Figuring out whether Airheads Xtremes are vegan is a challenging task.
Airheads Xtremes, owned by Perfetti Van Melle, is one of a few varieties of Airheads. Mainstream candy brands often include many vague ingredients that may or may not be vegan.
To make sure you only eat foods that align with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production methods of Airheads Xtremes, and here’s what I’ve found.
Are Airheads Xtremes Vegan?
No. Unfortunately, this sweet-and-sour candy is not vegan. They may not contain any animal-derived ingredients, but refined sugar is one of their primary ingredients.
Sugar is plant based, but it’s usually processed with animal bone char, making it non-vegan. Bone char is a carbon filter made from the ground-up bones of animals, usually cows. It’s used in the sugar industry to make sugar look brighter and whiter.
And in Airheads Xtremes, it is unclear if the sugar is processed with bone char or not. The company has stated their sugars are from sugar cane or sugar beets, but they do not explicitly state if the sugar is processed with or without bone char. As such, I can’t say for certain that Airheads Xtremes are vegan.
It is always better to stay safe and assume that the product is not vegan unless the company explicitly states that it is.
It is also worth noting that Airheads Xtremes are also manufactured in a facility that processes non-vegan products, making cross contamination a likelihood. So, if you are following a vegan diet, Airheads Xtremes are not for you.
Are Airheads Xtremes Cruelty-Free?
Airheads Xtremes are not cruelty-free. The candy is dyed with artificial colors (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6). While these artificial colors are made from coal tar and therefore petroleum based, they are routinely tested on animals to ensure they are safe for human consumption.
Animal testing is a gruesome practice that involves the injuring, disfiguring, and killing of innocent animals. Most vegans are opposed to animal testing.
Are Airheads Vegan?
Airheads candy in general is not vegan. They contain refined sugar and artificial colors, which may be processed with bone char and tested on animals, respectively. Some flavors and varieties also have gelatin, which is definitely not vegan.
What Are Airheads Xtremes Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Airheads Xtremes:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour
- High fructose corn syrup
- Modified food starch (Corn)
- Potato
- Malic acid
- Citric acid
- Glycerine
- Artificial flavors
- Hydrogenated soybean oil
- Sucrose fatty acid esters
- Potassium citrate
- Salt
- Colors (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5)
Let’s break down each ingredient of Airheads Xtremes:
Sugar
Sugar is a sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants. It’s one of the main ingredients of Airheads Xtremes.
The sugar in Airheads Xtremes is probably not vegan because it may be processed with bone char. Perfetti Van Melle, the company that owns Airheads, has many sugar suppliers and it’s unclear if the sugar used in Airheads Xtremes is processed with bone char or not.
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is a food syrup that is made from the starch of corn and contains glucose, maltose, and higher saccharides. It’s often used as a sweetener and thickener in food manufacturing. Corn syrup is considered a vegan ingredient.
Wheat flour
Wheat flour is a powder made from the grinding of wheat used to make bread, pasta, pastry, and other baked goods. It’s considered a vegan ingredient.
High fructose corn syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a corn-based sweetener used in food and beverage manufacturing. It’s made from corn starch that has been processed to convert some of its glucose into fructose. HFCS is considered a vegan ingredient. High fructose corn syrup is considered to be extremely unhealthy and its use is restricted in the United Kingdom and some European countries.
Modified food starch (corn)
Modified food starch is a type of cornstarch that has been treated physically, enzymatically, or chemically to partially hydrolyze the starch. It’s often used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in food manufacturing. This ingredient is vegan.
Potato
Potatoes are starchy tubers that are grown underground. They’re often used as a food ingredient and can be found in many processed foods. Potatoes are vegan.
Malic acid
Malic acid is a sour-tasting organic compound that’s found in fruits and vegetables. It’s often used as a flavoring agent or pH adjuster in food manufacturing. Malic acid is considered a vegan ingredient.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that’s found in citrus fruits. It’s often used as a flavoring agent, preservative, or pH adjuster in food manufacturing. Citric acid is considered a vegan ingredient.
Glycerine
Glycerine is a sweet, colorless, and odorless liquid that’s often used as a humectant, solvent, or lubricant in food manufacturing. Glycerine is considered a vegan ingredient.
Artificial flavors
Artificial flavors are chemicals that are used to mimic the taste or smell of natural flavors. They’re often used to enhance the flavor of food and beverages. Artificial flavors in the market these days are often synthetic and considered vegan.
Hydrogenated soybean oil
Hydrogenated soybean oil is a type of vegetable oil that’s been treated with hydrogen to make it more solid at room temperature. It’s often used as a food ingredient or additive. Hydrogenated soybean oil is considered a vegan ingredient.
Sucrose fatty acid esters
This ingredient is a type of emulsifier that’s made from sucrose and fats. They’re often used in food manufacturing as an emulsifier, stabilizer, or surfactant and are considered vegan.
Potassium citrate
Potassium citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid that’s often used as a food additive. It’s considered a vegan ingredient.
Salt
Salt is a mineral composed of sodium and chloride. It’s often used as a food seasoning or preservative. Salt is a vegan ingredient.
Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5
Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5 dyes are artificial colors that are derived from petroleum. They’re often used to add color to food and beverages. Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5 artificial colors are considered vegan ingredients, but they are not considered cruelty-free.
Why Aren’t Airheads Xtremes Vegan?
These candies are not vegan because they contain refined sugar that may be processed with bone char, and some of them contain gelatin, carmine, and beeswax, all animal-based ingredients. The company that makes Airheads can’t guarantee that their sugar is not processed with bone char, so it is safe to assume that it is not vegan.
Are Airheads Gummies Vegan?
No. Airheads Gummies are not vegan because they contain gelatin, which is derived from animals. Gelatin is a protein that is obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, and ligaments of animals. Airheads Gummies also contain beeswax, which is another animal-derived ingredient.
Airheads Gummies are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Airheads Bites Vegan?
No. Airheads Bites are not vegan because they contain carmine, a red dye that is derived from insects. Carmine is made by crushing and boiling cochineal bugs. Their sugar is also unclear as to whether it is refined with bone char filters or not.
Airheads Bites are not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Airheads Gum Vegan?
No. Airheads Gum is not vegan because it contains gelatin, which is derived from animals. Gelatin is a protein that is obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, and ligaments of animals.
Airheads Gum is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Airheads Soft-Filled Bites Vegan?
No. These Airheads Soft-Filled Bites are not vegan because they contain gelatin, which is derived from animals. Gelatin is a protein that is obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, and ligaments of animals. Airheads Soft-Filled Bites are different from Airheads Bites because they have a soft, fruity center.
Airheads Soft-Filled Bites are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Airheads Bars Vegan?
No. Airheads Bars are not vegan because they contain refined sugar that may be processed with bone char. The company that makes Airheads Bars can’t guarantee that their sugar is not processed with bone char so it is safe to assume that it is not vegan.
Airheads Bars are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Airheads Xtremes Sourfuls Vegan?
No. Airheads Extreme Sourfuls are not vegan. They contain gelatin, which is derived from animals. Gelatin is a protein that is obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, and ligaments of animals.
Airheads Xtremes Sourfuls are not safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Airheads Xtremes
If you like sour and fruity candies but you follow a vegan lifestyle, you can get the following vegan candies from other supplies besides Airheads. Vegan-friendly candies are available from the following suppliers:
- Candy Club Blue Razz Sour Belts
- Candy Club Rainbow Sour Belts
- Squish Vegan Rainbow Belts
- Squish Vegan Cotton Candy Belts
- Squish Vegan Sour Rainbow Bears
These candy brands are certified dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan. Their products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients and they are safe for vegans to consume.
Final Words
So, are Airheads vegan? No, they’re not. Airheads candies have refined sugar that is probably processed with bone char, which is derived from animals.
There are many vegan alternatives to Airheads Xtreme that are widely available on the market. When it comes to vegan candy, it’s always best to double-check the ingredients list to make sure that they are indeed vegan.