Identifying whether Gobstoppers are vegan or not can be quite a challenge.
This difficulty often arises due to manufacturers being rather secretive about the nature and source of their ingredients.
Nevertheless, this article is dedicated to revealing the truth about Gobstoppers, guiding you in your vegan lifestyle, and ensuring your choices continue to respect our planet and its inhabitants.
Are Gobstoppers Vegan?
No, Gobstoppers, specifically the chewy variety, are not vegan. They contain egg albumen, an egg-based product. Eggs come from chickens, an animal, and therefore, Gobstoppers are not vegan.
It also contains calcium stearate, which is often sourced from animals, though it can come from both plants and animals.
Is Gobstoppers Cruelty-Free?
No, Gobstoppers are not cruelty-free. They contain ingredients that are tested on animals, including food coloring and GMOs, such as corn syrup and dextrose.
What Are Gobstoppers Made Of?
Gobstoppers are made of a variety of ingredients, listed below:
- Dextrose
- Corn syrup
- Calcium stearate
- Maltodextrin
- Malic acid
- Hydrogenated coconut oil
- Food coloring
- Egg albumen
- Sunflower lecithin
- Mineral oil
Dextrose
Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from plants. It’s often used in candy to provide a sweet taste. It is considered vegan friendly, but it is GMO.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a sweet, viscous liquid made from cornstarch. It’s used in candies like Gobstoppers to give them their sweetness. Corn syrup is vegan because it’s plant derived, but since it’s sourced from corn, a common GMO crop, it’s not cruelty-free.
Calcium Stearate
Calcium stearate is a type of salt derived from stearic acid. It acts as an anti-caking agent in candies. Unfortunately, it is often derived from animal fats, thus making it non-vegan.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a highly processed form of carbohydrate, often sourced from corn, rice, wheat, or potatoes. It’s vegan.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in many fruits and vegetables. In candies, it’s used to give a tart flavor. Malic acid is typically vegan.
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Hydrogenated coconut oil is coconut oil with hydrogen atoms added. It’s vegan, but it’s high in saturated fats.
Food coloring
The food coloring in Gobstoppers is Blue 1, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake. These are synthetic food colorings that contain no animal products or by-products, but they are routinely tested on animals.
Egg albumen
Egg albumen is derived from eggs and is not vegan friendly.
Sunflower Lecithin
This is a substance made from the gum extracted from sunflower seeds. It is vegan.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a by-product of crude oil and petroleum production that has been refined to “remove” the carcinogens. It’s “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA. Yikes. I guess it’s vegan?
Vegan Alternatives to Gobstoppers
Though Gobstoppers may not be suitable for a strict vegan lifestyle, there are several other vegan candies available. Some great vegan candy alternatives include:
- Swedish Fish
- YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Giggles Chewy Candy Bites
- Torie & Howard Organic Hard Candy
These candies do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, making them a suitable sweet treat for vegans.
Conclusion
While the Everlasting Gobstoppers might evoke a sense of nostalgia, their non-vegan ingredients make them unsuitable for those maintaining a vegan lifestyle.
It’s crucial to remember that veganism is not just about avoiding animal meat but also avoiding any form of animal cruelty, which includes the sourcing of ingredients.
Thankfully, there are many vegan candy alternative brands available that can satisfy our sweet tooth without compromising on ethical choices. Together, we can make food choices that respect and protect our planet and all its inhabitants.