Are Swedish Fish Vegan? Exploring Vegan-Friendly Candy Options

Swedish Fish are a classic candy enjoyed by many for their chewy texture and fruity flavor.

However, for those following a vegan lifestyle, the question arises: Are Swedish Fish vegan?

Let’s delve into the composition, production methods, and classification of Swedish Fish within a vegan diet, along with alternative options for those seeking plant-based candies.

Swedish Fish are a type of chewy candy that originated in Sweden in the 1950s.

Traditionally, they come in a variety of flavors, including cherry, orange, lemon, and lime, and are shaped like fish. While Swedish Fish may seem like a vegan-friendly option at first glance, a closer look at the ingredients list reveals potential non-vegan components.

The ingredients in Swedish Fish typically include sugar, corn syrup, modified corn starch, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, and artificial colors.

While these ingredients are plant-derived or synthetic, the concern for vegans lies in the presence of one particular ingredient: confectioner’s glaze.

Confectioner’s glaze, also known as shellac, is a resinous substance derived from the secretions of certain insects, particularly the lac beetle.

It’s commonly used in the food industry as a glazing agent to provide a shiny finish to candies and other confectionery products. Unfortunately, this ingredient is not vegan-friendly, as it involves the exploitation of insects.

As a result, Swedish Fish containing confectioner’s glaze cannot be considered vegan.

However, there are some variations of Swedish Fish that do not contain confectioner’s glaze and may be suitable for vegans. These variations may use alternative glazing agents or omit the glaze altogether.

For those seeking vegan-friendly alternatives to Swedish Fish, consider the following options:

Sour Patch Kids: Similar in texture to Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids are sour and fruity candies coated in sugar. They do not contain confectioner’s glaze and are generally considered vegan-friendly. However, as always, it’s essential to check the ingredients list to ensure there are no animal-derived additives.
SmartSweets: SmartSweets offers a range of plant-based candies, including gummy bears and gummy worms, that are free from gelatin, confectioner’s glaze, and other animal-derived ingredients. They are sweetened with natural sweeteners like stevia and are available in various flavors.
Fruit Chews: Look for vegan-friendly fruit chews made from fruit juices and pectin instead of gelatin or confectioner’s glaze. These candies often come in a variety of flavors and offer a similar chewy texture to Swedish Fish.
Jelly Beans: Many brands of jelly beans are vegan-friendly, as they are typically made from sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice concentrates. Be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure there are no animal-derived additives or glazing agents.
Fruit Slices: Fruit slices are another vegan-friendly candy option made from fruit purees and pectin. They come in various shapes and flavors and are often coated in sugar instead of confectioner’s glaze.

While Swedish Fish may not be suitable for vegans due to the presence of confectioner’s glaze, there are plenty of alternative candies available that offer similar taste and texture without the use of animal-derived ingredients.