Are Blow Pops Vegan and Cruelty Free? (April, 2024)

Figuring out whether Blow Pops are vegan can be tricky.

Candy companies often mask the actual ingredients behind vague terms such as “artificial flavors” and even when they do give you a full list, they never include how those ingredients were made.

To make sure you only eat foods that align with your ethical values, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production methods of Blow Pops. Here’s what I found.

Are Charms Blow Pops Vegan?

No. Charms Blow Pops are not vegan.

These candies may seem like they would be vegan because they don’t have animal-derived ingredients, not even gelatin.

However, these candies are not vegan because they contain refined sugar.

Commercial sugar production involves bone char to filter the sugar. Bone char is a by-product of the cattle industry and is made from the ground-up bones of cows.

Unless the company explicitly states that its sugar is “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined,” it’s likely that it was processed with bone char, and strict vegans should avoid it.

Blow Pops candy also contains glycerin. Glycerin can be plant based, but it can also be from animals. Animal-derived glycerin is more common, and it’s likely that the glycerin in these candies comes from animal fats.

So, while Blow Pops may not have any obvious animal-derived ingredients, the sugar and the glycerin are a deal-breaker for vegans. If you want to be sure you’re only eating vegan food, it’s best to avoid Blow Pops.

Is Blow Pops Cruelty-Free?

No. Blow Pops are not a cruelty-free product.

These lollipops use artificial coloring and flavoring. These ingredients are tested on animals to ensure they are safe for human consumption.

Animal testing is a cruel and unnecessary practice that leaves animals disfigured, injured, and dead.

So, if you want to avoid products that support animal testing, Blow Pops is not the right choice for you.

Are Blow Pops Gluten-Free?

Although no gluten-based ingredients are listed as present in these candies, Charms’ website clearly states that Blow Pops may possibly contain gluten. The company does not give any further explanation as to why the product may contain gluten.

If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you should avoid Blow Pops.

What Are Blow Pops Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Blow Pops:

Sugar
Corn syrup
Gum base
Citric acid
Starch
Artificial flavors
Glycerin
Artificial colors (including FD&C Red 40, FD&C Blue 1)
Turmeric coloring
BHT added as a preservative

Let’s break down each ingredient of Blow Pops:

Sugar

Sugar is the main ingredient of Blow Pops. It’s what makes up the majority of the candy. Sugar comes from sugar cane or sugar beets. It is used as a sweetener in many foods and drinks.

Sugar is naturally a vegan product, but most sugar is processed with bone char, which is not vegan.

Corn syrup

Corn syrup is a food additive that is made from cornstarch. It is used as a sweetener and thickening agent in many foods. Corn syrup is often used in candy because it can keep the candy moist and help prevent crystallization. It is vegan friendly.

Gum base

Gum base is the main ingredient of chewing gum. It is what gives chewing gum its chewiness. Gum base is made from a variety of ingredients including latex, synthetic rubber, and oils. The ingredient is vegan.

Citric acid

Citric acid is a food additive that is made from citrus fruits. It is used to add an acidic taste to foods and drinks. Citric acid is vegan friendly.

Starch

Starch is a carbohydrate that is found in many plants. It is often used as a thickening agent in food. Starch is vegan friendly.

Artificial flavor

Artificial flavors are chemicals that are used to mimic the taste of natural flavors. They are found in many processed foods and drinks. Artificial flavors are vegan.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a food additive that is made from fats and oils. It is used to add sweetness and moisture to foods. Glycerin can be derived from animal or vegetable sources. Animal-derived glycerin is more common than vegetable glycerin, so it’s likely that the glycerin in Blow Pops is not vegan.

Artificial colors

Artificial colors (including FD&C Red 40, and FD&C Blue 1) are chemicals that are used to add color to food and drinks. They are found in many processed foods and drinks. Artificial colors are usually considered vegan but not cruelty-free.

Turmeric coloring

Turmeric is a spice that is often used to add color to food. It is vegan friendly.

BHT

BHT is a food additive that is used to preserve food. It is vegan friendly.

Why Aren’t Blow Pops Vegan?

Charms’ Blow Pops aren’t safe for vegan consumption because they contain sugar and glycerin.

The sugar is likely processed with bone char, like most other sugar on the market. This refining process is conducted to make the sugar whiter.

The glycerin is likely derived from animal sources, as this is cheaper and more common than vegetable glycerin.

These two ingredients mean that this popular lollipop is not vegan. However, if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly candy, there are many other options on the market.

Are Charms Blow Pops Kiwi Berry Blast Vegan?

No. Charms Kiwi Berry Blast Blow Pops are not vegan. They contain sugar and glycerin that are not vegan friendly.