If you are a vegan or considering switching to the vegan lifestyle and are also a fan of Smarties, you may wonder: Are Smarties vegan, and which brand of Smarties are vegan?
The short answer is, Smarties may or may not be vegan. It actually depends on which ingredients the brand has used to make Smarties.
There are different types of Smarties worldwide, and the ingredients vary from country to country. In this blog, we will discuss when Smarties are vegan, which brands make vegan Smarties, what makes Smarties non-vegan, and what are vegan alternatives to Smarties.
What are Smarties?
Smarties is a very popular candy that is available in different forms depending on the country. In the United States of America (USA), Smarties are small, chalky, fruity discs that are made by the Smarties candy company. Meanwhile, Smarties are not only formed in the USA but they are also formed in the UK, Canada, and several other countries. Every country uses its own ingredients to form smarties. In the UK and other countries, Smarties look like colourful, chocolate-filled candies produced by Nestlè, similar to M&Ms.
Since the ingredients in Smarties vary from region to region, their vegan status depends on where you buy them and which version of candy you are eating or taking.
Ingredients of original Smarties?
The following ingredients are found in Smarties generally.
- Sugar
- Milk powder
- Cocoa butter
- Cocoa mass
- Butter
- Wheat flour
- Flavours
- Whey proteins
- Starch from rice
- Lecithin act as an emulsifier
- Glazing agents such as beeswax
- Plant-based derivatives such as fruits and vegetable concentrates
Are Smarties Vegan in the US?
Yeah, good news for vegan candy lovers, US Smarties are considered completely vegan. These candies do not contain any animal-based products such as meat, fish, and eggs. These tablet shape candies are made up of the following ingredients:
Ingredients of US version Smarties:
- Dextrose
- Citric acid
- Calcium stearate
- Natural and artificial flavour
- Colors (such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 2)
Why are US Smarties vegan?
Unlike many candies, U.S. Smarties do not contain animal-based ingredients such as gelatin, dairy, or carmine (a red dye from insects). The US company claims that they are purely vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Therefore, they are a good choice for those who are fond of candies but are vegans.
Are Nestlé Smarties Vegan?
The Smarties made by the UK and other countries are chocolate Nestlè Smarties. These Smarties are not vegan. Because they contain the following ingredients:
- Chocolate milk that includes dairy milk in it and whey
- Shell coatings that often include beeswax or carmine for coloring
Since they contain dairy and animal-based coloring agents, these Smarties are not suitable for vegans.
Are There Vegan Alternatives to Smarties?
If you are a candy lover and looking for a vegan-friendly chocolate alternative. Try following:
- Doisy & Dam Dark Chocolate Drops that are Vegan-friendly and colorful chocolate buttons without dairy
- Little Secrets Dark Chocolate Pieces is a plant-based alternative to M&Ms
- Enjoy Life Chocolate Gems are free from allergens, dairy, soy, and gluten
Meanwhile, if you are a US Smarties lover and looking for an alternative. You can try:
- Smart Sweets Fruity Gummy Bears, which is a plant-based, low-sugar gummy is a good alternative
- Sweetarts (Certain Varieties) – Some versions are vegan, but always check the ingredients.
Can Vegans Eat Smarties?
If you are vegan, you can easily eat US Smarties because they are free from animal derivatives. While the UK, Canada and other countries’ Smarties like Nestlè Smarties contain dairy products, which are animal-based.
So if you are in the USA, you can enjoy the US Smarties. But if you are far away from the USA, you will need a vegan-friendly alternative that we have discussed above.
Instructions:
Before purchasing or ordering Smarties always double-check the ingredient list, as recipes and production processes can change over time.
FAQs:
Can Vegans Eat Smarties?
Yes, vegans can eat plant-based Smarties such as US Smarties that are purely made of plant-derived ingredients.
Are Smarties squashies vegan?
Yes, Smarties squashes are vegan as they are plant-based and contain no animal derivatives. They are made up of sugar, gelatin, starch, citric acid, apple pulp, vegetable oils, carnauba wax, flavours, and colours.
Are Smarties gluten-free?
Yes, Smarties are gluten-free and safe from all sorts of allergens. The Smarties companies claim that their products are gluten-free and safe for those who are diagnosed with celiac disease.
Are Smarties halal?
Yes Smarties are halal if there is nothing in them that is forbidden in Islam. However, some candies contain some ingredients that are forbidden in Islam. Therefore, be cautious before choosing Smarties if you are a Muslim.
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