Are Twizzlers Vegetarian?

Twizzlers are one of the most iconic licorice style candies in the United States. From movie nights to road trips, these chewy treats are a favorite for many. But if you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, you might have wondered: Are Twizzlers vegetarian? Let’s dive into the ingredients, variations, and possible grey areas so you can make an informed choice. 

What Does “Vegetarian” Mean in Candy? 

For candy lovers, the main concern is whether animal derived ingredients are used. Vegetarians avoid products made from meat, gelatin, or other animal byproducts. Vegans take it a step further by excluding all animal based ingredients, including dairy, honey, and in some cases, refined sugar processed with bone char. 

Common non-vegetarian ingredients in candy include: 

• Gelatin (made from animal collagen) 
• Carmine (a red dye from insects) 
• Milk derivatives 
• Animal based glycerin 

Twizzlers Ingredients Breakdown 

A standard pack of Strawberry Twizzlers includes: 

• Corn syrup 
• Enriched wheat flour 
• Sugar 
• Cornstarch 
• Palm oil 
• Artificial flavor 
• Glycerin 
• Citric acid 
• Soy lecithin 
• Red 40 

At first glance, you’ll notice one thing: no gelatin. That’s a good sign for vegetarians. However, there are still some ingredients worth discussing more closely. 

Grey Area Ingredients 

Even though Twizzlers don’t have gelatin, a few ingredients raise questions: 

1. Glycerin – Can come from either plant or animal fat. Hershey has stated that they use vegetable based glycerin in some formulations, but without a clear label, some vegetarians and vegans may remain cautious. 
2. Sugar – In the U.S., sugar is sometimes refined with bone char. While Hershey does not confirm or deny whether bone char is used in their refining process, this ambiguity may matter to strict vegans. 
3. Artificial Colors (like Red 40) – Synthetic, petroleum derived, not insect based (so okay for vegetarians). Still, some vegans avoid them due to animal testing concerns. 

Are All Twizzlers Varieties Vegetarian? 

Not every Twizzlers product is created equal. Here’s a breakdown: 

• Classic Strawberry, Cherry, and Black Licorice Twists – No gelatin, generally vegetarian friendly. 
• Pull ‘n’ Peel, Bites, and Nibs – Similar ingredient profile, typically vegetarian. 
• Filled Twizzlers (e.g., chocolate or crème-filled) – May contain dairy or other questionable additives. 
• Twizzlers Gummies or special editions – Always double check labels some may include gelatin. 

Certifications and Labeling 

Currently, Twizzlers do not carry a vegetarian or vegan certification. However, some varieties are kosher certified, which means they don’t include non kosher animal products. Still, kosher does not always equal vegetarian or vegan, so read labels carefully. 

Alternatives to Twizzlers 

If you want plant based candy without any grey areas, here are some alternatives: 

• Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears (vegan, gelatin-free) 
• YumEarth Licorice (certified vegan and organic) 
• Panda Licorice (vegan friendly, simple ingredients) 

Or, try making your own homemade vegan licorice with natural sweeteners and plant based thickeners. 

Conclusion 

For most vegetarians, yes Twizzlers are considered vegetarian since they do not contain gelatin or obvious animal derived ingredients. However, if you are vegan or very strict about sugar and glycerin sources, Twizzlers may fall into a “maybe” category. 

When in doubt, always check the label for your specific variety, look for kosher or vegan friendly alternatives, or reach out to Hershey for clarification.