Are Fruit Chews Vegan and Cruelty-Free? The Unchewable Truth

June 16, 2023

Trying to work out if Tootsie Rolls Fruit Chews are safe for vegans to consume can be challenging.

Makers of candies often mask their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural are artificial flavors,” and even when they do provide a full list of ingredients, it can be difficult to determine which ones are vegan friendly.

To ensure that you’re only eating food that aligns with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production processes of Fruit Chews.

Here’s what I found.

Are Fruit Chews Vegan?

No. Fruit Chews are not vegan.

Fruit Chews, a Tootsie Roll candy, is a type of fruit-flavored chewy candy. It is popular with children and adults and comes in a variety of colors and flavors. Alas, vegans cannot partake in this tasty treat because it contains some non-vegan ingredients.

Fruit Chews contain milk, whey, and refined cane sugar.

Milk and whey are milk derivatives and are big no-nos for vegans. Then there’s refined sugar. While some vegans might be okay with consuming refined sugar since it can be processed without involving animals, it is difficult to determine how the sugar in Fruit Chews was processed.

Sugar is naturally vegan, yes, but the sugar industry still widely uses bone char, an animal charcoal made from the bones of cows and other animals, to make products whiter. Unless it is labeled as “raw,” “organic,” or “unrefined,” it is likely that the sugar used to make Fruit Chews was processed with bone char.

Are Fruit Chews Cruelty-Free?

No. Fruit Chews are not cruelty-free.

Fruit Chews are not tested at any point in their production. However, they contain artificial flavors and colors (Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 1), which are consistently tested on animals.

Animal testing is a brutal and outdated practice that should be stopped. It only causes immense suffering and death to innocent animals. There are alternative methods of testing that don’t involve animals, so there is really no excuse for companies to continue this barbaric practice.

What Are Fruit Chews Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Fruit Chews:

  • Sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Palm oil
  • Condensed skim milk
  • Whey
  • Malic acid
  • Artificial and natural flavors
  • Soy lecithin
  • Artificial colors (including FD&C yellow 5, red 40, blue 1)

Let’s break down each ingredient of Fruit Chews:

Sugar

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is found in many plants. It can be processed in different ways, some of which may use bone char, which makes them not vegan. Unless it is labeled “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined,” refined cane sugar is not vegan.

Corn syrup

Corn syrup is a type of sugar made from corn. It is often used as a sweetener or thickening agent in food. Corn syrup is vegan friendly.

Palm oil

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil that is extracted from the fruit of palm trees. It is often used in food as cooking oil or shortening. Palm oil is vegan friendly.

Condensed skim milk

Condensed skim milk is milk that has had its water removed. It’s often used in baking. It is not vegan friendly because it is an animal product.

Whey

Whey is a milk derivative that is often used as a protein supplement. It is not vegan friendly because it is a milk by-product.

Malic acid

Malic acid is a type of acid that is found in many fruits and vegetables. It is often used as a flavoring agent. Malic acid is vegan friendly.

Artificial and natural flavors

Artificial and natural flavors are used to enhance the taste or smell of food. They can be made from animal, plant, or synthetic sources. Artificial flavors are vegan friendly, while natural flavors can be either vegan or non-vegan depending on their source. The natural flavor of fruit chews is likely vegan given the fruity nature of the product.

Soy lecithin

Soy lecithin is a type of fat that is derived from soybeans. It is often used as an emulsifier in food. Soy lecithin is vegan friendly.

Artificial colors

Artificial colors are often used to give food an appealing color. They are made from petroleum. Artificial colors are vegan friendly.

Why Aren’t Tootsie Fruit Chews Vegan?

Fruit Chews are not vegan because they contain condensed milk, whey, and refined sugar. Milk and whey are not vegan friendly because they come from animals. The sugar in fruit chews is also likely processed with bone char, which makes it not vegan. If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly fruit chew, you’re better off with a different brand.

Are Fruit Chews Cherry Vegan?

No. Tootsie Rolls Fruit Chews Cherry-flavored candy contains milk, whey, and refined sugar.

This candy is not safe for vegan consumption.

Are Fruit Chews Lemon Vegan?

No. Tootsie Rolls Fruit Chews Lemon candy contains milk, whey, and refined sugar.

This candy is not safe for vegan consumption.

Are Fruit Chews Orange Vegan?

No. Tootsie Rolls Fruit Chews Orange candy contains milk, whey, and refined sugar.

This candy is not safe for vegan consumption.

Are Fruit Chew Pops Vegan?

No. Tootsie Fruit Chew Pops contains milk, whey, and refined sugar.

This candy is not safe for vegan consumption.

Are Tootsie Bunch Pops Vegan?

No. Tootsie Bunch Pops contain milk, whey, and refined sugar.

This candy is not safe for vegan consumption.

Are Tootsie Pop Drops Vegan?

No. Tootsie Pops contain milk, whey, and refined sugar.

This candy is not safe for vegan consumption.

Vegan Alternatives to Fruit Chews

If you’re in the mood for a fruity candy but don’t want to consume animal products, there are many vegan fruit snacks on the market that are just as delicious. Here are some of my favorites:

These are all vegan-friendly options that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With so many delicious options available, there’s no need to miss out on the fun of Fruit Chews. You also don’t have to compromise your values to enjoy a delicious treat.

Final Words

So, there you have it! Fruit Chews are not vegan because they contain milk, whey, and sugar. However, there are many delicious vegan alternatives on the market that are just as delicious. So, next time you’re at the store, be sure to pick up one of these delicious vegan alternatives. But as always be sure to check the ingredients list as they are always subject to change.