Vegan Candy Guide: Plant-Based Sweets, Nutrition Facts & Smart Snack Tips

Following a vegan diet doesn't mean sacrificing sweet treats. Many candies skip animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for plant-based lifestyles. But not all vegan candies are created equal—here's how to choose wisely, backed by nutrition science and expert guidance.

What Defines Vegan Candy?

Vegan candy excludes all animal products and byproducts, including dairy (milk, casein, whey), eggs, honey, gelatin (from animal collagen), and insect-derived colorants like carmine (from cochineal beetles) or shellac (from lac bugs). As the Mayo Clinic notes, vegan diets prioritize ethical and health-driven avoidance of animal exploitation, so ingredient transparency is key.

Are Vegan Candies Healthy? A Nuanced View

While vegan candies meet dietary restrictions, they aren’t inherently "healthy." Many fall under the category of ultra-processed foods, defined by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health as products with added sugars, fats, and artificial additives, often low in fiber and protein.

For example, a 40g serving of Twizzlers (a popular vegan licorice) contains 35g of carbs—17g from added sugar—with no fiber or protein. Registered dietitian Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, warns: "Vegan doesn’t equal nutrient-dense. Focus on whole foods first, then enjoy these treats in moderation."

Top Vegan Candy Types & Examples

Not all candy categories are vegan-friendly, but many classics fit the bill. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Chewy & Gummy Candies

• Airheads: Fruit-flavored taffy with no dairy or gelatin.
• DOTS: Retro fruit chews (check for seasonal varieties; most are vegan).
• Jujubes: Gumdrops made with plant-based thickeners instead of gelatin.

2. Crunchy & Powdery Snacks

• Nerds: Colorful, hard-coated candies (avoid honey-flavored varieties).
• Fun Dip: Sugar powder with a candy stick—no animal ingredients.

3. Hard Candies & Lollipops

• Jolly Ranchers: Classic fruit hard candies (verify flavors; some mint varieties may use dairy).
• Dum Dums: Mini lollipops (most flavors are vegan, except honey or dairy-based ones).

4. Licorice & Caramels

• Red Vines: Chewy licorice with simple plant-based ingredients.
• Cocomels: Dairy-free caramel made with coconut milk.

Key Ingredients to Avoid

Even if a candy is labeled "vegan," double-check for these hidden animal-derived components:

• Gelatin: Used in gummies (look for "pectin" or "agar" as vegan alternatives).
• Carmine: A red dye from beetles (listed as "cochineal extract" or E120).
• Shellac: A glossy coating from lac insects (labeled as "confectioner’s glaze").
• Casein/Whey: Dairy proteins sometimes added to chocolates or creamy candies.

Expert Tips for Mindful Consumption

1. Read Labels Closely: Brands may reformulate, so check ingredients each time.
2. Prioritize Minimal Ingredients: Opt for candies with 5 or fewer recognizable components (e.g., sugar, fruit juice, natural flavors).
3. Limit Portions: The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25g of added sugar daily for women (36g for men). A single serving of vegan candy can easily hit half that limit.

FAQ: Common Vegan Candy Questions

• Q: Are Skittles vegan? A: Yes—Skittles are dairy- and gelatin-free, but some vegans avoid them due to artificial colors.
• Q: Can I find organic vegan candy? A: Yes! Brands like YumEarth offer organic, fruit-based options with no artificial additives.

Take Action: Enjoy Sweets Responsibly

Vegan candies can be part of a balanced diet—just treat them as occasional indulgences, not daily staples. Next time you reach for a sweet, scan the label, savor the flavor, and keep whole plant foods at the center of your meals.

Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, is a plant-based dietitian and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in New York.