Are There Vegan M&Ms? A Sweet Dive Into Plant-Based Candies

If you’ve ever been curious about finding vegan M&Ms, you're not alone. Many people on a plant-based diet find themselves missing some childhood treats, and M&Ms is a big one. But are there vegan versions of these colorful chocolates?

First, let's talk about what makes regular M&Ms non-vegan. The sneaky culprit is usually dairy. Traditional M&Ms use ingredients like milk and sometimes certain colorants that aren't vegan-friendly.

But don't lose hope! There are some great alternatives out there. Brands like Unreal and No Whey Foods are coming up with dupes that keep the tasty crunch and vibrant colors without any animal products. These treats are popping up in health food stores and even some major retailers.

Want to get a bit crafty? Consider making your own version at home. It’s easier than it sounds! You can use dairy-free chocolate and a variety of plant-based colorings to whip up something that's pretty close.

And here's the best part: the candy market is evolving. With growing demand, more companies are experimenting with vegan-friendly sweets. This means more choices and better flavors for those of us skipping dairy.

• Why M&Ms Aren't Vegan
• Vegan Alternatives to M&Ms
• DIY Vegan M&Ms
• What's Changing in the Candy World
• Choosing the Right Vegan Candy

Why M&Ms Aren't Vegan

So, what's the deal with M&Ms and why aren't they on the vegan-friendly list? It comes down to a few key ingredients that these colorful candies use. Let's break it down.

Milk and Dairy Derivatives

The biggest issue with M&Ms is the use of milk chocolate. This obviously contains milk powder, which is a no-go for anyone avoiding animal products. Even their dark chocolate varieties aren't as safe as one might hope because they can have dairy traces.

Colorants

Here's another less obvious factor: some M&Ms might use colorants that aren’t exactly in line with vegan principles. Certain red dyes, like carmine, come from crushed insects. Not all M&Ms use them, but it’s something that can crop up in candies.

Sugar Processing

Some sugars are processed with bone char to give them that ultra-white look. While it’s becoming less common, it's worth noting since M&Ms haven’t been explicit about their sugar sources.

In a surprising find, a study showed about 30% of companies in the candy industry haven’t fully transitioned to excluding bone char in their sugar processing.

What Does This Mean for Vegan Candy Lovers?

If you're on the hunt for vegan alternatives, you’ll want to look for labels that say “dairy-free” or “vegan.” And always check the ingredients if you can. As the vegan trend grows, some brands are happily listing what’s in their treats.

It's a bummer when you find out your favorite sweets contain sneaky non-vegan ingredients. But knowing why M&Ms aren't vegan helps in making smarter choices when picking out your next sweet treat!

Vegan Alternatives to M&Ms

So, you're on a mission to find vegan M&Ms? Let's make it happen! With the rise of plant-based goodies, there are some fantastic swaps that give regular M&Ms a run for their money.

Unreal Dark Chocolate Crispy Gems

Unreal is a brand that's making waves in the world of vegan desserts. Their Dark Chocolate Crispy Gems are an amazing substitute. They use fair trade certified chocolate, are non-GMO, and totally dairy-free. You'll get the same crunchy shell with a rich, chocolatey center, but without any guilt!

No Whey Foods Chocolatey No No's

Another great choice is No Whey Foods' Chocolatey No No's. These sweet treats are not only vegan but also allergen-friendly. No dairy, nuts, gluten, or soy here! They come in vibrant colors, thanks to natural vegetable juices, not artificial dyes.

Make Your Own

If you're feeling adventurous, making your own plant-based sweets can be rewarding. Melt some high-quality dairy-free chocolate, coat with natural food colorings, and you’ll have your own batch of homemade vegan candies.

Pro Tips for Shopping

• Always check the ingredient list for hidden animal-derived products.
• Look for certifications like the vegan label or allergen statements.
• Support companies focused on ethical sourcing and environmental impact.

It's a candy world out there, and with choices like these, you'll never miss traditional M&Ms again. Plus, you can feel good knowing your treats are kind to animals and the planet.

DIY Vegan M&Ms

Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Making your own vegan M&Ms is not only possible but also kind of fun. You get to control what goes in them, and it’s a sweet way to surprise friends or just satisfy your own candy cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Plant-based food coloring

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. Using a spoon, drop small rounds of chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool and harden in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar with different color drops to create your desired candy shell colors.
4. Once the chocolate rounds are firm, roll them in the colored powdered sugar until fully coated.
5. Pop them back in the fridge to set for an additional 15 minutes, and you’re good to go!

This homemade version lets you keep it caffeine-free or even add a sprinkle of sea salt for a twist. Plus, you dodge any hidden animal products.

Pro Tips

If you’re aiming for that classic hard shell, play around with a bit of corn syrup mixed into your sugar coating, but be mindful—it takes practice to nail it. For a health boost, consider adding a pinch of matcha or spirulina to your plant-based sweets for color and a hint of greens.

Keen to know if others are doing the same? A quick online search will reveal a bunch of creative cooks whipping up batches of vegan M&Ms, with some sharing advice in community forums.

What's Changing in the Candy World

The candy world is undergoing a transformation like never before. With people more health-conscious and ethical about their food choices, there's a rising demand for sweets that are not just tasty but also vegan and free from artificial stuff. This shift is urging candy makers to rethink their products.

Plant-Based Ingredients

One of the biggest changes is the move toward plant-based ingredients. Companies are swapping out dairy and animal-derived components for alternatives. Think coconut milk instead of cow's milk, and natural food colorings derived from fruits and vegetables.

Innovations Galore

Innovation is buzzing in the sweet sector. In fact, a recent survey found that 45% of new candy products launched in 2024 featured vegan-friendly ingredients. Brands are playing around with flavors and textures, offering surprising options like avocado chocolate bars and hemp-based candies.

Go Big or Go Home

It's not just niche brands making the switch. Big names like Mars and Nestle are also jumping on the plant-based train. They've started rolling out trial lines of vegan desserts and candies in select markets, testing customer reactions.

Consumer Power

This transformation is largely driven by consumers. People are speaking with their wallets, and the industry is listening. More of us are buying vegan M&Ms alternatives, showing there's a big appetite for change.

What’s Next?

There's a lot to be excited about. The candy aisles are looking more colorful, inclusive, and in tune with today's dietary needs. As demand keeps growing, so will the inventiveness of these sweet treats. Keep your eyes peeled for even more exciting options in the coming years. The world of candy is indeed sweetly changing!

Choosing the Right Vegan Candy

Picking the perfect vegan desserts can feel like navigating a candy aisle blindfolded, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. With a bit of know-how, you can easily pick treats that align with your plant-based lifestyle.

Read the Labels

The first step in choosing the right vegan candy is becoming a label-reading ninja. Check for dairy ingredients and gelatin — these are big no-nos in vegan foods. Also, watch out for sneaky things like carmine and shellac, which are derived from insects.

Keep an eye out for ingredients like milk fat, casein, and whey, often tucked inside unexpected treats. If the label isn’t clear, a quick search online can help you confirm.

Look for Certifications

The easiest way to make sure your candy is vegan? Certifications are your friend. A 'Certified Vegan' logo can give you peace of mind with a quick glance. While not foolproof, it’s a good place to start.

Check Out the Brands

Brands like No Whey Foods, Unreal, and Enjoy Life are known for their plant-based sweets. They’ve worked hard to make sure their goodies meet vegan standards, so they’re a reliable bet.

Finding Alternatives

If you’re looking for more than just a vegan M&Ms fix, try exploring other candy types like gummies and caramels. Many brands now offer plant-based versions, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.

Price and Availability

While vegan candy can sometimes be a little pricier, it's becoming more common. Many major grocery chains and even convenience stores now stock some vegan candy alternatives. If you’re shopping online, you can typically find these at a decent price, particularly if you buy in bulk.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just exploring plant-based options, choosing the right candy is as simple as knowing what to look for. With these insights, your candy shopping can be both sweet and stress-free!