If you’re someone who’s embracing a vegan lifestyle or just curious about vegan options, you might be wondering, “What chocolate candy is vegan?” Chocolate is a universal favorite, but not all chocolate candies are created equal when it comes to being vegan-friendly.
Some contain milk, butterfat, and other animal-derived ingredients that make them unsuitable for those following a plant-based diet. However, there are plenty of delicious vegan chocolate candies available that cater to everyone’s taste.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes a chocolate vegan and share some amazing brands and options for your sweet tooth.
Understanding Vegan Chocolate
Before we jump into specific candies, it’s important to understand what makes chocolate vegan or non-vegan.
What Makes Chocolate Non-Vegan?
Traditional chocolate is made from cacao beans, which are naturally vegan. However, the addition of ingredients like milk powder, cream, butter, or even honey makes it non-vegan. A lot of mainstream chocolate candies, especially milk chocolate, contain dairy.
Common Non-Vegan Ingredients in Chocolate
- Milk powder
- Whey or casein (derived from milk)
- Gelatin (used in certain candies)
- Beeswax or honey (sometimes used for flavor or texture)
Vegan-Friendly Ingredients to Look For
Instead of dairy, vegan chocolate often uses plant-based alternatives. Look for chocolates that include:
- Cocoa butter (which is a plant-based fat)
- Coconut milk or almond milk (as dairy replacements)
- Sweeteners like coconut sugar or agave
Types of Vegan Chocolate
Dark Chocolate: The Most Common Vegan Option
Dark chocolate is often naturally vegan because it typically contains high amounts of cocoa and fewer added ingredients. Most dark chocolates with a cocoa content of 70% or higher are vegan, but it’s always wise to double-check the label for any sneaky milk ingredients.
Vegan Milk Chocolate Alternatives
For those who miss the creamy texture of milk chocolate, there are vegan milk chocolates available. These are made using plant-based milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, to replicate the smoothness without animal products.
Raw Chocolate: Is It Always Vegan?
Raw chocolate is made from unroasted cacao beans, and in its pure form, it’s usually vegan. However, some raw chocolates may include honey or other non-vegan additives, so always check the packaging.
Brands Offering Vegan Chocolate Candy
Many chocolate brands are now offering vegan-friendly options, whether they specialize in vegan products or are mainstream brands with a few vegan selections.
Mainstream Brands with Vegan Options
- Lindt: Their “Excellence” line offers dark chocolate that’s free from milk ingredients.
- Ghirardelli: Some of their dark chocolate squares are vegan-friendly.
- Green & Black’s: Their organic dark chocolate is another good option.
Specialty Vegan Chocolate Brands
- Hu Kitchen: Known for making high-quality vegan chocolate bars.
- Enjoy Life: Offers a wide variety of chocolate candies free from dairy and other common allergens.
- Loving Earth: A sustainable brand offering raw, vegan chocolate bars.
Top Vegan Chocolate Candy Recommendations
Lindt’s Dark Chocolate Excellence
This line offers several vegan-friendly dark chocolate bars, particularly those with higher cocoa percentages. It’s rich, smooth, and readily available.
Hu Chocolate Bars
Hu is a go-to for those looking for clean, paleo, and vegan chocolate bars. They avoid refined sugars, soy, and dairy, offering indulgent flavors like hazelnut butter.
Enjoy Life Chocolate Bars and Bites
Enjoy Life’s vegan chocolates are perfect for anyone with food sensitivities. They are free from dairy, gluten, and nuts, making them an excellent choice for those with allergies.
Vegan Alternatives to Popular Non-Vegan Candies
Craving some classic candy flavors? Here are some vegan alternatives to common non-vegan favorites:
Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Brands like Justin’s and Unreal Foods offer vegan peanut butter cups that taste just as good as the traditional version.
Vegan Chocolate-Covered Almonds
Look for brands like No Whey! Foods, which offers vegan chocolate-covered nuts without any dairy.
Plant-Based Chocolate Caramel Options
Go Max Go Foods makes “Twilight” bars, which are like vegan versions of a Milky Way—soft caramel, nougat, and chocolate, all plant-based!
Ingredients to Avoid When Choosing Vegan Chocolate
When searching for vegan chocolate, keep an eye out for these non-vegan ingredients:
- Milk powder or cream
- Whey or casein
- Gelatin
- Beeswax or honey
- Sugar processed with bone char
How to Identify Vegan Chocolate
Importance of Checking Labels
Always check the ingredients list or look for a vegan certification logo, like the Vegan Society’s sunflower symbol or a “Certified Vegan” logo.
Vegan Certification and Symbols
These logos provide a quick and easy way to ensure that your chocolate candy is free from animal products. If there’s no logo, check for any dairy or other animal-derived ingredients.
Can White Chocolate Be Vegan?
Traditional White Chocolate vs. Vegan Versions
White chocolate is usually made from cocoa butter, milk, and sugar. However, vegan white chocolate substitutes plant-based milk for dairy. Brands like iChoc and Loving Earth offer vegan versions that taste just like the real deal!
Where to Buy Vegan Chocolate Candy
You can find vegan chocolate in a variety of places:
- Online: Websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, and Vegan Essentials have wide selections.
- Major grocery chains: Look for vegan-friendly sections or organic aisles at stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts.
- Health food stores: Most local health food stores will carry vegan chocolate options.
Homemade Vegan Chocolate Candy
If you want to get creative in the kitchen, making your own vegan chocolate candy is a great option. Simple recipes using cacao powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup can be customized to your taste. You can also experiment with fillings like peanut butter or dried fruit.
Are All Dark Chocolates Vegan?
Not all dark chocolates are vegan, despite their reputation. Some brands add milk fat or other dairy-derived ingredients to their dark chocolate. That’s why it’s important to always check the ingredients.
Vegan Chocolate vs. Regular Chocolate: Nutritional Differences
Vegan chocolate tends to use cleaner, plant-based ingredients, and often has fewer artificial additives. It’s also typically lower in sugar, which can be a healthier option for those trying to reduce their intake of processed sugar.
Why Vegan Chocolate Tastes Great
Many vegan chocolate brands focus on high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. This often results in chocolate that has a richer and more intense cocoa flavor compared to regular chocolates, which might be loaded with additives.
Conclusion
Finding vegan chocolate candy isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Whether you’re in the mood for a dark chocolate bar or a creamy, plant-based milk chocolate alternative, there are plenty of vegan options available. With the growing demand for vegan products, more brands are offering cruelty-free and delicious choices that rival traditional chocolates in flavor and texture. Give them a try—you might even find a new favorite treat!
FAQs
- Is vegan chocolate healthier than regular chocolate?
- Vegan chocolate often has cleaner ingredients and less sugar, but it depends on the brand. Always check the label!
- How can I make sure a chocolate is vegan?
- Look for a vegan certification on the package, or carefully read the ingredient list for any dairy or animal-derived products.
- Are there vegan alternatives to milk chocolate?
- Yes, many brands use plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut to create vegan milk chocolates.
- Does vegan chocolate taste different from regular chocolate?
- Vegan chocolate can taste just as rich and satisfying, especially if it’s made with high-quality cocoa and plant-based ingredients.
- Can I find vegan chocolate at regular grocery stores?
- Yes, many mainstream grocery stores now carry vegan chocolate options, especially in their organic or health food sections.
Enjoy discovering your new favorite vegan chocolate candy!