Swedish Fish are a type of gummy candy that originated in Sweden and are shaped like fish.
They are known for their distinctive fruity flavor, often identified as either lingonberry or cherry, and their bright red color.
But are Swedish Fish Vegan?
Answer: Yes, Swedish Fish are considered vegan, as they do not contain any ingredients derived directly from animals.
Swedish Fish Ingredients
- Sugar
- Invert sugar
- Corn syrup
- Modified corn starch
- Contains less than 2% of citric acid
- White mineral oil
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Red 40
- Carnauba wax
Potential Ingredients of Concern
The ingredients that may cause some concern include:
- Sugar: Some sugar is processed using bone char from animals. However, it’s impossible to know if the sugar in this product is processed in this manner without specific information from the manufacturer.
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: These can sometimes be sourced from animals, but they are typically synthetic or plant-based in most candies.
- Red 40: A synthetic food dye that’s typically derived from petroleum. Some vegans avoid it due to the environmental impact of petroleum extraction and because it’s occasionally tested on animals. However, most vegans do consume food with artificial colors.
- White Mineral Oil and Carnauba Wax: These are both used in the production process, not as ingredients. They may be a concern to some vegans because of potential environmental impacts, but they aren’t derived from animals.
The Verdict
The factors listed above are usually considered minor by most vegans, so Swedish Fish are generally accepted as vegan-friendly. However, individual comfort levels may vary, so it’s always a good idea to do your own research and make the decision that feels right for you.