Determining the vegan status of Millions Sweets is a complex endeavor.
The difficulty often arises from manufacturers being less than transparent about the nature and source of their ingredients.
This article aims to uncover the truth and support you in your ethical, vegan lifestyle.
Are Millions Sweets Vegan?
Yes. Millions Sweets are vegan. These are a confectionary from the United Kingdom, where sugar suppliers do not use bone char to filter their sugar.
Outside of the UK, sugar is sometimes processed using bone char, which consists of the ground-up bones of animals. Luckily, none of the sugar suppliers in the UK use it.
The only reason these sweets aren’t certified vegan is that they’re processed in a facility that also processes milk products, so there’s a slight risk of cross-contamination. Only the strictest of vegans would protest and refuse to eat Millions.
Are Millions Cruelty-Free?
Unfortunately, no, Millions Sweets make no claim of being cruelty-free. Because Millions contain corn glucose syrup, and most corn worldwide is GMO, we can’t say for certain that this product is cruelty-free because genetically modified organisms are tested on animals.
Furthermore, these candies contain the vague ingredient “color.” Now, these could very well be all-natural, plant-based colors, but if they were, the company would say so. In all likelihood, these are artificial colors, which are frequently tested on animals.
What Are Millions Made Of?
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let’s first outline the ingredients that make up these tiny chewy sweets:
- Sugar
- Corn glucose syrup
- Vegetable oil
- Apple juice concentrate
- Food acid (citric acid, malic acid)
- Flavor
- Vegetable gum (gum arabic)
- Glazing agent (carnauba wax)
- Color
Sugar
Sugar is a sweetening agent derived from sugarcane or sugar beet. While it adds that sweet tooth-satisfying taste, its vegan status is questionable due to the potential use of bone char in its processing.
Corn Glucose Syrup
This is a form of sugar made from corn, used to add sweetness and texture. It is generally considered vegan and cruelty-free.
Vegetable Oil
Derived from plants, vegetable oil is used to add richness and is vegan friendly.
Apple Juice Concentrate
This is concentrated apple juice used for flavor. It is plant-based and considered vegan.
Food Acid (Citric Acid, Malic Acid)
These acids are derived from fruits and are used to add tartness to the sweets. They are vegan friendly.
Flavor
The term is vague, but in the context of Millions Sweets, the flavors are plant-based.
Vegetable Gum (Gum Arabic)
Gum arabic is a plant-derived substance used as a thickener or stabilizer and is vegan.
Glazing Agent (Carnauba Wax)
Derived from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, this wax is plant based and vegan.
Color
The source of the color is not specified, but it’s important to note that some artificial colors are tested on animals.
Millions Variations
Millions offer a range of flavors, from cola flavors to Blackcurrant Buzz and Peach Fizz.
While the base ingredients remain the same, the favorite flavor you choose may have additional ingredients. Still, they’re all vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Millions
Millions are a UK product. With our globalized society, it’s not too hard to find international candy, but you might still have trouble finding them in the US. If you’re outside the UK and looking for vegan sweets that are free from any ambiguity, consider the following brands:
- Candy Kittens: These are explicitly vegan and cruelty-free.
- Jelly Tots: Another vegan-friendly option that uses plant-based colors and flavors.
- Yum Earth:This organic hard candy is completely vegan and gluten-free.
Conclusion
While Millions Sweets contain mostly plant-based ingredients, the use of sugar that may be processed with bone char makes it difficult to categorically state that they are vegan or cruelty-free.
If you’re committed to a vegan food and lifestyle, you may want to explore other sweets that are explicitly vegan and cruelty-free.