But what we really want to know:

Twix Ingredient List

1. Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Pgpr, Artificial Flavors)
2. Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)
3. Sugar
4. Palm Oil
5. Corn Syrup
6. Skim Milk
7. Dextrose
8. Salt
9. Cocoa Powder
10. Soy Lecithin
11. Modified Corn Starch
12. Baking Soda
13. Artificial Flavor

Please note the label also mentions: “CONTAINS MILK, SOY AND WHEAT. MAY CONTAIN PEANUTS.”

Ingredients of Concern

From a strict vegan perspective, apart from the dairy-based ingredients already mentioned, there are a few more ingredients that might be a concern:

If you’re adhering to a strict vegan diet, you might consider reaching out to the manufacturer for more detailed information about their ingredients and processing methods.

The Verdict

Based on the manufacturer’s ingredients list, Twix is not considered Vegan.

If you are looking for a vegan alternative to Twix, there are various recipes available online that use plant-based ingredients to create a similar taste and texture.

There are also a number of vegan candy brands that produce similar products without the use of any animal products or by-products. Always remember to carefully read ingredient lists, as recipes and formulations can change.

Manufacturer Website

The post Are Twix Vegan? appeared first on Urban Vegan.

But what we really want to know:

There are, however, some ingredients that should be taken into consideration.

Read on for more details.

Sweetarts Ingredient List

1. Dextrose
2. Maltodextrin
3. DL-Malic Acid
4. Less Than 2% of Calcium Stearate
5. Natural Flavors
6. Blue 1 Lake
7. Blue 2 Lake
8. Red 40 Lake
9. Yellow 5 Lake

Ingredients of Concern

The Verdict

Based on the manufacturer’s ingredients list, it’s likely that SweeTARTS Original’s are vegan.

However, it’s always a good idea to check with the manufacturer if you follow a strict vegan lifestyle or if you want to be absolutely sure, as formulations can change and some ingredients can be derived from different sources.

The struggle is real.

Manufacturer Website

The post Are Sweetarts Vegan? appeared first on Urban Vegan.

The candy is known for its chewy texture, variety of fruit flavors, and the jokes printed on the inside of the wrappers.

But what we really want to know:

Read on to find out about each product line…

Laffy Taffy Minis [ Vegan]

However, several ingredients may be of concern to strict vegans.

Ingredients of Concern

Since the manufacturer doesn’t state how these ingredients of concern were sourced or created, it’s hard to know exactly the origin.

Use your best judgment or contact the manufacturer directly if you are unsure.

1. Sugar: Not all sugar is considered vegan because some of it is processed using bone char from animals.
2. Mono- and Diglycerides: These can be either plant or animal derived, and it’s not specified on the ingredient list.
3. Natural Flavors: This is a vague term that can refer to both plant and animal derived substances. Normally they are plant-based in candies.
4. Palm Oil: While not derived from animals, the production of palm oil is a major cause of deforestation and loss of animal habitat, and thus some vegans choose to avoid it.
5. Food Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 1): These synthetic dyes are usually petroleum-derived and, while not derived from animals, they are often tested on animals. Some vegans choose to avoid them for this reason.

Ingredients by Flavor

Laffy Taffy Laff Bites [ Not Vegan]

Ingredients of Concern

• Gelatin is a protein usually derived from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals such as cows, pigs, or fish
• Soy Lecithin: Is vegan but the product indicates it may have been processed in a facility that also processes animal products like milk and eggs, which might be a concern due to potential cross-contamination.

These other ingredients have similar potential issues to the ones listed above for the Minis:

1. Sugar: It might be processed with bone char.
2. Natural Flavors: Can be derived from both plant and animal sources.
3. Palm Oil: Can be a concern due to environmental issues.
4. Food Colors (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6): Are often tested on animals.

Ingredients by Flavor

Laffy Taffy Stretchy & Tangy [ Not Vegan]

Ingredients of Concern

• Egg albumen is the clear part of an egg – what we often refer to as the egg white. Therefore, it is an animal-derived ingredient and is not vegan-friendly.

As with the other product lines listed above, these ingredients below can also be of concern to strict vegans:

1. Natural Flavors: Can be derived from both plant and animal sources.
2. Monoglycerides: These can be either plant or animal derived.
3. Food Colors (Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 3, Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6): Are often tested on animals.

Ingredients by Flavor

Manufacturer Website

The post Is Laffy Taffy Vegan? appeared first on Urban Vegan.

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?

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:

1. 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.
2. Natural and Artificial Flavors: These can sometimes be sourced from animals, but they are typically synthetic or plant-based in most candies.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Manufacturer’s Website

The post Are Swedish Fish Vegan? appeared first on Urban Vegan.

They are marked as fat-free, gluten-free, and Kosher, but a question often arises among conscious consumers: are they vegan-friendly?

Let’s dive in to discern whether these popular candies align with a vegan lifestyle.

Mike and Ikes Ingredients

1. Sugar
2. Corn Syrup
3. Modified Food Starch
4. Citric Acid (less than 0.5%)
5. Malic Acid (less than 0.5%)
6. Fumaric Acid (less than 0.5%)
7. Sodium Citrate (less than 0.5%)
8. Natural and Artificial Flavors (less than 0.5%)
9. Dextrin (less than 0.5%)
10. Confectioners Glaze (less than 0.5%)
11. Carnauba Wax (less than 0.5%)
12. Medium Chain Triglycerides (less than 0.5%)
13. Red #40 (less than 0.5%)
14. Yellow #6 (less than 0.5%)
15. Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) (less than 0.5%)
16. Blue #1 (less than 0.5%)

Confectioners Glaze

Confectioners Glaze, also known as shellac gives candies a bright, shiny appearance and helps prevent them from sticking together.

The source of Confectioners’ Glaze is what raises concerns for vegans. This ingredient is derived from the secretions of the female lac bug (Kerria lacca). These insects, native to forests in Thailand and India, secrete a resin to form a tunnel-like tube as they move along the branches of host trees.

This resin is scraped off the tree branches and processed to create shellac flakes, which are then dissolved in ethanol to produce liquid shellac or Confectioners’ Glaze.

While Confectioners’ Glaze is considered safe for general consumption, it is not vegan because it originates from an insect. For strict vegans who avoid all animal products, including those that involve insects in their production processes, candies coated with Confectioners’ Glaze would not be acceptable.

Artificial Colorings

The other potential issue lies with the artificial colorings (Red #40, Yellow #6, Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), Blue #1).

Some artificial colors are tested on animals and may therefore not be considered vegan-friendly by all vegans. Additionally, some artificial colors were historically made from coal tar or petroleum, but this information isn’t specified in the ingredient list.

The Verdict

There’s no explicit mention of animal-derived ingredients, and allergen information doesn’t include any of the top 9 allergens (Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Soy, Wheat, Sesame) that could potentially be animal-derived.

Since veganism can be interpreted differently by different individuals, it’s important to decide which ingredients you’re personally comfortable with consuming.

If you want a definitive answer, it might be best to contact the company directly for more detailed information about their production processes and sources of ingredients.

The post Are Mike and Ikes Vegan? appeared first on Urban Vegan.

But, who knew our favorite frozen treat would shake hands with cashews to give us a delicious and health-friendly alternative? Yes, you read that right! Cashew milk ice cream, the rising star of the vegan ice cream universe, has arrived in the market, making a splash that is impossible to ignore.

In this article, we’ll navigate through the world of cashew milk ice cream, leading you straight to the best brands in the game. So grab your spoons, sit back, and get ready for a tasteful journey that will change your dessert choices forever!

1. So Delicious Frozen Desserts

When the Cashewmilk pints were introduced, they completely transformed the dairy-free market. This line came as a breath of fresh air after years of coconut-based ice cream, offering an irresistibly rich and neutral-flavored alternative.

Even staunch dairy ice cream lovers find it hard to resist a scoop from these offerings. The entire lineup is dairy-free, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan

Official Website

Cashew Milk Flavors:

1. peanut butter brownie pint
2. peanut butter bar
3. dipped salted caramel
4. dipped double chocolate delight
5. bananas foster
6. snickerdoodle
7. salted caramel cluster
8. dark chocolate truffle
9. very vanilla
10. chocolate cookies n cream

2. Craig’s Vegan Ice Cream

Based in Los Angeles, Craig’s draws upon cashew milk to create their compact yet impactful range of six traditional flavors. They incorporate natural ingredients such as organic vegan chocolate and whole crushed strawberries.

Crafted with high-quality cashews and purely natural ingredients, these ice creams are certified by the non-GMO project, entirely vegan, kosher, and free from gluten.

Official Website

Cashew Milk Flavors:

1. Cold Brew Coffee
2. Perfectly Chocolate
3. Kursten’s PB Krunch
4. Melrose Mint Chip
5. Killa’ Vanilla
6. Sunset & Strawberry

3. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, founded in 2008 from a yellow truck in New York City, aims to create high-quality ice cream that brings joy and promotes well-being.

Their products, rich in fat but made from premium, easily digestible ingredients, use traditional ice cream elements and vegan alternatives. They believe in the harmony of ingredients and aim to satisfy both omnivores and vegans.

Their approach, referred to as “the Van Leeuwen way”, is not only about ice cream production but promotes a lifestyle valuing quality, simplicity, and inclusivity.

Note: Van Leeuwen’s is not a 100% vegan brand

Official Website

Cashew Milk Flavors:

1. Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
2. Vegan Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb
3. Vegan Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl

Creamy Cashew Conclusion: Embracing the Nutty Future of Ice Cream

In closing, it’s clear that the dairy-free revolution has taken a delicious turn, with cashew milk ice cream becoming a standout star. Brands like So Delicious Frozen Desserts, Craig’s Vegan Ice Cream, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream are crafting luscious, health-friendly alternatives that don’t skimp on flavor or texture.

Whether you’re a vegan, lactose intolerant, or just curious to try a delectable new spin on your favorite treat, these cashew milk ice cream brands are changing the game. Each with their unique flavors and commitment to quality ingredients, they offer a creamy, irresistible experience that will make you forget all about traditional dairy ice cream.

So next time you find yourself in the frozen aisle, give these brands a try – your taste buds will thank you! The future of ice cream is here, and it’s looking nutty and delightfully creamy!

The post 3 Best Cashew Milk Ice Cream Brands (19 Flavors) appeared first on Urban Vegan.

Or perhaps you’ve recently discovered them and you’re now curious: Are Smucker’s Uncrustables vegan?

However, not all their varieties are vegan-friendly, so here’s a rundown on which ones to reach for and which to avoid.

Vegan-friendly Uncrustables:

1. Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly Sandwich
2. Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly Sandwich
3. Reduced Sugar Peanut Butter & Grape Spread Sandwich on Wheat
4. Reduced Sugar Peanut Butter & Strawberry Spread Sandwich on Wheat

It’s worth noting that while these Uncrustables varieties may not contain dairy or other animal products, they’re produced on equipment that also processes milk products. So, if you have a serious milk allergy, it might be best to err on the side of caution and give them a miss.

And remember, while these vegan-friendly Uncrustables don’t contain GMOs or high fructose corn syrup, they do have various additives and conditioners. These are used to ensure the bread dough remains stable over a longer shelf life, so they might not be the healthiest choice.

Non-Vegan Uncrustables:

1. Peanut Butter & Honey Spread Sandwich
   • Natural Flavor can be either vegan or non-vegan, depending on its source. It’s always best to check with the manufacturer if you’re unsure.
   • Honey is not considered vegan. The vegan philosophy seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Since honey is produced by bees, it’s generally not considered vegan-friendly.
2. Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut Spread Sandwich
   • The presence of skim milk and whey in this spread makes it unsuitable for those following a strict vegan diet.
3. Uncured Ham & Cheddar Bites
   • Uncured Smoked Ham: This is made from pork, which is a meat product and thus not vegan.
   • Cheddar Cheese: This is a dairy product, which is also not considered vegan as it’s derived from animal milk.
4. Turkey and Colby Jack Bites
   • Natural Smoked Turkey Breast: This is derived from turkey, a type of meat, which is not vegan.
   • Colby and Monterey Jack Cheeses: These are dairy products, which are not vegan as they’re derived from animal milk.

The Verdict

So there you have it! If you’re a vegan, there are four varieties of Smucker’s Uncrustables you can enjoy. They’re perfect for a quick snack for yourself, for sharing with friends, or for packing into your little ones’ lunchboxes, all without any animal products.

Of course, it might be healthier (and even more satisfying!) to whip up a homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich with fresh, whole ingredients. But for those moments when convenience wins out, feel free to indulge in these vegan-friendly Uncrustables.

Enjoy!

The post Are Smucker’s Uncrustables Vegan? appeared first on Urban Vegan.

The candy is round, typically about 2 cm in diameter, and is often reddish-orange in color. The name “Atomic Fireball” comes from the candy’s spicy flavor, which was unusually intense for the time of its introduction and can still be surprising to first-time consumers today.

It’s a long-lasting candy, designed to be slowly savored rather than quickly consumed.

But is it vegan?

Atomic Fireballs Ingredient List

• Sugar
• Modified Food Starch (Corn)
• Artificial Flavor
• Carnauba Wax
• Acacia (Gum Arabic)
• Titanium Dioxide (Color)
• Red 40 Lake

Possible Ingredients of Concern

Sugar

The potential cause for concern for vegans might be sugar, as it can sometimes be processed using bone char (animal-derived product) to achieve its white color.

However, this is primarily an issue in the United States, and even there, not all sugar is processed this way. Moreover, it’s hard to verify the type of sugar used in each product. It’s best to contact the manufacturer if this is a concern for you.

Artificial Flavors

Artificial flavors are chemically derived additives designed to mimic the taste of natural ingredients. While they can be created from both animal-derived and plant-derived substances, the majority are synthesized from chemical compounds in a laboratory and do not involve animal products.

However, because the specific compounds used are proprietary to each company, it’s impossible to verify without direct communication with the manufacturer whether every artificial flavor is 100% vegan.

Manufacturing Process

Also, while the product itself seems to be vegan, it’s important to note that it is manufactured in a facility where milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy are used.

This doesn’t make the product non-vegan, but it could potentially pose issues for people with severe allergies or those who wish to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.

Manufacturer Website

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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?

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

1. Dextrose: This is a simple sugar that is usually derived from corn, which is a plant source.
2. Maltodextrin: This is a polysaccharide that is produced from starch, typically from corn, rice, potato, or wheat.
3. Citric Acid: This is usually derived from certain fruits and vegetables, mainly citrus fruits.
4. 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).
5. 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.

Manufacturer Website

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Ring Pops are generally considered vegan, as they have been included on many lists of vegan-friendly candies.

Ring Pop Ingredients

The ingredients in a classic Ring Pop, such as the cherry variety, include:

• Sugar
• Corn Syrup
• Buffered lactic acid
• Natural and artificial flavors
• Pear juice concentrate
• Red 3
• Blue 1

None of these ingredients are explicitly animal-derived. However, there are a few points of contention that might make some vegans hesitate.

Ingredients of Concern

Sugar

The sugar used in Ring Pops may have been processed using bone char, an animal-derived substance used to whiten sugar. If you maintain strict avoidance of any animal-derived products, you might want to avoid Ring Pops.

Natural Flavors

The term “natural flavors” is also ambiguous, as it could come from either plant or animal sources. While Ring Pops are generally accepted as vegan, this uncertainty may cause some vegans to exclude Ring Pops as their go-to vegan treat.

Red 3

The red dye used in Ring Pops, Red 3, is vegan as it is derived from coal tar, not insects like some other red dyes. However, it’s worth noting that the FDA has banned Red 3 in some applications due to health concerns.

Ring Pop Gummies

It’s also important to note that while traditional Ring Pops are generally considered vegan-friendly, Ring Pop Gummies are not. They contain gelatin, a protein derived from animal parts.

Conclusion

Whether Ring Pops are considered vegan can depend on how strictly one adheres to a vegan lifestyle. If you’re uncomfortable with the ambiguity of some ingredients or the potential use of bone char in sugar processing, there are plenty of vegan-certified candies out there that can serve as alternatives.

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