Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan?
Sour Patch Kids are not vegan, even though the candy’s label states that they are. The main ingredient in the candy is corn syrup, a sugar made from corn. Corn syrup is derived from the starch of corn, which comes from a plant.
So, technically, Sour Patch Kids are vegan. However, the candy is not vegan-friendly because the ingredients also include partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The same can be said of many other snacks and treats.
What is Sour patch Kids?
Sour Patch Kids are small candies with a sour taste. They are yellow and have a red centre.
They are usually found in a bag or box of assorted flavours. Sour Patch Kids were first introduced to the public in 1963 by General Mills.
They are made up of corn syrup, water, natural flavours, artificial colours (E150d), partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, salt, dextrose, citric acid, guar gum, carrageenan, xantham gum, natural and artificial flavourings, and preservatives.
How are Sour Patch Kids made?
Sour Patch Kids are made with a mix of sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids, natural and artificial flavours, carrageenan, citric acid, and guar gum. All of these are non-vegan ingredients. However, the guar gum is vegetarian.
Also, the candy contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This is unhealthy fat that has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and digestive problems. It is also known as trans fat, and it should be avoided at all costs.
Do Sour Patch Kids Have Gelatin?
Gelatin is animal-based. Gelatin is used in some sweets and desserts to shape and texture. However, it does not contain any meat or dairy products. Therefore, it is safe for vegans to eat.
However, if you find that your Sour Patch Kids are covered in gelatin, they probably contain gelatin. If this is the case, you will need to look for another candy brand.
Gelatin is often added to ice cream, pudding, cakes, pies, and other sweet foods.
Gelatin is produced by boiling bones, tendons, skin, ligaments, cartilage, and connective tissue. These are then treated with acids.
How do I know if Sour Patch Kids are vegan?
The packaging for Sour Patch Kids does state that the candy is vegan. “Vegan” is printed on the front of the package. This means that the candy is free of animal products like meat, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, gelatin, and gelatine.
However, the back of the package has a disclaimer stating that Sour Patch Kids contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is an oil that contains trans fats. Trans fats are harmful to your health. If you want to avoid them, make sure to check labels carefully.
Is Sour Patch Kids’ Sugar Vegan?
Yes, the sugar used in Sour Patch Kids is vegan. Although some people may think otherwise, sugar is not an animal product. Sugar is simply a type of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
In addition to being a source of energy, carbohydrates help provide vitamins and minerals to our bodies. For example, vitamin B6 helps convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used by cells to produce energy. Vitamin C is needed for healthy immune systems, and iron is needed for blood formation.
Sugar is also essential when making sweets. Sweeteners such as cane sugar, beet sugar, brown rice syrup, and molasses are often added to sweets to give them a sweet flavour. These sweeteners are derived from plants, so they are considered vegan.
Are Sour Patch Kids Gluten-Free?
No, Sour Patch Kids are not gluten-free. While there are no known allergens listed on the label, this doesn’t mean that the candy is safe for those allergic to wheat, barley, rye, oats, or any other types of gluten.
Also, while most manufacturers use corn syrup as a sweetener, many people sensitive to corn syrup find that their symptoms worsen after eating Sour Patch Kids.
The American Academy of Dermatology warns against consuming Sour Patch Kids because they can cause skin rashes and hives.
You should also read our article about tater tots and how to make vegan tater tots at home.
What Makes Sweets Vegan Friendly?
Sweets are usually made using refined sugars, white flour, and hydrogenated oils. All these ingredients are unhealthy and should be avoided.
If you want to enjoy delicious treats without harming yourself, try making your vegan sweets at home. You’ll have more control over what goes into your food, and you won’t have to worry about accidentally consuming something terrible for yourself.
Furthermore, homemade desserts taste better than store-bought ones!
Vegan-Friendly Homemade Candy Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons agave nectar (or maple syrup)
- 3/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture thickens slightly.
- Pour onto wax paper and allow to cool completely before cutting into pieces.
Store in airtight containers.
Last words
Sour Patch Kids are a popular treat among children. However, it is essential to remember that all candies and confectionery items aren’t necessarily vegan. Always read the labels carefully before buying anything.
