Are Swedish Gummies Without Gelatin? - A Vegan Candy Guide

The Swedish candy TikTok trend isn't slowing down. With their unique textures and bold flavors, these gummies have become incredibly popular across the world, including the United States. That said, some candy lovers still haven't tried these sweet treats, believing that they're not for vegans or vegetarians. But how true is that?

While manufacturers produce traditional gummies or gummy bears from animal-derived ingredients, some Swedish confectioners prefer to use modified starch, potato protein, or other plant-based ingredients. This gives these yummy delights their signature "chew."

Sukar is a highly recommended candy seller that imports authentic Swedish treats and packages them into different-sized packs for Americans with a sweet tooth. Every product is carefully selected after proper sampling, ensuring that we deliver the best treats across the United States.

In this guide to gummies without gelatin, we will explore:

• What makes vegan gummy chewy?

• Is Swedish candy vegan?

• How to read candy labels

• Popular Swedish vegan gummies to try

What Makes Gummies Chewy?

Before we explore Swedish candies, it's important to understand what gives the gummies their chewy bounce. The ingredients manufacturers use help determine both the texture and whether the gummies are vegan-friendly. Once you know that, it's easy to identify and distinguish between them.

Here are the most popular gelling agents that confectioners use all across the world:

Gelatin

Most traditional gummies, including gummy bears, are made from gelatin. What is it, and how does this gelling agent work?

Gelatin comes from collagen, which is a protein that's found in animal bones, skin, and connective tissue (usually from pigs, cows, or fish). Hey, that's not exactly what vegan candy lovers want to hear!

Manufacturers boil a big batch of bones and ligaments with water, allowing the collagen to break down. When this mixture cools, it forms a gel that traps water molecules, resulting in that jiggly texture we all know so well.

In addition to giving the gummies a springy chew, gelatin provides many benefits, including the following:

• It provides that melt-in-your-mouth feel

• It gives the gummies a glossy shine, making them look more appealing

• It releases a great flavor upon melting

So, what's wrong with gelatin? Well, it depends on your dietary preferences. If you're a vegan or vegetarian, you may want to explore gummies that don't contain gelatin.

Plant-Based Alternatives to Gelatin

Instead of gelatin, some candy manufacturers use plant-based ingredients to target health-conscious consumers. Depending on the gelling agents used, the texture of the gummy may vary.

Here are some of the most popular plant-based alternatives to gelatin:

• Pectin: Often derived from citrus peels and apples, pectin gives the gummy candy a firmer texture, resulting in a clean break instead of a stretch when you bite into it. These work great for fruit flavors and add an amazing taste.

• Modified starches: Extracted from corn, potato, or tapioca, modified starches provide a softer, chewier texture that's less elastic than gummies with gelatin.

• Agar-agar: Offering a brittle-like texture, agar-agar is a popular plant-based gelatin alternative that's derived from seaweed, specifically red algae. It doesn't melt at room temperature, which means you won't experience the melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

• Carrageenan: Like agar-agar, carrageenan is also derived from seaweed. Depending on the type of seaweed, this gelling agent comes in different types, mimicking gelatin's elasticity or creating firmer textures.

Since gummy texture can vary from one ingredient to another, brands use a combination of gelling agents to give their sweet treats a special texture. Perhaps that's why Swedish candies feel much different than the rest.

Is Swedish Candy a Vegan Gummy?

Most Swedish manufacturers use plant-based ingredients instead of gelatin to produce their world-famous gummies. However, it's still important to check labels because not all Swedish candies are vegan.

What Makes Swedish Candy Different

Instead of gelatin, many Swedish manufacturers opt for modified corn starch, potato protein, or a combination of plant-based gelling agents. The "BUBS" brand, for example, only uses ingredients derived from plants, whether it's Banana Caramel, Dizzy Skulls, or Watermelon Ovals.

Plant-based gelling agents give Swedish candies a unique texture. Instead of that gelatin "jiggly" feel, these yummy delights offer a "foamy" chew.

Swedish candies are also made from real sugar or a combination of sugars rather than high-fructose corn syrup, which is commonly found in traditional sweets. This choice of premium-quality ingredients makes these chewy treats a healthier alternative to traditional gummies.

Not All Swedish Candies Are Vegan!

We are all familiar with Swedish candies from the viral video where an influencer shops for many different types of colorful gummies. Those are Swedish lösgodis, commonly referred to as pick-and-mix.

While Swedish pick-and-mix has many different gelatin-free options to choose from, it's essential to note that not all brands or manufacturers offer 100% vegan or vegetarian gummies. Some of them use beeswax, gelatin, and other animal-derived ingredients.

Always Check the Label Before Buying Swedish Candy

Before buying any candies or gummies, it's best to check the product label. This way, you'll be able to maintain your lifestyle choices while enjoying tasty treats.

Please note that there are many companies that impersonate Swedish candies. They market their products as "Swedish-style" treats, but in fact, most of their gummies don't even follow the traditional recipes that the Swedes do. Plus, they might contain gelatin or other animal-based ingredients.

How to Spot Swedish Vegan Gummy Candy

Are you a vegan or vegetarian with a sweet tooth? Your dietary preferences shouldn't stop you from exploring the world of candy, especially Swedish gummies.

When shopping for sweet treats, always make sure to look for the following gelatin-free ingredients:

• Pectin

• Modified starch

• Potato protein

• Agar-agar

• Carrageenan

Vegan candy lovers should avoid sweet treats that contain gelatin or hydrolyzed collagen. In addition to that, gummies containing beeswax or any other animal-derived ingredients should also be a sign to stay clear.

Some manufacturers mention "may contain" in their product descriptions. While many may not pay attention to such warnings, it's important to understand that there can be a risk of cross-contamination.

There are also common misconceptions about candy, which can affect consumers' buying preferences. Some of these include the following:

• Colored candies are not vegan: There's a common myth that colored candies aren't vegan. This could be due to the age-old tradition of using carmine or other animal-based ingredients to give the gummies a bright color. However, today, there are many plant-based dyes that work just as well.

• "Swedish" means gelatin-free: When a product contains "Swedish" in its name, people are likely to believe that it is gelatin-free. While most Swedish candy manufacturers prefer to use plant-based ingredients, some still opt for gelatin and other animal-derived gelling agents.

• Fruit flavor means gelatin-free: Not really. Manufacturers use fruit extracts or artificial flavorings to give the candies a fruity flavor. It has nothing to do with gelling agents.

Smart Tips to Follow When Shopping for Gummies Without Gelatin

Imagine walking into the candy store and choosing a couple of gummies only to find out that they're not vegan. This can be incredibly disappointing, to say the least, and also frustrating.

A great way to enjoy candy shopping for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions is to have a game plan. Here are a few tips for making your next gummy haul a worthwhile one:

1. Even if you've been buying a particular candy since childhood, always check the product label, as formulations can change without any notice. This is really important, especially with pick-and-mix selections where each candy type has different ingredients.

2. Memorize the keywords associated with plant-based products. These include pectin, modified starch, potato protein, agar-agar, carrageenan, and gellan gum. When you see these, you're usually safe.

3. Look for certifications on the packaging that guarantee the product contains no animal-based ingredients. Manufacturers use vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and halal symbols to make it easy to identify the right Swedish gummy for you.

4. Turn to the manufacturer's website for a list of ingredients prior to indulging in a gummy or buying a sweet treat.

5. Always stick to reliable candy sellers like Sukar that import Swedish candies directly from Sweden. Don't just rely on product names with "Swedish" in them, as you might stumble upon gummies that have nothing to do with the Swedes.

6. Sometimes, your favorite sweet treats may be sold out. In such situations, it's best to subscribe to your favorite candy seller's online newsletter to stay informed when new stock arrives.

7. Not all Swedish candies will float your boat. Always check online reviews to find out what the gummy tastes and feels like before making a purchase.

Popular Swedish Vegan Candy Picks From Sukar

Ready to try some authentic Swedish vegan gummy? Sukar offers a wide range of vegan-friendly sweet treats, including the following most popular options:

• BUBS Sour Tutti Frutti: This sweet and sour candy offers the perfect balance of tartness that settles into sweet tropical goodness, which can be equally enjoyed by kids and adults.

• Strawberry Pomegranate BUBS: This yummy gummy delivers a tanginess from the pomegranate, which is slowly followed by a sweet strawberry finish.

• BUBS Goody Raspberry Blueberry: With a bold berry flavor in each bite, these scrumptious gummies are 100% vegan and gelatin-free, making them the perfect guilt-free snack for candy lovers looking for a fruity twist.

Gone are the days of simple orange or strawberry flavors. Grab a pack of Swedish Sour Candy Mix for a tantalizing assortment of tangy gummy worms, fizzy cola, and dizzy skulls, and share it with your friends or enjoy by yourself.

Have Vegan Gummies Delivered to Your House with Sukar!

Skip the long lines at candy stores and order vegan gummies from the comfort of your home. At Sukar, every gummy cart sold is another customer for life. We love yummy treats as much as the next person with a sweet tooth, which is why our experts carefully select some of the best gummies for the perfect pick-and-mix experience.

Browse through our collection of gummies without gelatin and order now to enjoy these delicious and authentic Swedish treats. We're certain that you'll also become fans of these chewy delights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Vegan Gummies

Are Gummy Bears Vegan?

It depends. While most gummy bears contain animal products, some manufacturers do use plant-based ingredients. To find vegan gummy bears, it's best to refer to the product label before purchasing.

What's the Difference Between Swedish Gummy and Regular Gummy?

Most Swedish gummies are vegan and gluten-free. Manufacturers use high-quality ingredients with natural colorings and flavorings, making these sweet treats a much healthier option.

What Are Some of the Ways to Enjoy Swedish Gummies?

Swedish gummies are delicious on their own, but for a fun twist, try eating them while sipping a cup of coffee or enjoy them in cocktails. It's totally up to you what ideas you want to explore.