Is Dubble Bubble Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Colorful Truth

May 4, 2023

Figuring out whether Dubble Bubble is safe for vegans to consume can be challenging.

Bubble gum often contains many ingredients and some of them may be animal derived.

To make sure that you’re only eating food that aligns with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production process of Dubble Bubble.

Here’s what I found out.

Is Dubble Bubble Gum Vegan?

No. Dubble Bubble is not a vegan product.

Dubble Bubble is a product of Tootsie Rolls Industries. It is a type of bubble gum that is quite popular for its large bubbles.

The main ingredients in Dubble Bubble are sugar, corn syrup, gum base, and artificial flavoring. What makes them non-vegan is refined sugar, and in some Dubble Bubble varieties, confectioner’s glaze, or shellac.

Sugar is a plant-based ingredient, but the sugar industry quite often uses bone char, a black, porous, and absorbent form of carbon that comes from animal bones, to make their sugar look whiter.

Confectioner’s glaze is a type of resin that is secreted by the lac bug. It gives Dubble Bubble its shiny appearance.

Is Dubble Bubble Cruelty Free?

No. Dubble Bubble is not cruelty free.

Dubble Bubble’s gums are not tested on animals at any point in their production. However, they contain ingredients—artificial colors and flavors—that are routinely tested on animals.

Animal testing is an outdated and inhumane practice that only leaves innocent animals disfigured, maimed, and often dead. There are many ways to test products for safety without resorting to animal testing.

Thankfully, many companies are starting to see this and are moving away from using this practice and are finding other ways to test the safety of their products.

What Is Dubble Bubble Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Dubble Bubble:

  • Sugar
  • Dextrose
  • Corn syrup (glucose)
  • Gum base
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Artificial flavors
  • Artificial color (FD&C red 3)
  • Cornstarch
  • BHT (to maintain freshness)

Let’s break down each ingredient of Dubble Bubble:

Sugar

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is used as a sweetener in food and drinks. It is made from sugar cane or sugar beets. Sugar is technically vegan but it is often processed using bone char. This sugar is likely not vegan.

Dextrose

Dextrose is a type of sugar that is made from cornstarch. It is often used as a sweetener, as a food additive, or to add bulk to food. Dextrose is vegan.

Corn syrup (glucose)

Corn syrup is a type of sugar that is made from cornstarch. It is often used as a sweetener or to add bulk to food. Corn syrup is vegan.

Gum base

Gum base is a type of polymer that is used to make chewing gum. It is made from synthetic or natural resin, wax, and oil. Gum base is vegan.

High fructose corn syrup

High fructose corn syrup is a type of sugar that is made from cornstarch. It is often used as a sweetener or to add bulk to food. High fructose corn syrup is vegan.

Artificial flavors

Artificial flavors are chemicals that are used to flavor food and drinks. They are made from synthetic or natural ingredients. Artificial flavors are vegan.

Artificial color (FD&C red 3)

FD&C red3 is an artificial color that is made from petroleum. It is often used to color food and drinks. FD&C red3 is vegan.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a type of starch that is made from corn. It is often used as a thickening agent in food. Cornstarch is vegan.

BHT (to maintain freshness)

BHT is a type of preservative that is used to keep food fresh. It is made from petroleum. BHT is vegan.

Why Isn’t Dubble Bubble Vegan?

Dubble Bubble is not vegan because it contains refined sugar and confectioners glaze (in the gum balls), which are not vegan-friendly ingredients. Sugar is plant based but is often filtered with bone char to make it white. Confectioners glaze is made from the secretions of lac bugs and is used to make Dubble Bubble shiny.

Are Dubble Bubble Gum Balls Vegan?

No. Dubble Bubble Gum Balls are not vegan because they contain confectioners glaze.

This bubble gum is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum Big Bar Vegan?

No. Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum Big Bar is not vegan because it contains refined sugar.

This bubble gum is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dubble Bubble Vending Candy Vegan?

No. Dubble Bubble Vending Candy is not vegan because it contains refined sugar.

This bubble gum is not safe for vegan consumption.

Are Dubble Bubble Cigars Gum Vegan?

No. Dubble Bubble Cigars are not vegan because they contain refined sugar.

This bubble gum is not safe for vegan consumption.

Vegan Alternatives to Dubble Bubble

Craving some bubble gum but want to stick to your vegan lifestyle? Don’t worry, there are plenty of vegan-friendly bubble gum brands out there. Here are some of my favorites:

All these brands are vegan AND delicious! Simply gum, for example, uses organic dried cane juice, organic vegetable glycerin, and organic rice flour to give its gum a natural flavor and texture. So next time you’re at the store, be sure to pick up one of these tasty vegan alternatives to Dubble Bubble.

Final Words

So, there you have it! Dubble Bubble is not vegan because it contains refined sugar. 

However, there are many vegan alternatives that you can find in the market to satisfy your bubble gum cravings. 

But as always, be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing any product.