Are M And Ms Vegan?
When it comes to determining whether M&Ms are vegan, it’s essential to understand what ingredients are used in their production. M&Ms are a popular candy coated chocolate snack produced by Mars, Incorporated. They come in a variety of colors and some have different fillings such as peanut, almond, pretzel, and crispy rice.
The primary ingredients in the classic M&M’s include milk chocolate, sugar, and artificial colors. The milk chocolate component contains both milk solids and milk fat, which are animal-derived products. Therefore, the standard varieties of M&Ms are not suitable for vegans due to the presence of these dairy ingredients.
Ingredients in M&Ms
Looking more closely at the ingredients list of traditional M&Ms, you will find milk chocolate (sugar, chocolate, skim milk, cocoa butter, lactose, milkfat, soy lecithin, salt, artificial flavors), sugar, cornstarch, less than 1% – corn syrup, dextrin, coloring (includes Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 2), carnauba wax, and gum acacia. From this list, several ingredients raise concerns for vegans.
The most obvious non-vegan ingredients are milk derivatives such as skim milk, lactose, and milkfat. These are all sourced from dairy, making the standard M&M’s unsuitable for a vegan diet. Additionally, some vegans might choose to avoid artificial colors due to their controversial nature and the fact that they are sometimes tested on animals.
Vegan Alternatives to M&Ms
For those following a vegan lifestyle who still crave a candy similar to M&Ms, there are several vegan-friendly alternatives available on the market. These products are made without any animal-derived ingredients and often use plant-based substitutes for dairy. Brands such as Unreal and YumEarth offer products that mimic the chocolatey experience of M&Ms but are made with vegan ingredients.
Unreal, for example, produces dark chocolate peanut gems that are coated with naturally colored candy shells. These are free from dairy, using ingredients like cane sugar, cocoa butter, and colored with vegetable extracts. YumEarth also provides a variety of allergen-friendly candy options that are devoid of major allergens including dairy.
Considerations for Vegans
When choosing vegan candies, it’s important to read labels carefully. Ingredients can vary between different countries and even between different flavors or varieties of the same brand. Besides checking for obvious animal-derived ingredients like milk or gelatin, vegans should also be aware of less obvious ingredients such as certain food colorings or additives that might not align with a vegan lifestyle.
Additionally, some vegans might also consider the ethical practices of the companies they buy from, including how they source their ingredients and their environmental impact. This holistic approach ensures that their consumption habits align closely with their ethical beliefs and environmental concerns.
DIY Vegan M&M Alternatives
If you’re a vegan with a knack for cooking, you might consider making your own vegan M&M alternatives at home. This can be a fun project and also gives you complete control over the ingredients used. Homemade recipes often use dark chocolate and vegan-friendly food coloring to replicate the classic M&M experience.
There are numerous recipes online that guide you through the process of making these candies. Typically, these involve creating a chocolate core and using a candy shell made from ingredients like powdered sugar, corn syrup, and natural colorings derived from fruits and vegetables.
In conclusion, traditional M&Ms are not vegan due to the inclusion of dairy products. However, there are several commercial alternatives and homemade recipes that offer similar products which adhere to vegan standards. By carefully selecting products or making your own, you can enjoy a vegan version of this beloved candy.