While the primary ingredients of jolly ranchers seem to be vegan-friendly, there are a few problematic items. The candy contains gelatin (a protein derived from the ligaments, skin, and tendons of animals) and bone char, which is a byproduct of sugar refining and may be sourced from cows or pigs.
Sugar
Jolly Ranchers are made by Hershey, a company that places a significant emphasis on sustainable sourcing and ethical production. As such, most vegans would consider the majority of jolly rancher varieties to be compatible with their lifestyle and ethos. However, some varieties contain ingredients that make them non-vegan, including sugar and a naturally-derived ingredient called lecithin.
Sugar is a problematic ingredient for vegans because it is often bleached using bone char, which is derived from the bones of animals. This process is a form of animal exploitation that many vegans find uncomfortable, and therefore it can render any candy made with it non-vegan. Fortunately, Hershey is not required to disclose exactly how their sugar is processed, and it is possible that they use a more environmentally-friendly method that does not involve the exploitation of any animals.
The jolly rancher line also contains natural flavor, which is a controversial ingredient for vegans because it is not always clear whether or not it is sourced from plants. In some cases, manufacturers are not able to provide information on the source of their natural flavorings, so it is possible that they may be derived from animal products. Some vegans choose to look past this, but it is important to be aware of potential sources of animal-derived ingredients in any candy you consume.
In addition, jolly ranchers contain a number of artificial colours, which are often tested on animals. These include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, all of which have been known to cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. While some vegans look past this, others consider these chemicals to be unsuitable for their lifestyle and will not consume any candy that contains them.
If you want to avoid all of these potential issues, there are some excellent alternatives that offer fruit-flavoured hard candies that are both plant-based and cruelty-free. You can check out GoOrganic, for example, which makes a variety of fruity candy flavours that are both vegan and free from artificial colours and flavourings. They also eschew the problematic refined sugar for organic cane juice, and they colour their candies with natural plant-based dyes.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a natural sweetener that is used in a variety of foods and drinks. It’s made from the starch of the corn plant and is a pure form of glucose, a simple sugar. It is often used in baking, such as cookies and pies, to provide a smooth texture. It is also used in candies and jams to add sheen and prevent crystallization. You can find it in many grocery stores in the baking aisle. Unlike table sugar, which consists of sucrose, a disaccharide that contains both fructose and glucose, corn syrup is a liquid.
In addition to being a natural sweetener, it is also cheaper than other sugars. This makes it a favorite among manufacturers, restaurants, and bakeries. It can be found in thousands of products on the shelves of grocery stores throughout the United States. High fructose corn syrup is often found in soft drinks, processed fruit and vegetable candies, cookies, and cakes.
It is also common in canned fruits and vegetables, including fruit cocktail, peaches, and pineapples. The reason it is so widely used in these types of foods is that it helps them maintain a more consistent texture than plain cane sugar. It is also known to increase the shelf life of these foods by a considerable amount.
High fructose corn syrup has received a bad reputation because of its link to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. However, it is important to note that it is not as bad as other sugars, such as table sugar or white sugar. In fact, it is less processed than table sugar and does not contain any fat or cholesterol.
While it is not as processed as table sugar, it is still a high-calorie sweetener that should be avoided if you are trying to lose weight. It is recommended that you consume only a few pieces of candy per day and to try other natural sources of sweetness, such as fruit.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some “natural flavors” may not come from natural sources at all. Instead, they could be created in a lab by using synthetic chemicals. For this reason, it’s always best to stick with organic and natural foods whenever possible.
Natural Flavors
Jolly Ranchers are a sweet and delicious candy that is enjoyed by many people. However, some people may be concerned about the ingredients in jolly ranchers, especially those who are vegan. The Hershey Company does not conduct or support any animal testing, and they also require that their suppliers do the same. As a result, most jolly ranchers are vegan-friendly. However, there are some exceptions.
Some jolly ranchers contain gelatin, which is a concern for vegans. Gelatin is made from boiling the ligaments, skin, cartilage, and bones of animals such as cows or pigs. It is often mixed with other animal products such as milk, and it may be derived from fish. Additionally, some jolly ranchers contain yellow 5 and 6, which are synthetic food dyes that can be sourced from petroleum or coal tar. The use of these dyes is a concern for vegans because they can be toxic to humans.
In addition to the gelatin, some jolly ranchers contain emulsifiers such as lecithin and natural flavor. The emulsifier lecithin in Jolly Ranchers is sourced from soy, which is not a problem for most vegans. However, the natural flavors in jolly ranchers can be derived from animal sources. As a result, some vegans choose to avoid jolly ranchers.
Regardless of whether or not jolly ranchers are vegan, they can be a good choice for those who want to eat more fruits and vegetables. The candies are low in calories, which can help individuals control their weight. They also provide a good source of vitamin C, which can improve overall health. However, consuming too many jolly ranchers can lead to tooth decay and other negative side effects.
There are several other alternatives to jolly ranchers for those who do not want them because of their artificial colors or animal-derived ingredients. For example, organic jolly ranchers are made with organic cane juice, brown rice syrup, and natural plant-based flavorings. They are available in a variety of fruity flavors, including apple, cherry, ginger, and pomegranate. The organic candies are a great option for those who are looking to avoid artificial ingredients and improve their diets.
Artificial Colors
Some vegans prefer to eat candy that is organic or all-natural, and it is important to check the ingredients of your favorite candies. Even if they are labeled as organic, some may contain additives that could make them unsuitable for vegans. In addition, some candies are made with ingredients that have been tested on animals. For example, red 40 is often used in candy and has been tested on rats. The use of such an ingredient is a major concern for many vegans.
Jolly Ranchers are one of Hershey’s most popular brands of hard candy, and they are known for their fruity flavors and colorful appearance. They are also a popular choice for Halloween and trick or treaters. However, some varieties of jolly ranchers are not suitable for vegans, especially those that contain gelatin. Gelatin is a protein that is created by boiling the ligaments, skin, cartilage, and tendons of cattle and pigs. Some varieties of jolly ranchers, such as Jolly Rancher Misfits, are gelatin-free and therefore vegan-friendly.
Other jolly ranchers are vegan-friendly, including the hard candies, jelly beans, and other soft candies. Most jolly ranchers are free from gelatin and do not contain confectioner’s glaze, which is often made with shellac (secreted by the lac beetle). The candy’s ingredients are generally simple, and most jolly rancher candies omit unnecessary components such as carnauba wax, which comes from the leaves of the palm tree.
The only issue for vegans is that some of the ingredients in jolly ranchers are not clearly labeled. For instance, the ingredient lecithin is not always identified as derived from animal products. This is a problem because it can be derived from eggs and fish, which are not compatible with vegan diets. In addition, manufacturers are not required to disclose the source of the natural flavor in their foods. This can be a problem because it can be derived both from plants and from animals.
For those who are concerned about the ingredients in jolly ranchers, there are alternative plant-based candies that do not use animal-derived ingredients. GoOrganic, for example, makes fruit-flavoured candies that are similar to jolly ranchers and are both vegan and organic. The company uses cane sugar that is not bleached with bone char from dead cows, and they dye their candies with organic vegetable juices.
