Are Junior Mints Vegan? Our Guide

Junior Mints are a nostalgic candy favorite for many, known for their creamy mint filling coated in smooth dark chocolate. 

Produced by Tootsie Roll Industries, this iconic treat has been around for over 70 years, delighting candy lovers with its unique combination of flavors.

But if you follow a vegan lifestyle, you might wonder if they are suitable for you. While they appear vegan-friendly at first glance, the answer isn’t as simple as it seems.

In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in Junior Mints, why they may not be suitable for vegans, and suggest alternative treats that align with plant-based diets.

Are Junior Mints Vegan-friendly?

Despite their seemingly simple ingredients, Junior Mints are not vegan. The primary reason lies in the use of Confectioner’s Glaze, an ingredient derived from animal products. 

Additionally, the sugar used in Junior Mints may have been processed using bone char, making it unsuitable for strict vegans.

Let’s break it down further:

What Is Confectioner’s Glaze?

Confectioner’s Glaze, also known as pharmaceutical glaze, is what gives Junior Mints their shiny, smooth finish. Unfortunately, this ingredient is made from shellac, which is derived from the secretions of lac bugs.

For strict vegans, this association with insects makes Junior Mints non-vegan. Many companies choose to list “Confectioner’s Glaze” rather than “shellac” to make the ingredient seem less problematic to consumers.

The Sugar Debate

Another controversial ingredient is sugar. While sugar is plant-based, refined sugar is often processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve its white color.

Tootsie Roll Industries, the manufacturer of Junior Mints, doesn’t clarify whether their sugar is processed with bone char. Therefore, some vegans may choose to avoid Junior Mints for this reason as well.

Junior Mints Ingredients

Here are the typical ingredients found in the original Junior Mints:

• Sugar
• Dark Chocolate
• Corn Syrup
• Food Starch
• Invertase
• Confectioner’s Glaze
• Peppermint Oil

While this list appears simple, the presence of Confectioner’s Glaze and potentially non-vegan sugar makes these candies unsuitable for vegans.

Junior Mints Product Varieties

Junior Mints come in various flavors and forms, including:

• Junior Mints Minis
• Junior Mints Deluxe
• Junior Mini Eggs
• Junior Mints Valentine Hearts
• Junior Mints Peppermint

Unfortunately, all varieties use Confectioner’s Glaze, making them non-vegan.

Vegan Alternatives to Junior Mints

If you’re a vegan and looking for plant-based alternatives to Junior Mints, you’re in luck! There are several delicious options that replicate the mint chocolate flavor without using animal-derived ingredients:

1. Peppermint No-No’s by No Whey Foods
   • Made without dairy, gluten, or Confectioner’s Glaze, these candies are a great alternative for vegans.
2. Dark Chocolate Mint Cups by Free2B
   • Creamy mint filling encased in rich dark chocolate, fully vegan and allergen-friendly.
3. Choco Yums Dark Chocolate Mint Candies by YumEarth
   • Organic, plant-based, and free from artificial ingredients.
4. Peppermint Black Oreos
   • A surprising vegan-friendly option with a refreshing minty twist.
5. Chocolate Mint Candy Canes by Hershey’s
   • Check the label for vegan certification, but some varieties are plant-based.

These alternatives are widely available online or at specialty stores, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your mint chocolate cravings.

Final Thoughts

While Junior Mints are a beloved candy, they are not vegan due to the use of Confectioner’s Glaze and potentially non-vegan sugar. However, if you’re not a strict vegan, you might still choose to enjoy them occasionally.

For those seeking plant-based alternatives, there are plenty of vegan-friendly mint chocolate options available that deliver the same delicious flavor without compromising your values.

Now that you know the facts, you can make an informed decision about whether Junior Mints fit into your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions