Identifying whether or not a product like Pez is vegan can be a challenging task.
This difficulty often arises because manufacturers tend to obscure the nature and source of their ingredients.
This article aims to shed light on the matter and support you, our dear reader, in your commendable vegan lifestyle.
Are Pez Vegan?
Pez candies are not vegan. The ingredients that specifically make them non-vegan are sugar and mono-diglycerides.
Refined sugar is often filtered through animal bone char, and Pez makes no claim that it’s not. Usually, when a manufacturer chooses to use sugar not processed with bone char, it makes a point of publicizing the fact. A manufacturer that doesn’t disclose the source of its sugar gives strict vegans no choice but to avoid its products.
Mono- and diglycerides are often sourced from animals, though they’re often sourced from plants as well. Due to the ambiguity, strict vegans should avoid them.
Are Pez Cruelty-Free?
No, Pez are not cruelty-free.
While the ingredients in Pez do not directly involve harm to animals, the production of palm oil, as mentioned, has indirect effects on wildlife. Palm oil production is associated with deforestation, habitat destruction, and endangerment of species. While not derived from animals, its environmental impact raises concerns in the vegan community.
Furthermore, Pez contain artificial colors, which are routinely tested on animals. An ingredient cannot be tested on animals and considered cruelty-free.
What Are Pez Made Of?
Pez candies have a variety of flavors, each with its unique set of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Adipic acid
- Hydrogenated palm kernel & palm oils
- Mono- and diglycerides
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Artificial colors (specific colors vary by flavor)
Sugar
Sugar is a sweetening agent derived from sugarcane or sugar beet. It’s vegan on its own, but concerns arise about the bone char sometimes used in its processing.
Corn Syrup
Derived from cornstarch, corn syrup is a sweet liquid used in candies. It’s vegan and plays a role in giving candies their texture.
Adipic Acid
This is an acid used to give candies a tart flavor. It’s synthetically produced and is vegan.
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel & Palm Oils
These are derived from the palm fruit. They add texture to candies. Due to environmental concerns, they’re not considered cruelty-free and vegans usually choose to avoid them.
Mono- and Diglycerides
These are fats used to blend ingredients. Their source can be plant-based or animal-based, making their vegan status uncertain without further information.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
These give candies their distinct tastes. Their sources can vary, and without specifics, it’s hard to determine their vegan status.
Artificial Colors
Used to give candies vibrant colors. They’re synthetically produced but have been controversial due to animal testing in the past.
Pez Varieties
Pez Candy Assorted Fruit (Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Raspberry, Orange, Lemon)
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, hydrogenated palm kernel & palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, natural & artificial flavors, artificial colors FD&C red 3, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 2
- Vegan status: Not vegan due to sugar, mono- and diglycerides, food coloring, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Pez Vanilla Cupcake and Sugar Cookie
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, natural & artificial flavors
- Vegan status: Not vegan due to sugar, mono- and diglycerides, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Pez Cotton Candy, Candy Corn and Banana
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils, mono & diglycerides, natural & artificial flavors, artificial colors FD&C red 3, yellow 5, yellow 6
- Vegan status: Not vegan due to sugar, mono- and diglycerides, food coloring, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Pez Cola Candy
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, sodium bicarbonate, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, artificial flavors, caramel color
- Vegan status: Not vegan due to sugar, mono- and diglycerides, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Pez Sour Candy (Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Pineapple, Green Apple)
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, hydrogenated cottonseed, palm kernel and palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, natural & artificial flavors, artificial colors FD&C yellow 5, blue 1, red 40, green 3
- Vegan status: Not vegan due to sugar, mono- and diglycerides, food coloring, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Pez Chocolate Candy
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, artificial flavor, caramel color
- Vegan status: Not vegan due to sugar, mono- and diglycerides, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Pez Candy Mystery Flavor
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, natural and artificial flavors
- Vegan status: Not vegan due to the sugar, mono- and diglycerides, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Pez Dragon Fruit
- Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, natural and artificial flavors
- Vegan Status: Not vegan due to the sugar, mono- and diglycerides, and hydrogenated palm and palm kernel oils.
Vegan Alternatives to Pez
For those committed to a vegan lifestyle, there are plenty of candy alternatives:
- Fruit-based candies: Many candies use fruit juices as their primary ingredient and are free from animal-derived products. Try Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks.
- Dark chocolate: Some dark chocolates are vegan, but always check the ingredients. Try Endangered Species Dark Chocolate.
- Gummy candies: Look for gummies made without gelatin, like Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears.
Conclusion
While Pez candies bring nostalgia and joy to children and adults alike, they fall short of being entirely vegan and cruelty-free due to the inclusion of palm oil.
The vegan community often looks beyond just animal products and considers the broader impact on the planet. For those committed to a vegan food and lifestyle, there are plenty of alternative brands that align with these values.
Always remember to check the ingredients and make choices that resonate with your beliefs.