Around the world, plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular. This means more people are choosing not to consume any animal products. In the world of sweets, it may seem like there's not much that fits into a vegan diet... but that's far from the truth. There are still loads of sweet, fruity treats to enjoy.
Vegan products are becoming more widely available, including down the sweet aisle in the supermarket, and some of the sweets we've known and loved for decades are actually already vegan!
We've pulled together a list of our favourite vegan sweet treats and what ingredients you need to look out for when trying to find vegan products, so that you can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Best Vegan Sweets
Candy Kittens
Dive into the luscious world of Candy Kittens, where every sweet is made with real fruit juice and is completely vegan. The delicious peach fizz is a must-try! (No gelatine and no palm oil)
Jelly Tots
Satisfy your sweet cravings with Rowntrees' Jelly Tots, proudly displaying a clear vegan message on their packaging. These vegan-friendly jelly sweets are a classic treat.
Drumstick Chews
Experience the chewy goodness of Swizzels Drumstick Chews, a timeless favourite across generations. Enjoy the classic dual flavour with the reassurance that it's entirely vegan.
Drumstick Lollies
With their distinct raspberry and milk flavour, you'll be pleased to know you can still enjoy drumstick lollies, even as a Vegan! They are also gluten-free so they can take you down memory lane, no matter your dietry requirements.
Jealous Sweets
Elevate your sweet experience with Jealous Sweets, a plant-based confectionery brand offering of vegan gummy sweets. From grapefruit and peach gummy fizzy friends to grizzly bears, indulge in a variety of fruity flavours.
Starburst
Rejoice in the vibrant and juicy flavours of Starburst, knowing that these sweets are entirely vegan. Treat yourself to the burst of fruity goodness.
Refresher Bars
Refresh your taste buds with Swizzels Refresher Bars, now updated with a vegan-friendly recipe. The fruity chew bar is perfect for a sweet, tangy sensation.
Parma Violets
Enjoy the fragrant and unique flavour of Parma Violets, a classic sweet that's perfect for both vegans and vegetarians.
Love Hearts
Express your love with the classic romantic sweet, Love Hearts. These vegan sweets are a thoughtful gesture for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.
Skittles
Delight in the rainbow of flavours that Skittles offer, without worrying about any animal-derived ingredients. Skittles are proudly vegan, making them a perfect treat for everyone.
Vimto chew bars
If you're missing the refreshing fruity taste of Vimto, there's no need to worry, as Vimto chew bars are 100% vegan!
Packed with plenty of flavour, these bars are made with real fruit juice and make the perfect sweet snack. (Even if they are a bit chewy!)
Fruit pastilles
Another vegan sweet made by Rowntree which I'm sure you'll be pleased you don't need to miss out on, is Fruit Pastilles.
These jelly sweets come in five colourful flavours that have no artificial colours or flavourings in.
Stinger Bar
It's its bright yellow packaging that makes this sweet stand out, but did you also know that the stinger bar is also vegan?
The stinger bar is a fruit-flavoured chew bar with a fizzy centre.
Millions
Millions are tiny sweets that come in a tube. From blue to pink, there's a whole range of colours and flavours.
These sweets are vegan as they contain no products derived from animals, so you can still enjoy these fun little sweets.
Haribo Rainbow Strips
This popular sweet is suitable for vegans. Offering a fruity, tangy taste in a bright coloured strip!
Flying Saucers
Don't worry, if you're eating a plant-based diet, you can still enjoy a sweet that is out of this world... flying saucers!
Non vegan ingredients to look out for
When exploring the world of vegan sweets, it's crucial to be aware of non-vegan ingredients that may be present in some confections. Keep an eye out for the following ingredients, as they are derived from animals or may involve animal exploitation.
Gelatine:
A common ingredient in many sweets, gelatine is derived from animal collagen. Look for gelatine-free alternatives to ensure your sweets are vegan.
Milk and dairy Products
Ingredients such as milk powder, whey, and casein are derived from dairy and are not vegan. Check for plant-based alternatives like soy, almond, or coconut milk.
Honey
While a natural sweetener, honey is produced by bees, and some vegans choose to avoid it due to ethical concerns. Opt for sweets sweetened with alternatives like agave syrup or maple syrup.
Bees Wax
Used to coat sweets, like Jelly Beans, to give them their shiny appearance, beeswax is an animal product to look out for.
What ingredients are vegan friendly?
Any product which is created using purely plants, including fruit, nuts and seeds, is vegan-friendly. Plant-based oils like olive oil and coconut oil, along with dairy alternatives like almond milk and soy milk, are commonly embraced in vegan products.
Other vegan friendly sweets
Love Hearts Dip
Swizzel Fizzers
Percy Pigs