A Brief History of Sour Patch Kids
Sour Patch Kids first hit the U.S. candy scene in the 1980s, quickly winning over hearts with their bold sour then sweet flavor profile. Originally named “Mars Men” in Canada, they were later rebranded to appeal to American kids and capitalize on the Cabbage Patch Kids craze. Today, Sour Patch Kids are a cultural staple, available in movie theaters, Halloween buckets, and convenience stores around the world.
Ingredients of Sour Patch Kids
Understanding the ingredients is key to answering the vegan question. Here are the typical components found in U.S. Sour Patch Kids:
- Sugar
- Invert sugar
- Corn syrup
- Modified corn starch
- Tartaric acid and citric acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Colors: Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
Notably absent: gelatin, an ingredient often found in gummy candies but derived from animal collagen.
Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan?
Why Some Consider Sour Patch Kids Vegan?
Many consider Sour Patch Candies are vegan because they don’t include animal derived ingredients like gelatin or dairy. The ingredients are largely plant based or synthetic.
When Sour Patch Kids May Not Be Vega?
There are gray areas that more strict vegans may consider deal breakers:
- Bone char filtered sugar: Some sugar in the U.S. is processed with animal bone char, although this is not disclosed on packaging.
- Artificial colors: Ingredients like Red 40 and Yellow 5 are petroleum derived but are tested on animals.
- No vegan certification: Without a certified vegan label, ingredient sourcing practices may vary.
Do Sour Patch Kids Have Gelatin or Pork?
Good news for vegetarians and many vegans: Sour Patch Kids do not contain gelatin or pork. This makes them a better option than many other chewy candies that rely on gelatin.
Are Regular Sour Patch Kids Vegan?
Yes, by ingredient lists, regular Sour Patch Kids are technically vegan. However, if you avoid animal tested dyes or bone char-processed sugar, you may choose to skip them.
The Problem with Gelatin
Gelatin is a common ingredient in gummy and chewy candies, made by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. It’s used to provide a chewy texture, but is a no go for vegans and many vegetarians. Fortunately, Sour Patch Kids (U.S. version) do not contain gelatin, making them more accessible to plant based consumers.
Ethical Issues with Palm Oil
Palm oil is another controversial ingredient, often linked to:
- Deforestation
- Endangered species habitat destruction
- Human rights violations
While palm oil isn’t explicitly listed in Sour Patch Kids, its derivatives may be present in flavorings. And even when used, products rarely disclose whether their palm oil is sustainably sourced (RSPO certified).
Are Sour Patch Kids Gluten Free?
If you are avoiding gluten, Sour Patch Kids are generally safe. They do not contain wheat, barley, or rye, which means they are naturally gluten free. However, they are not certified gluten free, so there may be a risk of cross contamination during manufacturing.
Vegan Alternatives to Sour Patch Kids
Looking for a guaranteed vegan sour candy? Here are some certified vegan alternatives that avoid animal-tested dyes and bone char:
- SmartSweets Sour Blast Buddies
- YumEarth Organic Sour Beans
- Lovely Co. Vegan Sour Gummies
- Project 7 Vegan Sour Gummies
These candies often use natural fruit-based colors and ethically sourced ingredients.
Vegan Sour Patch Kids Varieties
Not all Sour Patch Kids varieties are made equal:
- Sour Patch Watermelon and Sour Patch Extreme may have slight formulation differences.
- Ingredients and sourcing may vary in international versions.
Always check the label, especially if you’re buying outside the U.S.
Conclusion
So, are Sour Patch Kids vegan? The answer depends on your definition of veganism. While they don’t contain gelatin or animal-derived ingredients, the use of potentially bone char filtered sugar and animal tested dyes raises ethical questions. For some, they are vegan friendly. For others, they fall short.
If you want a truly cruelty free treat, your best bet is to stick with certified vegan alternatives that use natural colorings and responsibly sourced ingredients.
FAQs on Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan
1. Are Sour Patch Kids vegan?
Yes, by ingredient list, but they lack vegan certification and may include ethically questionable components.
2. Why are Sour Patch Kids considered vegan by some?
Because they do not contain gelatin or obvious animal derived ingredients.
3. When are Sour Patch Kids not vegan?
When considering the ethical concerns of sugar filtration and animal tested dyes.
4. Do Sour Patch Kids have gelatin?
No, they are gelatin free.
5. Do Sour Patch Kids contain pork?
No, there are no pork derived ingredients in U.S. Sour Patch Kids.
6. Are regular Sour Patch Kids vegan?
Technically, yes, but stricter vegans may avoid them due to sugar and dye concerns.
