If you’ve ever scanned a candy aisle trying to decode ingredients like gelatin, carmine, or shellac, you’re not alone. Finding vegan candy can feel like navigating a sugar-coated maze. But good news: there are now more vegan candy brands than ever offering delicious, cruelty-free treats without animal-derived ingredients.
Whether you're into fruity gummies, chewy caramels, sour belts, or classic chocolates, this guide will break down everything you need to know about vegan candy. Plus, we’ll spotlight some of the best brands, how to identify vegan sweets, and why making the switch matters.
What Makes Candy Non-Vegan?
Before diving into the top vegan candy brands, it’s helpful to know what ingredients to avoid. Many traditional candies contain hidden animal products. Here's a quick breakdown of common culprits:
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Gelatin – Derived from animal collagen, used in gummies and marshmallows.
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Carmine (cochineal) – A red dye made from crushed insects.
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Shellac – Used to give candy a glossy finish, derived from insect secretions.
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Milk & Milk Derivatives – Found in chocolates and creamy candies.
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Honey – Sometimes used in sweets as a natural sweetener.
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Lecithin (Non-Soy) – Can be animal-derived unless labeled soy lecithin.
Reading labels is crucial, but thankfully, many brands are now clearly labeling vegan options or creating entire vegan product lines.
Why Choose Vegan Candy?
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Compassion: Avoiding animal-derived ingredients means fewer animals suffer in the name of sweets.
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Health: Vegan candies often have fewer processed ingredients and less saturated fat.
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Allergies: Many vegan candies are also dairy-free, making them safe for those with lactose intolerance.
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Sustainability: Plant-based treats generally have a lower environmental footprint.
Opting for vegan candy is a win for your conscience and often your body too.
Top Vegan Candy Brands in the U.S.
These companies offer outstanding vegan candies with wide availability, from local grocery stores to online retailers.
1. SmartSweets
What They Offer:
Low-sugar gummies made without sugar alcohols, gelatin, or artificial sweeteners.
Vegan Options:
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Sweet Fish
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Sourmelon Bites
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Red Twists
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Peach Rings
Why We Love It:
They taste like childhood favorites but with way less sugar and all plant-based ingredients.
2. YumEarth
What They Offer:
Organic, allergy-friendly candies perfect for kids and adults alike.
Vegan Options:
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Organic Fruit Snacks
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Gummy Bears (select flavors)
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Licorice
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Lollipops
Why We Love It:
Their commitment to allergen-free, non-GMO ingredients makes them a go-to for families.
3. Surf Sweets
What They Offer:
Organic gummy candies and jelly beans, mostly vegan and gluten-free.
Vegan Options:
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Sour Berry Bears
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Organic Fruity Bears (some flavors)
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Jelly Beans (check labels)
Why We Love It:
These treats are delicious, organic, and made with real fruit juice.
4. Unreal Snacks
What They Offer:
Healthier versions of candy classics like peanut butter cups and chocolate gems.
Vegan Options:
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Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
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Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
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Crispy Quinoa Gems (Dark Chocolate)
Why We Love It:
These bite-sized goodies are made with fair trade chocolate and simple ingredients.
5. Wholesome
What They Offer:
Organic sweeteners and treats like candy canes and lollipops.
Vegan Options:
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Organic DelishFish
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Organic Lollipops
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Organic Candy Canes
Why We Love It:
Their products are organic, fair-trade certified, and clearly labeled vegan.
6. No Whey! Foods
What They Offer:
Vegan, allergy-friendly chocolate and novelty candies.
Vegan Options:
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Chocolate Bars
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Peppermint Bark
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Seasonal treats (bunnies, truffles, etc.)
Why We Love It:
They offer fun, festive vegan candy that looks and tastes like the real thing.
7. Cocomels
What They Offer:
Creamy, dairy-free coconut milk caramels.
Vegan Options:
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Sea Salt Caramels
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Vanilla Caramels
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Chocolate Covered Caramels
Why We Love It:
The texture is spot-on and the flavor is indulgently rich with zero dairy.
8. Project 7
What They Offer:
Fun, flavored gums and gummy candies made with better ingredients.
Vegan Options:
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Rainbow Ice Gum
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Front Porch Lemonade Gummies
Why We Love It:
Their mission-driven branding and bold flavors make them a favorite.
9. Enjoy Life
What They Offer:
Top-8 allergen-free products, including chewy bars and chocolate.
Vegan Options:
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Dark Chocolate Morsels
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Ricemilk Chocolate Bars
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Lentil Chips (sweet flavors)
Why We Love It:
Enjoy Life’s allergy-friendly focus means peace of mind along with taste.
10. Sweet & Sara
What They Offer:
Artisan vegan marshmallows and s’mores.
Vegan Options:
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Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
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Vanilla Marshmallows
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S’mores
Why We Love It:
These gourmet marshmallows are one-of-a-kind and perfect for baking.
How to Read Labels on Candy
If a candy isn’t labeled “vegan,” here’s what to check:
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Scan for obvious animal products like milk, gelatin, and honey.
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Watch for hidden additives, including casein (milk protein), whey, and confectioner’s glaze (often made with shellac).
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Look for “plant-based” or “dairy-free” indicators—they’re often good signs.
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Consider the brand’s reputation—many brands mentioned above exclusively or primarily make vegan products.
Make Your Own Vegan Candy
If you’re feeling adventurous or want total control over ingredients, homemade vegan candy is easier than you might think.
Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup natural peanut butter
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2 tbsp coconut oil
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Melt peanut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup together.
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Melt chocolate chips separately.
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Layer chocolate and peanut butter mix in silicone molds.
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Freeze for 1 hour and enjoy.
Vegan Gummy Bears
Ingredients:
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1 cup fruit juice
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2 tbsp agar powder (plant-based gelatin)
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1–2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
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Heat juice and maple syrup in a saucepan.
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Stir in agar powder and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Pour into molds and refrigerate until set.
Vegan Candy for Holidays and Gifting
Candy isn’t just for snacking—it’s part of celebrations year-round. Here are vegan-friendly options for key events:
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Halloween: YumEarth and SmartSweets for trick-or-treating.
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Valentine’s Day: No Whey! truffles or gourmet chocolates.
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Christmas: Wholesome candy canes and Enjoy Life chocolate bark.
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Easter: Vegan marshmallow chicks or dark chocolate eggs.
Gift-giving is even more thoughtful when it aligns with compassionate choices.
Where to Buy Vegan Candy
You can find vegan candy at:
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Natural grocery stores (Whole Foods, Sprouts)
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Online retailers (Amazon, brand websites)
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Specialty vegan stores
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Mainstream grocery stores in the health food aisle
For the sweet tooth who loves to wear their values too, explore ethical, cruelty-free fashion at The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for gifting or treating yourself.
Final Thoughts
Switching to vegan candy doesn’t mean giving up indulgent treats. From nostalgic favorites to gourmet goodies, the world of vegan sweets is diverse, growing, and more accessible than ever. With just a little label reading and a few go-to brands, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy cruelty-free confections.
Looking to show your vegan pride while satisfying your sweet tooth? Head over to The Dharma Store for apparel that speaks your values—designed for ethical living, made with care.