Identifying whether or not Mambas are vegan is a complex task.
The difficulty arises as manufacturers often camouflage the true nature and sources of their ingredients.
This article aims to clear any fog of doubt, revealing the truth and assisting you, our conscientious reader, in maintaining an unblemished vegan lifestyle.
Are Mambas Vegan?
After careful analysis, it’s unfortunate to share that Mambas are not vegan. Mambas fruit chews contain gelatin, which is an ingredient derived from animal sources, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Gelatin is a controversial ingredient commonly found in many candies, including the popular Mamba fruit twists and Mamba sour twists. It is derived from the collagen inside animals’ skin and bones.
While these fruit chews may deliver a satisfying fruity taste and are indeed gluten-free, the added gelatin prohibits them from being a vegan-friendly option.
Are Mambas Cruelty-Free?
In terms of being cruelty-free, the inclusion of gelatin indicates that Mambas are not. The production of gelatin involves the processing of animal by-products, a process that often involves harm to animals.
Considering its ingredients, though, it’s unlikely that any of the ingredients are tested on animals.
What Are Mambas Fruit Chews Made Of?
Mambas is a popular candy brand, known for its unique fruity flavors and chewy texture. The product comprises several ingredients that contribute to its distinctive taste and appearance. To better understand what goes into each Mambas candy, let’s take a closer look at its ingredients:
- Sugar
- Glucose syrup
- Palm oil
- Citric acid
- Fruit juice concentrates
- Natural flavors
- Ascorbic acid
- Colored with fruit and vegetable juice
Sugar
Sugar, the primary ingredient in Mambas, is generally sourced from two types of plants: sugarcane and sugar beets. It is used to provide the main sweetness to the candy.
While most commercial sugar is vegan, some companies use bone char in the refining process, which is not vegan. Therefore, it is essential to verify the source of the sugar before confirming if the product is vegan or not.
Glucose syrup
Glucose syrup is a sweet, thick liquid made by breaking down glucose (sugar) molecules in starchy foods like wheat, potatoes, or corn. It is used to provide additional sweetness and also gives Mambas its characteristic chewy texture. Glucose syrup is a plant-derived ingredient and is therefore vegan.
Palm oil
Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms. It acts as a stabilizer and gives the candy a smooth, creamy texture. Palm oil is vegan as it is plant-based. However, the cultivation of palm oil has led to deforestation and habitat loss, raising concerns among environmental and ethical vegans.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a natural acid found in many fruits, especially citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. In Mambas, it’s used to add a tangy flavor. It is also an effective preservative. Citric acid is usually synthesized from sugar, and hence, it is typically considered vegan.
Fruit juice concentrates
Fruit juice concentrates are obtained by removing most of the water content from fruit juices. They provide natural fruity flavors to Mambas Fruit Chews. The source of these concentrates varies but they are plant-derived and thus, vegan.
Natural flavors
Natural flavors are derived from plants and animals. They enhance the taste of the product. The specifics of these flavors in Mambas aren’t specified, so it’s hard to confirm if they are vegan or not without further information from the manufacturer.
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is used as an antioxidant in food products like Mambas to maintain their color and flavor over time. It is usually synthesized in a lab and is considered vegan.
Colored with fruit and vegetable juice
These colors come from natural fruit and vegetable juices. They provide Mambas with its vibrant hues. As they are plant-derived, they are vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Mambas
Despite Mambas not being vegan, there are plenty of vegan-friendly candies you can enjoy. Let’s explore some of them:
- Torie & Howard Chewie Fruities: This brand offers a whole range of non-GMO and gluten-free candies.
- Swedish Fish: This popular candy mimics the chewy texture of gelatin-based candies but without any animal-derived ingredients.
- Yum Earth Fruit Snacks: These allergy-friendly organic fruits snacks also come in a tropical flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Mambas provide a delightful fruity taste and are a favorite candy for many, they are neither vegan or cruelty-free due to the inclusion of gelatin.
For those leading a vegan lifestyle, there are several alternative candies available that are both tasty and align with vegan principles.
It’s important to read labels and make informed choices to ensure we’re doing right by our planet and its inhabitants.