Are M&m Vegan?
When it comes to determining whether M&Ms are vegan, it’s important to look closely at their ingredients and manufacturing processes. M&Ms are a popular candy coated chocolate snack produced by Mars, Incorporated. They come in a variety of colors and some assorted flavors. However, for those following a vegan lifestyle, the primary concern is whether any animal-derived ingredients are used in these candies.
Understanding Veganism
Veganism is more than just a diet; it’s a lifestyle choice that excludes all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, whether for food, clothing, or any other purpose. This includes avoiding all animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, and also extends to by-products like gelatin and certain food additives derived from animals.
Ingredients in M&Ms
The basic ingredients of traditional M&Ms include milk chocolate, sugar, and a colorful candy shell. The milk chocolate component contains both milk solids and milk fat, which are clearly animal-derived ingredients. This immediately classifies standard M&Ms as non-vegan. Additionally, the sugar used in M&Ms may be processed with bone char, a decolorizing filter made from animal bones, commonly used in the sugar industry, though not all sugar is processed this way.
Other ingredients in M&Ms include cornstarch, which is used in the candy shell, and various artificial colors. Some of these colors have been tested on animals, which raises ethical concerns for vegans. Moreover, the ingredient list also includes lecithin, a common emulsifier, which is typically sourced from soy but can also come from animal sources.
Special Varieties of M&Ms
Aside from the original milk chocolate M&Ms, there are several other varieties, including peanut, almond, and crispy M&Ms, among others. These typically share the same base ingredients as the original, including milk derivatives, making them also unsuitable for vegans. Mars, Incorporated has occasionally released other special flavors or limited edition M&Ms, but these too usually contain similar non-vegan ingredients.
Vegan Alternatives
For those who crave a similar candy to M&Ms but need a vegan option, there are several alternatives available on the market. Brands like Unreal and YumEarth offer candy-coated chocolates that avoid using any animal products, ensuring they are suitable for vegans. These products are typically made using dark chocolate and substitute natural colors derived from plants for the candy shell.
It’s always important for vegans to read labels carefully, as ingredients can change and vary between countries. Additionally, looking for certifications such as “vegan” on packaging can help in quickly identifying suitable products.
Considerations for Strict Vegans
Strict vegans might also consider the ethical implications of supporting companies that primarily produce non-vegan products. Even if a product itself contains no animal-derived ingredients, purchasing from a company that largely profits from animal products may be seen as indirect support of non-vegan practices. This is a personal choice and varies among individuals in the vegan community.
In conclusion, traditional M&Ms are not vegan due to the presence of animal-derived ingredients such as milk and potentially bone char-processed sugar. Vegans should seek out certified vegan alternatives or carefully check ingredient lists of similar products to ensure they align with vegan standards. While the search for vegan candy might require a bit more effort, there are numerous satisfying and ethical options available on the market today.