PEZ candies, recognized globally for their distinctive dispensers and pressed sugar tablets, have been a popular treat for decades. As more individuals adopt plant-based diets, questions frequently arise regarding the suitability of common confections for vegan consumption. This exploration aims to clarify the vegan status of PEZ candies by examining their composition.
The Vegan Status of PEZ Candies
PEZ candies are generally considered suitable for a dietary vegan diet because they do not contain animal products such as gelatin, dairy, or eggs. The standard fruit-flavored PEZ candies are primarily made from sugar, corn syrup, and various flavorings and colorings. However, the vegan status of PEZ becomes more nuanced when considering the broader ethical perspectives of veganism.
For strict ethical vegans, certain ingredients in PEZ candies present concerns, primarily regarding the processing of sugar and the sourcing of mono- and diglycerides. While PEZ candies do not contain gelatin or shellac, which are common animal-derived ingredients in other candies, the source of their refined sugar is often a point of contention. Refined sugar can be processed using bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones, to achieve a whiter appearance. PEZ does not explicitly state that its sugar is bone char-free, leading some vegans to avoid it.
Another ingredient that raises questions is mono- and diglycerides, which can be derived from either animal or plant sources. Although PEZ’s official website reportedly confirms that their mono- and diglycerides are vegetable-derived, the ambiguity on ingredient labels can still cause hesitation for some strict vegans. Therefore, while PEZ satisfies the criteria for dietary vegans, those with a more encompassing ethical vegan philosophy might find reasons for concern.
Key Ingredients and Considerations
The primary ingredients in PEZ candies include sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils, mono- and diglycerides, natural and artificial flavors, and artificial colors. The artificial colors, such as FD&C Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 2, are synthetic and not derived from animal sources. This distinguishes PEZ from some other candies that use carmine or cochineal, a red dye extracted from insects.
Palm oil, listed as hydrogenated palm kernel and palm oils in PEZ ingredients, is a plant-based component. However, the production of palm oil is a subject of debate within the vegan community due to environmental impacts, including deforestation and habitat destruction. While not an animal-derived ingredient, its ethical implications lead some vegans to avoid products containing it. The presence of these oils highlights the broader considerations beyond direct animal ingredients for many vegans.
Natural and artificial flavors are also present in PEZ candies. The term “natural flavors” can sometimes encompass animal-derived components, but for PEZ, no such animal sources are indicated or expected. Artificial flavors are synthetically produced and do not pose an animal-derived concern.