Trying to work out if Twizzlers are vegan is a tough task.
The Hershey Company, the maker of Twizzlers, masks the actual ingredients behind vague terms such as “artificial colors” and “artificial flavors” and even when they do give you a full list, they never include how those ingredients were made.
To make sure you only eat foods that align with your ethical values, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production methods of Twizzlers. Here’s what I found.
Are Twizzlers Vegan?
No. Unfortunately, Twizzlers can’t be considered vegan because they contain refined sugar, as well as questionable ingredients like mono- and diglycerides and glycerin, all of which might be sourced from animals.
The main ingredient in Twizzlers is sugar. According to PETA, “Most cane sugar in the US is filtered through bone char (carbon processed with animal bones)” and as with all large food brands, Hershey has about 20 direct suppliers of sugar Companies aren’t required to disclose whether their sugar is processed with bone char, but it’s safe to assume it is.
This means that while the Twizzlers themselves don’t contain any animal products, the sugar used in them may have been processed using bone char. For vegans who wish to avoid all animal by-products, this is not ideal.
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly licorice candy, there are plenty of other options on the market. Check the labels carefully and look for brands that use certified organic sugar or are certified vegan themselves. You might be surprised at how many delicious vegan licorice options are out there!
Are Twizzlers Cruelty Free?
No. Twizzlers are not cruelty free. Twizzlers contain Red 40, a popular artificial color that is tested on animals such as mice, rats, pigs, and even dogs.
What Are Twizzlers Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Twizzlers:
- Corn syrup
- Enriched wheat flour (flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid)
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Artificial flavoring
- Mono- and diglycerides
- Citric acid
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Artificial color (Red 40)
- Mineral oil
- Soy lecithin
- Glycerin
- Licorice extract
Let’s break down each ingredient of Twizzlers:
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is a type of sugar made from corn. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods, such as candy, baked goods, and soda. This ingredient is a plant-based product and therefore vegan.
Enriched wheat flour
Enriched wheat flour is a type of flour that has been fortified with nutrients. These nutrients include niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. This ingredient is plant based and therefore vegan.
Sugar
While sugar is made from a plant-based product, it is also a controversial product for vegans. Refined cane sugar is often processed with animal bone char, which is made from ground up animal bones, to give white sugar its color. Over half of sugar produced in the US is processed with this kind of filter, making it very likely that the sugar in Twizzlers has been processed with an animal by-product.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a type of carbohydrate that is made from corn. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods, such as candy, baked goods, and pudding. Cornstarch is made from a plant-based product and does not contain any animal products. This makes it a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Palm oil
Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the fruit of palm trees. It is a common ingredient in many products, such as cosmetics, cleaning products, and food. Palm oil is a controversial ingredient because the production of palm oil is often associated with deforestation, habitat loss, and animal cruelty. However, Hershey has committed to only using sustainable palm oil.
Salt
Salt is a mineral that is used to add flavor or preserve food. Salt does not contain any animal products.
Artificial flavor
This ingredient is used to add flavor to food. It may or may not be a vegan depending on the source of the flavor. Artificial flavors can be made from either plant or animal derivatives.
Monoglycerides and diglycerides
This ingredient is used as an emulsifier to help mix together ingredients that would not normally mix well. Mono- and diglycerides can be either plant or animal based. Hershey has not disclosed the source of the mono- and diglycerides in Twizzlers. This makes it a questionable ingredient for vegans.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a type of acid that is found in citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods, such as candy, soda, and canned fruits. Citric acid does not contain any animal products or use any animal derivatives in its production.
Potassium sorbate (preservative)
Potassium sorbate naturally occurs in some fruits, such as berries. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods, such as candy, baked goods, and cheese. Potassium sorbate does not contain any animal products or use any animal ingredients in its production.
Artificial color (Red 40)
Red dye is used to add color to food. Most artificial colors come from petroleum or coal tar. Red 40 is a type of artificial color that is made from these sources. It is technically vegan. However, these colors are also often tested on animals like rats, rabbits, and even dogs.
Mineral oil
Mineral oil is a type of oil that is derived from petroleum. It is a common ingredient in many cosmetics, such as lip balm, lotion, and makeup. Mineral oil does not contain any animal products.
Soy lecithin
This ingredient is a type of emulsifier that is made from soybeans. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods, such as candy, chocolate, and baked goods. Soy lecithin does not contain any animal products.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a type of alcohol that is made from animal fat and oils. It is a common ingredient in many cosmetics, such as shampoo, soap, and lotion. Glycerin can be either animal based or plant based. The glycerin in Twizzlers hasn’t been specified, so it is a questionable ingredient for vegans.
Licorice extract
This ingredient is used to add flavor and color to food. Licorice extract is made from the root of the licorice plant. It does not contain any animal products.
Why Aren’t Twizzlers Vegan?
Twizzlers aren’t a vegan product because they contain some ingredients that are of animal origin or are controversial for vegans. These include sugar, glycerin, mono- and diglycerides, and artificial color (Red 40). While Twizzlers does not contain any explicit animal products, these ingredients make it unsafe for vegans to consume.
Are Hershey’s Chocolate Twizzlers Vegan?
No. Unfortunately, Hershey’s Chocolate Twizzlers are not a vegan product. They contain refined sugar, glycerin, and mono- and diglycerides. This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Licorice Flavor Twizzlers Vegan?
No. Licorice Flavor Twizzlers are not a vegan product. They contain refined sugar, glycerin, and mono- and diglycerides. This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Cherry Flavor Twizzlers Vegan?
No. Cherry flavored Twizzlers are listed as vegan friendly by Twizzler’s website. However, they do contain the same controversial ingredients as the other flavors. They contain refined sugar, glycerin, and mono- and diglycerides. This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Nibs Cherry Twizzlers Vegan?
No. Nibs Cherry Twizzlers are not a vegan product. They contain refined sugar, glycerin, and mono- and diglycerides. This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Sugar-Free Strawberry Twists Twizzlers Vegan?
No. The sugar-free strawberry Twizzlers may not have sugar but they still have glycerin and mono- and diglycerides. So no, sugar-free strawberry Twizzlers are not a vegan product.
Are Pull N’ Peel Twizzlers Vegan?
No. Pull N’ Peel Twizzlers is not a vegan product. They contain refined sugar, glycerin, and mono- and diglycerides. This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Twizzlers Caramel Apple Filled Twists Vegan?
No. Caramel Apple Filled Twists are not a vegan product. They contain refined sugar, glycerin, and mono- and diglycerides. This product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Twizzlers
If you’re a strict vegan and not comfortable with the questionable ingredients in Twizzlers, but you like a licorice type candy every now and then, all is not lost. Here are some alternatives:
- RJ’s Soft Eating Raspberry Licorice
- YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks
- Hu Chocolate Bars Variety Pack
- The Ginger People Gin Gins Spicy Turmeric Ginger Chews
- Wholesome Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears
Final Words
Twizzlers may seem like a really vegan-friendly candy but unfortunately, they’re not. The sugar, glycerin, and artificial color (Red 40) make them a no-go for strict vegans. However, some may not mind consuming these ingredients. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to Twizzlers, there are plenty of options out there. Just be sure to check the ingredients list to make sure it meets your values and dietary needs.