Licorice is one of those candies people either love or hate. Whether it’s the sweet and chewy texture or its distinctive flavor, licorice has been a popular treat for decades, enjoyed by both kids and adults.
But if you follow a vegan lifestyle, you might wonder whether licorice is suitable for you. With so many different brands and varieties on the market, the answer isn’t always straightforward.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether licorice is vegan, evaluate popular brands like Twizzlers and Red Vines, and uncover any controversial ingredients that might be lurking in your favorite chewy candy. Let’s dive in!
Is Licorice Vegan-Friendly?
The answer to whether licorice is vegan depends on the specific product. While some licorice varieties are vegan, others contain non-vegan ingredients like gelatin or beeswax.
Additionally, many licorice brands use controversial ingredients such as refined sugar, artificial colors, and palm oil, which may concern strict vegans.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the most common controversial ingredients in licorice.
Controversial Ingredients in Licorice
Some ingredients often found in licorice may not align with vegan values. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Sugar
Refined sugar is a common licorice ingredient, but it’s often processed with bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve its white color. While the final product doesn’t contain animal bones, the processing method makes it non-vegan.
2. Artificial Colors
Many artificial food dyes, such as Red 40, are synthetic but have historically been tested on animals, raising ethical concerns for vegans.
3. Palm Oil
Palm oil is plant-based, but its cultivation leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and harm to endangered species. Some vegans choose to avoid it for environmental reasons.
4. Artificial and Natural Flavorings
Flavorings labeled as “natural” can be derived from either plants or animals. Unless explicitly stated, it’s hard to determine their origin, making this ingredient a gray area for vegans.
Popular Licorice Brands: Are They Vegan?
Now that we’ve covered the controversial ingredients let’s evaluate some of the most popular licorice brands to see if they’re vegan-friendly.
1. Twizzlers
Twizzlers are iconic licorice-style candies known for their twisted shape and bright colors. Despite being called licorice, most Twizzlers don’t contain actual licorice extract.
Ingredients:
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Palm oil
- Artificial flavor
- Artificial color (e.g., Red 40)
Are They Vegan?
Most Twizzlers varieties, including Strawberry, Cherry Bites, and Pull-N-Peel, are considered vegan-friendly. However, they contain controversial ingredients like refined sugar, palm oil, and artificial colors, which may not align with the values of strict vegans.
2. Red Vines
Red Vines are another popular licorice brand, best known for their Original Red flavor. Unlike Twizzlers, Red Vines are free from palm oil.
Ingredients:
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour
- Molasses
- Licorice extract
- Red 40
- Artificial flavor
Are They Vegan?
Yes, Red Vines are considered vegan. The company explicitly states that all its products are vegan-friendly, making them a safe choice for most vegans.
3. Panda Licorice
Panda Licorice is a natural licorice brand with a short and simple ingredients list. Popular flavors include Soft Licorice and Raspberry Licorice.
Ingredients (Original Flavor):
- Wheat flour
- Licorice extract
- Molasses
- Natural flavor
Are They Vegan?
Yes, Panda Licorice is vegan-friendly. It doesn’t contain any animal-derived or controversial ingredients, making it one of the best choices for vegans.
4. Wiley Wallaby Licorice
Wiley Wallaby offers soft and chewy licorice in a variety of fruity flavors, including Watermelon, Apple, and Strawberry.
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Wheat flour
- Palm oil
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Red 40
Are They Vegan?
Wiley Wallaby claims its products are vegan-friendly. However, the inclusion of palm oil and artificial colors may concern strict vegans.
Final Thoughts
Licorice can be a vegan-friendly candy, but it depends on the brand and its ingredients.
While some licorice, like Panda Licorice and Red Vines, is free from animal-derived components, others may contain gelatin, beeswax, or controversial ingredients like refined sugar and palm oil.
If you want to avoid any questionable ingredients, natural brands like Panda Licorice are your best bet. Now that you know which licorice varieties are suitable for vegans, you can confidently indulge in your favorite chewy treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licorice Dairy-Free?
Yes, most licorice brands are dairy-free. Licorice doesn’t typically contain milk or other dairy products, making it safe for those with lactose intolerance.
Is Licorice Gluten-Free?
No, most licorice contains wheat flour, making it unsuitable for those on a gluten-free diet. However, some specialty brands offer gluten-free licorice.
Can Vegans Eat Black Licorice?
Yes, many black licorice varieties are vegan-friendly. However, always check the ingredients for gelatin, beeswax, or other non-vegan components.
