A Guide to Vegan Candy: What You Need to Know
Ingredients to Look Out For: Common Non-Vegan Ingredients in Candy
When it comes to finding vegan candy, it’s important to know which ingredients to avoid. While many candies may seem innocent, they often contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, milk, and honey.
Gelatin, for example, is a common ingredient in gummy candies and marshmallows. It is derived from collagen, which is found in animal bones, cartilage, and skin. Milk and milk products, such as whey and casein, are often used in chocolate and other candies to add creaminess and texture. Honey is another animal-derived ingredient that is often used as a sweetener in candies.
Other ingredients to watch out for include carmine (a red dye made from crushed beetles), shellac (a resin secreted by the female lac bug), and confectioner’s glaze (made from secretions of the lac bug).
When shopping for vegan candy, be sure to read the ingredient labels carefully. Look for candies that are free from animal-derived ingredients and instead use plant-based alternatives. Some common vegan candy ingredients include agar-agar (a seaweed-based gelatin alternative), coconut milk, and fruit juices.
By being aware of common non-vegan ingredients in candy and checking ingredient labels, you can enjoy delicious vegan candy without compromising your ethics or dietary choices.
Top Vegan Candy Brands: Where to Find Delicious Vegan Treats
If you’re looking for vegan candy, there are now more options than ever before. Many popular candy brands have started offering vegan options, and there are also many smaller, specialty brands that cater specifically to vegans.
Here are some top vegan candy brands to check out:
Unreal: This brand offers vegan versions of classic candies like M&M’s and peanut butter cups.
Surf Sweets: Surf Sweets offers a variety of vegan gummy candies, including gummy worms, gummy bears, and sour gummy bears.
YumEarth: YumEarth makes a wide range of vegan candies, including lollipops, gummy bears, and fruit snacks.
Endangered Species Chocolate: This chocolate brand offers several vegan options, including dark chocolate bars with sea salt and almond butter.
OCHO Candy: OCHO Candy offers vegan versions of popular candy bars like Snickers and Milky Way.
Sjaak’s Organic Chocolates: Sjaak’s offers a variety of vegan chocolates, including truffles and chocolate bars.
Go Max Go Foods: This brand specializes in vegan versions of classic candy bars like Twix and Butterfinger.
In addition to these brands, many grocery stores now offer a selection of vegan candy options. Look for candies that are labeled as vegan or check the ingredient list for animal-derived ingredients. With so many delicious vegan candy options available, you’re sure to find a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth.
DIY Vegan Candy: How to Make Your Own Vegan Candies at Home
Making your own vegan candy at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but you can also customize the flavors and textures to your liking. Here are some tips for making your own vegan candy:
Use vegan ingredients: When making vegan candy, be sure to use plant-based alternatives to common non-vegan ingredients like gelatin and dairy. Agar-agar, pectin, and tapioca starch can all be used as gelatin substitutes, while coconut milk and almond milk can be used in place of dairy.
Experiment with flavors: One of the best things about making your own candy is that you can create unique flavor combinations that aren’t available in store-bought candy. Try adding different extracts, spices, or fruits to your candy to create new and interesting flavors.
Use molds: Candy molds can be purchased online or in craft stores, and they allow you to create fun shapes and designs for your candy. You can use silicone molds for gummy candies, or chocolate molds for homemade chocolate bars.
Be patient: Making candy can be a time-consuming process, so be patient and follow the recipe closely. If you rush the process, your candy may not turn out as expected.
Have fun: Making candy should be a fun and creative experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!
By following these tips, you can create delicious vegan candy right in your own kitchen. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what ingredients are in your treats.
Indulging in Moderation: Tips for Enjoying Vegan Candy as Part of a Healthy Diet
While vegan candy may be free from animal products, it’s still important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Here are some tips for incorporating vegan candy into your diet without overindulging:
Choose high-quality candy: When you do indulge in vegan candy, choose high-quality options made from natural ingredients. Avoid candy with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Practice portion control: Instead of eating an entire bag of candy in one sitting, practice portion control by limiting yourself to a small serving size. You can also portion out your candy into small bags or containers to avoid mindlessly snacking.
Balance your diet: Vegan candy is a treat, not a meal replacement. Be sure to balance your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help offset the calories from indulging in candy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Be mindful: When you do indulge in vegan candy, be mindful and enjoy it slowly. Savor the flavors and textures, and pay attention to how your body feels.
By following these tips, you can enjoy vegan candy as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Remember, moderation is key!
Understanding Vegan Candy: What Makes it Different from Regular Candy?
Vegan candy is candy that is free from any animal-derived ingredients. This means that it does not contain any meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or gelatin, which is made from animal bones, cartilage, and skin.
In addition to being free from animal products, many vegan candies are also made with natural and organic ingredients. They may be sweetened with natural sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup, and flavored with fruit juices or extracts.
Another key difference between vegan candy and regular candy is the way it is produced. Many vegan candy brands focus on sustainable and ethical practices, using fair-trade ingredients and minimizing their environmental impact. This means that vegan candy may be produced using renewable energy sources, and may be packaged in eco-friendly materials.
While vegan candy may be different from regular candy in terms of ingredients and production practices, it can still be just as delicious and indulgent. With so many vegan candy options now available, there’s no need to compromise your dietary choices or ethics to satisfy your sweet tooth.
