-based ingredients.
These vegan candies are perfect for all the usual candy-filled occasions like Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Easter, Christmas, or for stuffing into birthday party gift bags. They’re also great for checkout counters or even for tossing from a parade float during Mardi Gras. Let’s look at what makes a candy vegan.
Vegan candies fit within the guidelines of a vegan diet, which excludes products like dairy, eggs, meat, honey, and gelatin. So, candies without these components can be considered vegan sweets.
However, just because a candy is vegan doesn’t automatically make it healthy. The nutritional value primarily depends on the ingredients used. Some vegan sweets are labeled as plant-based snacks, yet they might still be ultra-processed, meaning they contain minimal whole-food ingredients. These candies might be low in protein and fiber, but high in salt, saturated fat, and sugar. For instance, certain candies like Twizzlers have 35 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of sugar in just a few pieces.
There are many kinds of vegan-friendly candies to enjoy, from gum to lollipops to powdered candies. Whether or not you’re following a vegan diet, it’s important to ensure the candy complies with vegan guidelines. While you’re at it, remember that vegan candies can still be ultra-processed, so it’s wise to enjoy them in moderation. Processed foods are okay in smaller amounts, but they’re best enjoyed sparingly.
Store-bought vegan candies, ranging from fizzy drops to caramel and peanut butter bars, typically avoid the ingredients not permitted in a vegan diet. Still, just because a candy is vegan doesn’t mean it’s healthy. If you choose to snack on them, do so in moderation and always check the label to ensure there are no hidden animal-based ingredients.
