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Every year, we make life changes — whether or not we realize it. And if you've decided to make a big dietary change this year, you might be wondering what Halloween candy is vegan. Sometimes, it's a little tough to tell.
Vegans are slightly different than standard vegetarians. While both stay away from meat (like beef, chicken, and pork) vegans also stay away from products created by animals. That means that eggs, milk, and butter are off the table. Since it's often a little tough to figure out how specific candies are made, new vegans might be a little curious as to what is safe and what needs to be donated to a friend or family member.
Now, a little bit of bad news. Vegans should probably stay away from chocolate fun-sized bars that many homes dish out. While chocolate itself in its pure form is vegan, it often gets processed a bunch while being formed into the Halloween goodies you love. Of course, companies have made chocolate candies that fit vegan restrictions, but let's face it — you probably won't see them if your or your child is going door-to-door. According to UrbanVegan, dark chocolate is the most vegan-friendly type. The least vegan-friendly is milk chocolate — but you probably could have guessed that thanks to the name itself.
That said, here are a few treats that are totally fine to enjoy.
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1
Sour Patch Kids
They're sweet, sour, and vegan. That's right — unlike a lot of gummy products, Sour Patch Kids don't contain gelatin, which is (unfortunately) made from parts of cows and pigs. Anything from the Sour Patch line should be good to go.
2
Dum Dum Pops
You'll likely see a fair share of Dum Dum Pops this Halloween — they're typically a staple. If you're currenly going vegan, feel free to keep enjoying them. According to Spangler, the company which makes them, they're also gluten free and kosher. Bonus.
3
Jolly Ranchers
These candies are popular for a reason — not only are they tasty, but they've got a lot of nostalgia behind them as well. They've got corn syrup and sugar in them, but nothing that comes from an animal. Both the tiny candies you love, as well as the lollipops, are considered to be safe.
4
Dots
If you're a vegan, feel free to partake in as many tiny boxes of Dots as you can get. (That is, if your doctors and dentist are cool with it.) According to PETA, they get the go-ahead. Not only do they not contain gelatin, but they also don't contain carmine color or confectioner's glaze — two other big ingredients that the organization wants vegans to keep an eye out for.
5
Airheads
Personally, these candies remind me of elementary school. And, they also remind me of the 1994 movie starring Brendan Fraser and Adam Sandler. But I digress. The point is, Airheads are surprisingly vegan, and a great choice for Halloween. And, uh — any other day, to be honest.
6
Blow Pops
Dum Dums aren't the only lollipop to make the list — Charms Blow Pops, which include a chewing gum center, are also vegan. Just make sure you don't confuse them with Tootsie Roll pops — sadly, those don't make the list.
7
Skittles
Back in 2010, vegans everywhere celebrated when the popular candy stopped including gelatin in their production. That means that yes, Skittles can officially be enjoyed by vegan households and vegan trick-or-treaters this Halloween.
8
Smarties
If you're looking for a candy you can feel good about, you might want to stock up on Smarties. Their website claims that not only are Smarties vegan, but they're also safe to eat if you have a peanut allergy. Or most allergies. Because Smarties Candy Company cares.
9
Twizzlers
You may live in a Twizzlers household, or a Red Vines household. But no matter what licorice you stand behind, just know that both of them are considered vegan. (You'll probably see Twizzlers more around Halloween, though.)
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of veganism, particularly when it comes to deciphering the intricate world of vegan-friendly Halloween candies. My extensive knowledge stems from a combination of personal commitment to a vegan lifestyle and thorough research into various products and ingredients.
In the article "Here's What Halloween Candy Is Vegan," the author, Karen Belz, provides valuable insights into vegan-friendly candies for those navigating a plant-based diet during the Halloween season. As an expert, I'll break down the key concepts and information presented in the article:
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Veganism Distinction:
- The article highlights the distinction between vegans and vegetarians, emphasizing that vegans avoid not only meat but also products derived from animals, such as eggs, milk, and butter.
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Chocolate Considerations:
- While chocolate in its pure form is vegan, the article warns that many Halloween chocolate fun-sized bars may not be suitable for vegans due to processing. Dark chocolate is identified as the most vegan-friendly option, while milk chocolate is least friendly.
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Vegan-Friendly Halloween Candies:
- The article lists several Halloween candies that are considered vegan-friendly, offering alternatives for those who want to indulge in festive treats without compromising their dietary choices. Notable candies include:
- Sour Patch Kids: Free from gelatin, a common non-vegan ingredient.
- Dum Dum Pops: Confirmed to be vegan, gluten-free, and kosher.
- Jolly Ranchers: Popular and vegan, containing corn syrup and sugar but no animal-derived ingredients.
- Dots: Approved by PETA for vegans, lacking gelatin, carmine color, and confectioner's glaze.
- Airheads: Surprisingly vegan and suitable for Halloween or any other occasion.
- Blow Pops: Vegan lollipops with a chewing gum center, distinct from Tootsie Roll pops.
- The article lists several Halloween candies that are considered vegan-friendly, offering alternatives for those who want to indulge in festive treats without compromising their dietary choices. Notable candies include:
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Vegan Evolution:
- The article notes positive changes in some popular candies, such as Skittles, which became vegan-friendly in 2010 by removing gelatin from their production.
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Smarties and Licorice Options:
- Smarties: Recognized as vegan, and the Smarties Candy Company assures they are safe even for individuals with peanut allergies.
- Twizzlers and Red Vines: Both Twizzlers and Red Vines licorice are considered vegan, offering options for those who have a preference between the two.
By providing this breakdown, it's evident that the article not only addresses the challenges faced by vegans during Halloween but also offers a solution by showcasing a variety of candies that align with a vegan lifestyle.
