Pixy Stix are a powdered candy packaged in a wrapper that resembles a drinking straw.
The candy is essentially flavored sugar and comes in a variety of fruit flavors such as cherry, orange, grape, and blue raspberry, among others.
The packaging and format of the candy make it a popular treat among children.
But are Pixy Stix vegan?
Answer: Yes, Pixy Stix are considered vegan-friendly.
Pixy Stix Ingredients
- Dextrose
- Maltodextrin
- Citric Acid
- And Less Than 2% Of Natural Flavors
- Blue 1 Lake
- Blue 2 Lake
- Red 40 Lake
- Yellow 5 Lake
- Yellow 6 Lake.
- *Products may be artificially flavored. Reference product packaging for details.
None of these ingredients is derived from animal sources.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Dextrose: This is a simple sugar that is usually derived from corn, which is a plant source.
- Maltodextrin: This is a polysaccharide that is produced from starch, typically from corn, rice, potato, or wheat.
- Citric Acid: This is usually derived from certain fruits and vegetables, mainly citrus fruits.
- Natural Flavors: These can be tricky because they can be derived from either plant or animal sources. However, in the case of Pixy Stix, the packaging says the product may be artificially flavored, which would typically suggest that the natural flavors used are not of animal origin (more on this below).
- Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake: These are synthetic food dyes and are not derived from animal sources.
Natural Flavors
The ambiguity around “natural flavors” comes from the fact that they can be derived from plant or animal sources, and companies are not required to specify which on their packaging. The term “natural flavors” is defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as:
“The essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
FDA, CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
When it comes to Pixy Stix, the package indicates that the product may be artificially flavored. “Artificial flavors” are those that are made from non-food sources or from food sources but are altered to create flavors not found in nature. While this doesn’t definitively rule out all animal derivatives, it strongly suggests that the natural flavors used are not of animal origin, as the flavors could be achieved through artificial means instead.
If you’re a vegan and want to be absolutely sure, the most reliable method is to contact the manufacturer directly. They can provide specific information about their sourcing and whether any animal products or by-products are used in their flavors.
Remember that company formulations can change, so it’s a good idea to double-check this information from time to time.
Verdict
According to the ingredient list, Pixy Stix can be considered vegan. However, vegans concerned about potential cross-contamination during the production process should reach out to the manufacturer for more specific information.
Additionally, some vegans choose to avoid artificial colors due to the fact they may have been tested on animals in the past, though the dyes themselves are synthetically produced and do not contain animal products. If you are a vegan who avoids products that have been tested on animals, you may wish to avoid Pixy Stix.
Lastly, as formulations can change, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredient list on the packaging of the specific product you purchase.
Continue Reading: Be sure to check out our full list of vegan candies.