Figuring out whether Wilton Candy Melts are vegan friendly can be challenging.
Candies often contain many ingredients and some of them may be animal derived.
To ensure that you are only consuming food that aligns with your vegan lifestyle and diet, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of Candy Melts.
Here’s what I found.
Are Candy Melts Vegan?
No. Wilton Candy Melts are not vegan.
Candy Melts are a type of candy coating that is used to make all sorts of treats. They are available in a variety of colors and flavors.
Unfortunately, these candy melts are not vegan because they contain milk and refined sugar.
Milk is an animal product and refined sugar is often processed with animal bone char.
So, if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly candy coating, I’m afraid Candy Melts are not the right choice for you.
Candy Melts may not be a vegan or dairy-free candy, but they are gluten-free, so people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance can enjoy this gluten-free candy coating.
Are Candy Melts Cruelty-Free?
No, not really. Most colors of Candy Melts contain artificial colors, such as Red 40. Artificial colors are routinely tested on animals to ensure they are safe for human consumption.
Only the white and chocolate varieties are free of artificial colors.
Animal testing is a gruesome and unnecessary process that often leaves innocent animals disfigured, in pain, or dead.
What Are Candy Melts Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Candy Melts:
- Sugar
- Palm kernel oil
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
- Whole milk powder
- Nonfat milk powder
- Cream powder
- Lactose
- Cocoa powder processed with alkali
- Whey powder (milk)
- Cocoa powder
- Soy lecithin
- Salt
- Artificial flavors
Let’s break down each ingredient of Candy Melts:
Sugar
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is found in plants such as sugar cane and sugar beets. It is often used as a sweetener in food and beverages. Sugar is naturally a vegan ingredient, but with bone char still widely used in the sugar industry, it’s hard to guarantee that the sugar used is vegan, unless it is explicitly labeled as “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined.”
Palm kernel oil
Palm kernel oil is a type of vegetable oil that is derived from the kernels of the palm tree. It is often used in cosmetics and as a cooking oil. Palm kernel oil is vegan.
Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
Hydrogenated palm kernel oil is a type of vegetable oil that has been treated with hydrogen gas. This process makes the oil more solid at room temperature. Hydrogenated palm kernel oil is vegan.
Whole milk powder
Whole milk powder is a type of powdered milk that contains all the components of whole milk. This includes fat, protein, and lactose. It gives Candy Melts a creamy texture. Whole milk powder is an animal product.
Nonfat milk powder
Nonfat milk powder is a type of powdered milk that has had the fat removed. This leaves protein and lactose behind. This is an animal product.
Cream powder
Cream powder is a type of powdered cream that contains fat, protein, and lactose. It is used to add a creamy texture to food. Cream powder is an animal product.
Lactose
Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in milk. It is used as a sweetener in many food products. Lactose is a milk derivative.
Cocoa powder processed with alkali
Cocoa powder processed with alkali is a type of cocoa powder that has been treated with an alkaline solution. This process makes the cocoa powder less bitter. Cocoa powder processed with alkali is vegan.
Whey powder (milk)
Whey powder is a type of milk powder that contains whey protein. Whey protein is a type of protein that is found in milk. Whey powder is a milk derivative and is not vegan.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder is a type of powdered chocolate that contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Cocoa powder is vegan.
Soy lecithin
Soy lecithin is a type of emulsifier that is derived from soybeans. It is often used in food products to help improve texture and shelf life. This is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Salt
Salt is a type of mineral that is often used as a seasoning or preservative in food. Salt is vegan.
Artificial flavors
Artificial flavors are synthetic chemicals that are used to mimic the taste and smell of natural flavors. Artificial flavors are vegan.
Why Aren’t Candy Melts Vegan?
Candy Melts are not vegan because they contain dairy products, such as whey powder and cream powder. These ingredients are derived from cows and are not suitable for vegans. If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly alternative to Candy Melts, there are many options available. There are many brands of vegan chocolate that can be melted and used in the same way as Candy Melts.
Is Wilton Chocolate Pro Fountain Fondue Chocolate Vegan?
No. This fountain fondue chocolate is not vegan because it contains milk and refined sugar.
Wilton Chocolate Fondue Fountain is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Wilton Candy Melts Salted Caramel Vegan?
No. These salty caramel-flavored candy melts are not vegan because they contain milk products and refined sugar.
This candy coating is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Wilton Candy Melts EZ Thin Dipping Aid Vegan?
Yes! This dipping aid sauce is vegan. It does not contain animal-derived ingredients and only contains hydrogenated palm kernel oil and soy lecithin. This dipping aid is perfect for coating, pretzels, and cake pops.
This chocolate dipping aid is safe for vegan consumption.
Are Wilton Turquoise Candy Melts Vegan?
No. These turquoise-colored vanilla candy melts are not vegan because they contain milk products.
This candy coating is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Wilton Candy Melts Brownie Batter Candy Wafers Vegan?
No. This brownie batter-flavored candy wafer is not vegan because it contains milk products and refined sugar.
This candy wafer is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Wilton Candy Melts Dark Cocoa Vegan?
No. These dark chocolate melts are not vegan because they contain milk.
These candy melts are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Wilton White Candy Melts Vanilla-Flavored Vegan?
No. These white chocolate candy melts are not vegan because they contain milk derivatives, such as whey and cream powder.
This candy coating is not safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Candy Melts
Craving some candy melts for your baked goods but can’t find anything vegan? You can use these chocolate chips as a vegan alternative to candy melts. Just melt them using the microwave or a double boiler. Once melted, you can use them the same way you would use candy melts.
- Pascha Organic White Chocolate Chip
- Hu Chocolate Bar
- iChoc Vegan Chocolate Bar
- People’s Keto Chocolate Chips
- Sungiven Organic Cacao Nibs
You can also find many recipes online that use chocolate chips as an ingredient for vegan candy melts. With so many alternatives available, there’s no need to miss out on the fun of making sweets just because you’re vegan.
Final Words
So, there you have it! Candy Melts are not vegan because they contain milk products and refined sugar. The good news is that there are many vegan-friendly alternatives available that you can use in the same way. Just be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing to really make sure the product is vegan. Happy baking!