How to read this page
Searches for whether a candy is vegan peak every October, and the answer sits in one place: the ingredient list on the maker's own page. Each card below gives that list as printed, names the entries on it that come from animals, and says when we read it. A candy whose list we could not read on a maker's page is not here.
The cards are grouped by what the list shows, in this order: gelatin, then confectioner's glaze, carmine or beeswax, then milk or egg, then none of those. A candy that fits two groups sits in the first. The chips on each card name every animal-derived ingredient on its list, including the ones that did not decide the group.
Formulas change, and one brand can print different lists for different packs. Starburst's 7.2 oz and 15.6 oz bag pages word theirs differently, and Hershey's pages for its milk chocolate bar carry two recipes. Each card names the pack its list came from. The list on the pack in your hand is the one to read.
Gelatin on the list
Gelatin is made from the skin and bones of cattle and pigs. In candy it sets gummies and fruit chews, and 4 of the 29 list it. Our guide to gelatin substitutes covers what takes its place.
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Candy corn
Brach's · Classic, one list for all sizesAnimal-derived ingredients listed GelatinConfectioner's glaze (shellac)Honey
Gelatin, confectioner's glaze and honey are all named on the list. The page shows one list for its 3.5 to 34 oz sizes.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac), Salt, Dextrose, Gelatin, Sesame Oil, Artificial Flavor, Honey, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 3.
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Mellowcreme Pumpkins
Brach'sAnimal-derived ingredients listed GelatinConfectioner's glaze (shellac)Honey
The page also says milk, eggs and other allergens are used in other products made at the same facility.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Salt, Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac), Gelatin, Sesame Oil, Honey, Dextrose, Artificial Flavor, Yellow 6, Red 3, Yellow 5, Blue 1.
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Starburst Original
Mars Wrigley · Sharing size, 15.6 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed Gelatin
The 7.2 oz bag page words a few entries differently and also lists gelatin.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil; Less Than 2% Of: Citric Acid, Tapioca Dextrin, Gelatin, Apple Juice From Concentrate, Modified Corn Starch, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1).
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Goldbears
Haribo · 5 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed GelatinWhite beeswaxYellow beeswax
The page says ingredients may vary by country, and that the candy may contain wheat and traces of milk. Beeswax is a glazing agent.
Ingredient list as printed
GLUCOSE SYRUP (FROM WHEAT OR CORN), SUGAR, GELATIN, DEXTROSE (FROM WHEAT OR CORN), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: CITRIC ACID, ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL FLAVORS, SUNFLOWER OIL, WHITE BEESWAX, YELLOW BEESWAX, YELLOW 5, RED 40, BLUE 1.
Confectioner's glaze, carmine or beeswax on the list
Confectioner's glaze is shellac, a resin from the lac insect, and it gives the shine on hard-shelled and chocolate-covered candy. Carmine is a red color made from cochineal insects. Beeswax is made by bees and used as a glaze. These sit near the end of a list, and a candy with no gelatin or milk can still carry them. 11 of the 29 list at least one.
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Junior Mints
Tootsie Roll Industries · 3.5 oz theater boxAnimal-derived ingredients listed Confectioner's glaze (shellac)
The page adds that egg and milk may be present.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Processed with Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin-An Emulsifier, Vanillin-An Artificial Flavor), Corn Syrup, Confectioner's Glaze, Food Starch-Modified, Peppermint Oil, Invertase (An Enzyme).
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Milk Duds
Hershey · 5 oz boxAnimal-derived ingredients listed Reduced protein whey (milk)Skim milkLactose (milk)Confectioner's glaze (shellac)
Mono- and diglycerides are listed without a source.
Ingredient list as printed
Corn Syrup, Sugar, Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Shea Oil, Sunflower Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, &/or Safflower Oil), Dextrose, Reduced Protein Whey (Milk), Skim Milk, Brown Sugar, Contains 2% or Less of: Lactose (Milk), Mono- and Diglycerides, Chocolate, Confectioner's Glaze, Cocoa, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Baking Soda, Salt, Lecithin (Soy), Vanillin (Artificial Flavor), Tapioca Dextrin
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Whoppers
Hershey · 5 oz boxAnimal-derived ingredients listed Whey (milk)Malted milkMilkConfectioner's glaze (shellac)
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup Solids, Whey (Milk), Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa, Contains 2% or Less of: (Malted Milk, (Barley Malt, Wheat Flour, Milk, Salt, Baking Soda, Corn Syrup, Confectioner's Glaze, Sorbitan Tristearate, Lecithin (Soy), Salt, Artificial Flavor, Tapioca Dextrin, Calcium Carbonate))
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Reese's Pieces
Hershey · 9.9 oz bagAnimal-derived ingredients listed MilkConfectioner's glaze (shellac)
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Partially Defatted Peanuts, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel Oil, Soybean Oil), Corn Syrup Solids, Dextrose, Contains 2% or less of each of the following: (Palm Kernel Oil, Corn Syrup, Salt, Artificial Color, (Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Modified Cornstarch, Confectioner's Glaze, Lecithin (Soy), Vanillin (ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR), Carnauba Wax, Milk))
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Good & Plenty
Hershey · 6 oz boxAnimal-derived ingredients listed CarmineConfectioner's glaze (shellac)
The list gives the color as "artificial color (including carmine, Red 40 Lake)". Carmine is made from cochineal insects.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Contains 2% or Less of: Licorice Extract, Gum Acacia, Artificial Color (Including Carmine, Red 40 Lake), Rice Starch, Salt, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Confectioner's Glaze, Carnauba Wax
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Lemonhead The Original
FerraraAnimal-derived ingredients listed Confectioner's glaze (shellac)
The Lemonhead tub on the same page also lists confectioner's glaze, in a slightly different list. The page says the candy is made in a facility where milk, eggs, almonds, coconut, peanuts and soy are used.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Lemon Juice from Concentrate, Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac), Natural and Artificial Flavor, Acacia (Gum Arabic), Modified Food Starch (Corn), Carnauba Wax, Yellow 5, White Mineral Oil.
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Mike and Ike Original Fruits
Just Born · One list on the page for all sizesAnimal-derived ingredients listed Confectioner's glaze (shellac)
Ingredient list as printed
SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 0.5% OF THE FOLLOWING: CITRIC ACID, MALIC ACID, FUMARIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, DEXTRIN, CONFECTIONERS GLAZE, CARNAUBA WAX, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, RED #40, YELLOW #6, YELLOW #5 (TARTRAZINE), BLUE #1.
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Hot Tamales Fierce Cinnamon
Just Born · One list on the page for all sizesAnimal-derived ingredients listed Confectioner's glaze (shellac)
Ingredient list as printed
SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 0.5% OF THE FOLLOWING: ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, DEXTRIN, CONFECTIONERS GLAZE, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, CARNAUBA WAX, SODIUM CITRATE, PECTIN, CITRIC ACID, MALIC ACID, FUMARIC ACID, RED #40, YELLOW #5 (TARTRAZINE), YELLOW #6, BLUE #1.
Milk or egg on the list
Milk chocolate has milk in its definition, and the bars below show it as skim milk, milk fat, lactose or whey. Snickers, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers also list egg whites. Our page on chocolate covers milk chocolate, dark chocolate and what a may-contain-milk line means.
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Snickers
Mars Wrigley · Singles, 1.86 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed Skim milkLactoseMilkfatEgg whites
The fun size page lists the same ingredients. The allergen line reads: contains peanuts, milk, egg and soy; may contain tree nuts.
Ingredient list as printed
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin), Peanuts, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, Skim Milk, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Artificial Flavor.
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Twix
Mars Wrigley · Caramel bar, 1.79 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed Skim milkLactoseMilkfat
The fun size page words some entries differently and lists the same milk ingredients.
Ingredient list as printed
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Pgpr, Artificial Flavors), Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Palm Oil, Corn Syrup, Skim Milk, Dextrose, Less Than 2% - Salt, Cocoa Powder, Soy Lecithin, Modified Corn Starch, Baking Soda, Artificial Flavor.
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Milky Way Milk Chocolate
Mars Wrigley · 1.84 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed Skim milkLactoseMilkfatEgg whites
Ingredient list as printed
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Chocolate, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, Skim Milk; Less Than 2% Of: Milkfat, Cocoa Powder Processed With Alkali, Barley Malt Extract, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Chocolate, Artificial Flavor.
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3 Musketeers
Mars Wrigley · 1.92 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed Skim milkLactoseMilkfatEgg whites
Ingredient list as printed
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin), Sugar, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil, Cocoa Powder Processed With Alkali; Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Egg Whites, Artificial Flavor.
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Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey · Snack size, 10.5 oz bagAnimal-derived ingredients listed Skim milkMilk fatLactose
Ingredient list as printed
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose, Lecithin (Soy), PGPR), Peanuts, Sugar, Dextrose, Salt, TBHQ & Citric Acid (To Maintain Freshness)
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Kit Kat Milk Chocolate
Hershey · Snack size, 10.78 oz bagAnimal-derived ingredients listed Lactose (milk)Skim milkMilk fat
The page says it is made in a facility that also processes peanuts.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Wheat Flour, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Lactose (Milk), Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil), Skim Milk, Milk Fat, Contains 2% or less of: Lecithin (Soy), PGPR, Vanillin (Artificial Flavor), Salt, Yeast, Baking Soda
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Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolate
Hershey · 35.8 oz packAnimal-derived ingredients listed MilkMilk fat
Hershey's page for the 1.55 oz milk chocolate bar lists a slightly different recipe, so a list can depend on the product and pack.
Ingredient list as printed
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Milk, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Lecithin, Natural Flavor)
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Tootsie Roll
Tootsie Roll IndustriesAnimal-derived ingredients listed Condensed skim milkWhey
The page's allergen line reads: contains milk and soy.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil, Condensed Skim Milk, Cocoa, Whey, Soy Lecithin, Artificial and Natural Flavors.
No animal-derived ingredient listed
These 9 lists name no gelatin, glaze, carmine, beeswax, honey, milk or egg ingredient. Some entries on them name a substance without naming its source, which is what the next section is about.
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Skittles Original
Mars Wrigley · 2.17 oz single packAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
The list includes natural flavors, hydrogenated palm kernel oil and sugar, with no detail on sources. See bone char sugar.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil; Less Than 2% Of: Citric Acid, Tapioca Dextrin, Modified Corn Starch, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), Sodium Citrate, Carnauba Wax.
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Sour Patch Kids
Mondelez · 8 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
The list includes sugar, invert sugar and natural flavor, with no detail on sources.
Ingredient list as printed
SUGAR, INVERT SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF TARTARIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, YELLOW 6, RED 40, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1.
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Swedish Fish
Mondelez · Original red, 8 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
Ingredient list as printed
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.
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Twizzlers Strawberry Twists
Hershey · 2.5 oz bagAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
Ingredient list as printed
Corn Syrup, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Cornstarch, Contains 2% or Less of: Palm Oil, Salt, Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Mineral Oil, Artificial Color (Red 40 Lake), Lecithin
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Jolly Rancher Original Flavors
Hershey · 14 oz bagAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
Ingredient list as printed
Corn Syrup, Sugar, Contains 2% or less of: Malic Acid, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Artificial Color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6), Lecithin (Soy)
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Dum Dums Original Mix
SpanglerAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
The page says the pops are made on dedicated equipment and do not contain milk, eggs or the other major allergens.
Ingredient list as printed
Sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, malic acid, salt, artificial flavor, color added (includes: Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1).
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Smarties (US rolls)
Smarties Candy Company · Original rollsAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
The list includes calcium stearate. Stearates can be made from plant oils or animal fat, and the list does not say which. The source is the maker's FAQ page, which prints the list.
Ingredient list as printed
DEXTROSE, CITRIC ACID, CALCIUM STEARATE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, COLORS (RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 5 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, BLUE 2 LAKE)
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Laffy Taffy Mini Banana
FerraraAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
The list includes mono- and diglycerides, which can come from vegetable oil or animal fat; the list does not say which. The Mini Grape page lists them too.
Ingredient list as printed
Corn syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, and less than 2% of Mono- and Diglycerides, Hydrogenated Cottonseed oil, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Yellow 5.
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Now and Later Original Banana
Ferrara · 0.93 ozAnimal-derived ingredients listed None listed
Ingredient list as printed
CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, PALM OIL, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SALT, SOY LECITHIN (EMULSIFIER), YELLOW 5.
What an ingredient list does not show
Sugar can be refined through charred cattle bone, and the label does not say whether it was. The bone char page covers which refiners and which sugars. Natural flavors are a legal category that allows plant and animal sources. Mono- and diglycerides and stearates can be made from vegetable oil or animal fat. Palm oil is a plant oil, and its page covers why some vegans avoid it anyway.
A candy sits in the none-listed group when its printed list has no entry from an animal. That says nothing about the sugar, the flavors or the factory.
A may-contain or shared-facility line is about equipment, not an ingredient. Where a maker's page prints one, the card quotes it: Kit Kat's page names peanuts, and Brach's Mellowcreme page names milk and eggs.
Words to scan for on a label
| On the label | What it is |
|---|---|
| Gelatin | Protein from the skin and bones of cattle and pigs. Gelatin |
| Confectioner's glaze, shellac, resinous glaze, E904 | A resin from the lac insect, used to make candy shine. Shellac |
| Carmine, cochineal, E120 | A red color made from cochineal insects. Carmine and cochineal |
| Beeswax, E901 | A glazing agent made by bees. Beeswax |
| Milk, skim milk, milk fat, lactose, whey, casein | Milk ingredients. Lactose, whey, casein |
| Egg whites, albumen | Egg. Albumin and albumen |
| Honey | Made by bees. Honey |
| Natural flavors, mono- and diglycerides, stearates | Source not stated on the label. Natural flavors, mono- and diglycerides, stearates |
Reading a label in ten seconds covers the rest of the label, and the E-number lookup covers additive codes.