SweeTarts are a nostalgic candy favorite, loved for their tangy-sweet flavor and variety of textures.
From hard candies to chewy and gummy versions, they’ve expanded into a wide range of options. But for vegans, not all SweeTarts are created equal.
If you’re asking, Are SweeTarts vegan? this guide will break down the ingredients in each type of SweeTarts candy and help you determine which ones fit a vegan lifestyle. Let’s dive in!
Controversial Vegan Ingredients in Candy
Before diving into specific SweeTarts varieties, it’s important to address some controversial ingredients often found in candies. These may not align with the values of all vegans:
1. Palm Oil and Palm Fat
Palm oil is technically plant-based, but its cultivation contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction, harming wildlife.
2. Sugar
Some refined sugar is processed using bone char (animal bones turned into carbon) to achieve a white color. While the final product doesn’t contain animal ingredients, this process raises ethical concerns.
3. Artificial Colors
Colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are synthetic but often tested on animals, which conflicts with vegan principles.
4. Natural and Artificial Flavorings
“Natural flavors” can be derived from either plants or animals, making their origin ambiguous. Most candy flavorings, however, are plant-based.
Are SweeTarts Vegan? A Breakdown by Type
Here’s a detailed look at the vegan status of different SweeTarts products:
1. Original SweeTarts
Good news! Original SweeTarts Hard Candies are vegan-friendly. While they contain controversial ingredients like sugar and artificial colors, they don’t include any direct animal-derived components.
Ingredients: Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Malic Acid, and Less Than 2% of Calcium Stearate, Natural Flavors, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake.
2. SweeTarts Gummies
Sadly, SweeTarts Gummies are not vegan. They contain gelatin, a protein made by boiling animal bones, skin, and ligaments.
Ingredients: Glucose Syrup (from Corn or Wheat), Sugar, Gelatin, Potato Starch, Malic Acid, Less Than 2% of Tartaric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Ascorbate, Citric Acid, Spirulina Extract Color, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Color, Paprika Oleoresin Color, Beta-Carotene Color, Turmeric Oleoresin Color.
3. SweeTarts Soft Bites
Great news for gummy fans! SweeTarts Soft Bites are vegan. Instead of gelatin, they use pectin, a plant-based ingredient, for their chewy texture.
Ingredients: Sugar, Glucose Syrup (from Corn or Wheat), Pectin, Sodium Citrate, Apple Juice Concentrate, Citric Acid, and Less Than 2% of Natural Flavors, Vegetable Juice Color, Paprika Oleoresin Color, Beta-Carotene Color.
4. SweeTarts Whipped & Tangy
Unfortunately, SweeTarts Whipped & Tangy are not vegan. They also contain gelatin.
Ingredients: Sugar, Glucose Syrup (from Corn or Wheat), Gelatin, and Less Than 2% of Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Natural Flavors, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Color, Spirulina Extract Color, Paprika Oleoresin Color, Turmeric Oleoresin Color, Beta-Carotene Color.
5. Chewy SweeTarts
All varieties of Chewy SweeTarts are non-vegan because they contain egg albumen (egg whites). This includes Giant Chewy, Extreme Sour Chewy, and Berries & Cherries Chewy.
Ingredients: Dextrose, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Maltodextrin, and Less than 2% of Malic Acid, Calcium Stearate, Egg Albumen, Natural Flavors, Mono- and Diglycerides, Carnauba Wax, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake.
6. SweeTarts Ropes
SweeTarts Ropes are also not vegan. They contain gelatin and confectioner’s glaze (shellac), which is made from the secretions of lac bugs.
Ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, Water, and Less Than 2% of Citric Acid, Sorbitol, Maltodextrin, Sodium Citrate, Glycerin, Malic Acid, Gelatin, Natural Flavors, Vegetable Juice Color, Confectioner’s Glaze (Lac-Resin), Salt, Spirulina Extract Color, Beta-Carotene Color, Turmeric Oleoresin Color.
Final Thoughts
If you’re vegan and love SweeTarts, your options are limited but not nonexistent. Both the Original SweeTarts Hard Candies and SweeTarts Soft Bites are vegan-friendly.
However, the rest of the product range—including Gummies, Ropes, and Chewy varieties—contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatin or egg whites.
As always, check ingredient labels for updates, as formulations can change. For more vegan-friendly candy options, explore our website for helpful guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SweeTarts gluten-free?
While SweeTarts don’t list gluten-based ingredients in most varieties, they lack official gluten-free certification. Cross-contamination during production is possible, so those with gluten sensitivities should proceed with caution.
Are SweeTarts dairy-free?
Yes, all SweeTarts varieties are dairy-free.
Do SweeTarts contain peanuts or nuts?
SweeTarts do not contain peanuts or nuts, making them a safe option for those with nut allergies. However, always check packaging for cross-contamination warnings.
Are SweeTarts halal or kosher?
SweeTarts are not certified halal or kosher.
