Trying to work out if Smarties candy rolls are vegan can be a tough task.
Smarties Candy Company, which makes Smarties, uses vague terms such as “natural and artificial flavors” to mask the actual ingredients, and even when they do give you a full list, they never include how those ingredients were made.
To make sure that you are eating foods that align with your vegan lifestyle, I’ve investigated the ingredients and processes used to make Smarties. Here’s what I found.
Are Smarties Vegan?
Yes. Fruity Smarties are vegan.
Smarties fruity candy’s ingredients are all considered vegan, and they don’t use any animal-derived ingredients or by-products in their manufacturing process.
The one exception is natural and artificial flavors, which may or may not be vegan, depending on the source. Smarties doesn’t explain what these flavors are made from so we can’t be 100% sure, but given their fruity flavor, it’s likely that these natural and artificial flavors are plant based.
Smarties is confident in its product’s vegan status. Smarties candy is free from the nine most allergenic foods as defined by the FDA, as well as any animal-based ingredients or by-products. So, if you’re looking for delicious vegan candy, Smarties are a good choice.
Are Smarties Cruelty Free?
Fruity Smarties are a cruelty-free product. They don’t contain any animal-based ingredients or by-products in their manufacturing process, and they’re not tested on animals.
What Are Original Smarties Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Smarties candy rolls:
- Dextrose
- Citric acid
- Calcium stearate
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake)
Let’s break down each ingredient of this fruity candy:
Dextrose
Dextrose is a type of sugar made from cornstarch. It is used to sweeten food and doesn’t contain any animal products.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a type of acid found in citrus fruits. It is used to add flavor and texture to food. Citric acid is vegan friendly.
Calcium stearate
Calcium stearate is a type of salt made from calcium and fatty acids. It is used as an anti-caking agent. Calcium stearate is vegan friendly.
Natural and artificial flavors
Natural flavors are derived from plants or spices while artificial flavors are created in a lab. In this case, as Smarties Candy Company is openly vegan, we can assume that the flavors used are vegan.
Colors
Red 40 Lake is a type of food coloring that is made from petroleum. It is considered vegan because it doesn’t contain any animal products. Yellow, blue, and green food colorings are typically made from plants or coal tar and are vegan.
Why Are Smarties Candy Rolls Vegan?
Smarties Candy Company has confirmed that their candy is vegan. Fruity Smarties don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. The company is proud and confident in its vegan and cruelty-free products.
Other Smarties Candies
Another company, Nestlé, markets a variety of candies that are also called “Smarties.” Just in case you’re curious about those candies’ vegan status as well, I’ve included each of those products. Here’s what I found:
Are Nestle Smarties Chocolate Candies Vegan?
No. Unlike Fruity Smarties, Smarties chocolate candies contain several ingredients that come from animal products, including butterfat, skimmed milk powder, and refined sugar.
This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Nestle Smarties Buttons Milk Chocolate Vegan?
No. Nestle Smarties Buttons Milk Chocolate contain milk-derived ingredients.
This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Nestle Smarties Buttons White Chocolate Vegan?
No. Nestle Smarties Buttons White Chocolate contain milk-derived ingredients.
This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Nestle Smarties Buttons Orange Chocolate Vegan?
No. Nestle Smarties Buttons Orange Chocolate contain milk-derived ingredients.
This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Tropical Smarties Candy Vegan?
Yes. The Tropical Smarties Candy from Smarties Candy Company doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
This product is safe for vegan consumption.
Are Smarties Squashies Gummy Candy Vegan?
Yes. The Smarties Squashies Gummy Candy from Smarties Candy Company doesn’t contain any animal products.
This product is safe for vegan consumption.
Are Smarties Candy Money Vegan?
Yes. The Smarties Candy Money from Smarties Candy Company doesn’t contain any ingredients that vegans would not eat.
This product is safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Nestlé Smarties Chocolate
- UNREAL Dark Chocolate
- Larabar Coconut Chocolate Chip
- Hu Chocolate Bar
- Theo Cherry Almond Organic Dark Chocolate Bar
- Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate
- Taza Almond Milk Chocolate
With these chocolate candy brands, vegans’ dietary and ethical choices won’t be compromised. These are all vegan-friendly and cruelty-free chocolate brands that provide a delicious alternative to Nestle’s Smarties Chocolate.
Final Words
Smarties is the name of many different types of candy, including chocolate made by Nestlé and a fruit-flavored candy made by Smarties Candy Company. The Smarties Candy Company product is a completely vegan candy, but the Nestlé Smarties product is not.
These two candy products are both popular and have been around for many years. Vegans are fortunate that the Smarties Candy Company product is an option that they can enjoy without having to worry about the ethical implications of eating a non-vegan candy.
It’s important for anyone following a vegan diet to consult the ingredients list before consuming any products that might contain animal products.