Here’s a question for you: are Jelly Bellys vegan? It’s a valid question, especially given that the ingredients list includes things like “gelatin” and “pork fat.” In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question and take a look at some of the other ingredients in this popular candy. We will also discuss whether or not it is appropriate to call Jelly Bellys vegan-friendly.
Are Jelly Bellys Vegan?
The popular jelly bean, Jelly Belly, is non-vegan due to the coating of beeswax and shellac that gives them their desired shine. Beeswax originates from animals and many vegans try to avoid it as they support the claim that collecting this material from hives is inhumane.
Many vegans will not eat starburst jelly beans, candies or other foods that contain shellac, which is a resin secreted by beetles. The resident is collected by humans, but the process often kills many female beetles. Shellac is sometimes listed as “confectioner’s glaze” on ingredient lists.
Jelly Belly Ingredients
Corn Syrup, Sugar, Modified Food Starch, Contains 2% Or Less Of The Following: Citric Acid, Fumaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Color Added, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 & 6 Lake, Blue 1 & 2 Lake, Yellow 5 & 6, Red 40, Blue 1 & 2, Turmeric (Color), Vegetable And Fruit Juice (Color), Tapioca Dextrin, Vanilla Beans, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Confectioner’s Glaze, Salt, Caffeine.
Vegan Jelly Belly Beans Alternatives
If you love jelly beans but are looking for vegan alternatives, don’t worry — there are a number of similar jelly belly flavors that don’t use animal by-products.
YumEarth Naturals Sour Jelly Beans
Not only are these jelly beans from YumEarth delicious, but they’re made with all-natural ingredients and real fruit juice. They also have 100% of your daily dose of Vitamin C so that you can enjoy your favorite snack without any guilt.
Warheads Sour Jelly Beans
If you don’t mind a little sour with your sweet, Warheads candies are a great change-up from Jelly Bellys. The short and simple ingredient list contains sugar, glucose syrup, modified corn starch, fumaric acid, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, and vegan food coloring. With six delicious flavors including orange, watermelon lemon blue raspberry cherry and green apple these treats will make your taste buds pucker for more!
Jolly Rancher’s Jelly Beans
Although Jelly Belly jelly beans don’t meet vegan standards, Jolly Rancher brand beans do. The original flavors include strawberry, orange, blue raspberry, grape, watermelon and apple. These candies also don’t have ingredients like gelatin, beeswax or shellac in them.
Wonka Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans
You’ll first notice the crunchy candy shell when you bite into one of these jelly beans. But don’t worry, unlike Jelly Bellys, the shells on these aren’t made from animals by-products. Instead, you’ll find a fruity filling in one of five flavors: grape, watermelon, strawberry lemon or orange.
VeganSweets Jelly Beans
While some mainstream candy companies make candies that are accidentally vegan, it is much appreciated to show support towards businesses that primary focus on making vegan food. These VeganSweets jelly beans not only exclude common animal by-products such as gelatin and beeswax, but they taste just as good – if not better – than Jelly Belly beans.
If you’re vegan and love Jelly Bellys, don’t worry. You have plenty of options to choose from, ranging from sour Warheads to classic VeganSweets.
Vegan Alternatives: Avoiding Cruelty While Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
When it comes to satisfying your sweet cravings while adhering to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, it’s important to remember that most jelly beans are not vegan. As discussed earlier, Jelly Bellys, one of the most well-known jelly bean brands, are not vegan-friendly due to ingredients like beeswax and shellac, which are derived from animals.
To truly embrace the essence of veganism and support cruelty-free choices, it’s essential to explore animal-free alternatives. Thankfully, the market offers a variety of plant-based jelly bean options, allowing you to indulge in your favorite treats without contributing to animal cruelty.
Delicious Vegan Jelly Bean Recipes: Get Creative in the Kitchen
If you’re passionate about veganism and enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, why not try your hand at crafting homemade vegan jelly beans? Making your own jelly beans allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they align with your cruelty-free values.
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started: Combine agar agar (a vegan gelatin substitute), fruit juices for flavor, and natural vegan food coloring to create your animal-free jelly beans. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat that’s not only delicious but also aligned with your ethical principles.
Jelly Bellys and Animal Cruelty: Understanding the Ingredients
To address the question, “Are jelly beans vegan?” it’s crucial to delve deeper into the ingredients used in Jelly Bellys and other non-vegan jelly beans. While Jelly Bellys contain ingredients derived from animals, it’s important to recognize that cruelty-free choices extend beyond just the realm of food.
By opting for vegan candies and treats, you’re taking a stand against animal cruelty. You’re sending a message that you value the well-being of animals and understand the ethical implications of your choices. This broader understanding of veganism encompasses not only dietary choices but also the larger commitment to a lifestyle that aims to minimize harm to animals and promote cruelty-free living.
Final Thoughts – Are Jelly Bellys Vegan?
In conclusion, the question of whether Jelly Bellys are vegan is answered with a resounding “no.” The presence of ingredients like beeswax and shellac, derived from animals, makes them unsuitable for vegans and those committed to cruelty-free living. It’s crucial to be mindful of such ingredients and recognize that being vegan goes beyond dietary choices; it’s a lifestyle that seeks to minimize harm to animals in all aspects.
However, the good news is that there are numerous animal-free alternatives available in the world of jelly beans. From YumEarth’s all-natural sour jelly beans to Jolly Rancher’s vegan-friendly options, there’s no shortage of delicious choices for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising their principles.
For those passionate about veganism and culinary creativity, crafting homemade vegan jelly beans can be an exciting endeavor. By using plant-based substitutes like agar agar and natural vegan food coloring, you can whip up your own cruelty-free treats, aligning perfectly with your ethical values. In the end, the world of jelly beans offers a spectrum of options for everyone, making it possible to enjoy sweets while advocating for a cruelty-free world.