Are Swedish Fish Vegan? Here’s What You Need to Know

Swedish Fish are a beloved candy known for their fruity flavor and chewy texture, but their vegan status isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. 

While these treats don’t contain obvious animal products like gelatin, some ingredients raise concerns for strict vegans.

In short, Swedish Fish are mostly vegan-friendly, but certain formulations use beeswax—a byproduct of honeybees—that some vegans avoid. 

Additionally, ingredients like natural flavors and colorings can sometimes be sourced from animals. 

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Swedish Fish a gray area for vegans and explore alternatives for a guilt-free indulgence.

What Are Swedish Fish Made Of?

The base ingredients in Swedish Fish include sugar, corn syrup, and modified cornstarch, which give them their characteristic chewy texture. 

The candies also feature fruity flavors, like cherry and orange, and include both natural and artificial flavorings.

Here’s the standard ingredient list for Swedish Fish:

• Sugar
• Invert Sugar
• Corn Syrup
• Modified Corn Starch
• Citric Acid
• White Mineral Oil
• Natural and Artificial Flavors
• Red 40
• Beeswax (in some versions)

One key point is that some packages replace beeswax with carnauba wax, a plant-derived alternative. This variation matters when assessing the candy’s vegan status.

Is Beeswax Vegan?

Beeswax, commonly used in Swedish Fish, is a natural wax produced by honeybees. It’s often added to candies as a glazing agent for a shiny finish. While beeswax isn’t made directly from animals, it’s classified as an animal byproduct.

For strict vegans, beeswax is off-limits because it relies on exploiting bees during the collection process. However, not all vegans exclude beeswax, as it falls into a gray area of personal choice.

Pro Tip: Always check the packaging for the ingredient list. Versions made with carnauba wax instead of beeswax are generally considered vegan-friendly.

What About Artificial Colors and Natural Flavors In Swedish Fish?

Swedish Fish use Red 40, a synthetic food dye. While it isn’t derived from animals, it’s often tested on them, which can be a concern for ethical vegans. 

Similarly, “natural flavors” is a vague term that could involve animal-based sourcing, though most candies tend to use plant-derived options.

To err on the side of caution, vegans seeking complete transparency may prefer certified vegan candies over Swedish Fish.

Vegan-Friendly Alternatives to Swedish Fish

If you love Swedish Fish but want a fully vegan option, you’re in luck! Many brands offer fruit-flavored gummy candies that are plant-based. Here are a few great options:

• Surf Sweets – Organic gummies made with fruit juice and plant-based gelling agents like pectin.
• YumEarth – Known for their wide variety of vegan, allergy-friendly candies.
• SmartSweets – Low-sugar gummies that use plant-derived ingredients for flavor and texture.

These brands avoid animal-derived ingredients, ensuring a guilt-free candy experience.

Can I Make Vegan Swedish Fish at Home?

Absolutely! Making homemade vegan gummies is easier than you might think. Use ingredients like:

• Agar-agar (a seaweed-based gelling agent)
• Fruit juice or purees for flavor
• Maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness

Simply mix the ingredients, heat them, and pour the mixture into fish-shaped molds to set. This method lets you customize flavors while ensuring your candy is completely vegan.

Final Thoughts

Swedish Fish sit in a vegan gray area due to the potential inclusion of beeswax and other ambiguous ingredients like natural flavors. For vegans who are less strict, certain versions of Swedish Fish may be acceptable. 

However, those seeking truly vegan options should opt for candies explicitly labeled as vegan or try making their own.

Candy lovers can still enjoy fruity, chewy treats without compromise—just be mindful of ingredient labels and choose alternatives when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions