Jelly Babies are a popular sweet treat that many people enjoy, but as someone who follows a vegan lifestyle, you might be wondering: Are Jelly Babies suitable for vegans? In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the ingredients found in Jelly Babies, alternatives to traditional Jelly Babies, and how to make your own vegan-friendly version. Let’s dive in!
- The Ingredients in Traditional Jelly Babies
- Why Some Ingredients are Problematic for Vegans
- Vegan-Friendly Alternatives
- Make Your Own Vegan Jelly Babies
The Ingredients in Traditional Jelly Babies
To determine whether Jelly Babies are suitable for vegans, we first need to take a closer look at the ingredients found in this gummy treat. The most common ingredients found in traditional Jelly Babies include:
- Sugar
- Glucose syrup
- Modified starch
- Citric acid
- Natural flavorings
- Coloring agents (anthocyanins, carotenes)
- Gelatine
As you can see from the list above, the majority of the ingredients are plant-based. However, there is one ingredient that stands out as potentially problematic for vegans: gelatine.
Why Some Ingredients are Problematic for Vegans
While some of the ingredients used to make traditional Jelly Babies are derived from plants – such as sugar and glucose syrup – others come from animal sources and thus may not be suitable for those following a vegan diet. Most notably, gelatine is derived from animal collagen which is obtained by boiling bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals like cows and pigs.
Gelatine is responsible for giving jelly-based sweets their iconic chewy and gummy texture. However, due to its animal-derived nature, it poses a challenge for vegans who want to enjoy these sweets.
But don’t lose hope! There are vegan-friendly alternatives available that can give you the same delicious experience without compromising on your values.
Vegan-Friendly Alternatives
Luckily, there are several options available for those looking to enjoy Jelly Babies without any animal-derived ingredients. Here are some examples of vegan-friendly Jelly Baby alternatives:
- Vegetarian Percy Pigs: Made by Marks & Spencer, these gummy candies use a plant-based gelatine alternative called pectin, which is derived from fruits. They come in a variety of fruity flavors and are free from both gelatine and cochineal – another common non-vegan ingredient used for coloring in some sweets.
- Biona Organic Wine Gums: These organic gummies are made using plant-based ingredients such as corn syrup and fruit juice concentrates. They’re free from gelatine and artificial colorings but still offer the familiar chewy texture of traditional Jelly Babies.
- Candy Kittens Sour Watermelon: Candy Kittens offers a range of vegan-friendly sweets made with natural ingredients like fruit juice concentrates and tapioca starch. Their sour watermelon flavor is particularly popular among vegans who crave a tangy twist on their gummies!
Aside from store-bought options, you can also make your own vegan Jelly Babies at home!
Make Your Own Vegan Jelly Babies
Creating your own vegan Jelly Babies is not only fun but also allows you to control what goes into your sweets – ensuring they’re 100% suitable for your lifestyle. Here’s a simple recipe for making homemade vegan Jelly Babies:
Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit juice (any flavor you like)
- 1/4 cup agar-agar powder (a plant-based gelatine substitute derived from seaweed)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Natural food coloring (optional)
- Silicone jelly baby mold
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the fruit juice, agar-agar powder, and sugar, stirring until the agar-agar dissolves completely.
- If using natural food coloring, add it to the saucepan and mix well.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a gentle boil. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully pour or spoon the mixture into your silicone jelly baby mold.
- Place the filled mold in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the Jelly Babies have set.
- Gently remove your vegan Jelly Babies from the mold and enjoy!
By making your own vegan Jelly Babies, you can indulge in a guilt-free treat that aligns with your values while also impressing friends and family with your creativity.
In conclusion, traditional Jelly Babies are not suitable for vegans due to their gelatine content. However, there are plenty of vegan-friendly alternatives available on the market or even homemade options that can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or texture. So go ahead and indulge in some delicious vegan gummies!