As someone deeply entrenched in the sustainability and veganism sphere for years, I can’t help but notice the meteoric rise in the trend of veganism.
It’s not just a diet; it’s a lifestyle, a statement, a conscious choice to foster a healthier self and a happier planet.
As we approach that spooky time of the year, it becomes imperative to talk about inclusive Halloween treats that cater to this conscious choice we are making.
In this blog, I am thrilled to take you through a comprehensive vegan Halloween candy guide.
Plus, I will delve deep into the world of vegan candies, exploring the best options available and introducing you to some undiscovered gems in the vegan Halloween candy brands landscape.
Why Choose Vegan Halloween Candy?
As we navigate the Halloween season, a time ripe with candy bowls brimming with an array of treats, it becomes essential to pause and ponder — why should we choose vegan Halloween candy?
Well, I am here to share some compelling reasons grounded in health benefits, environmental conservation, and ethical considerations.
Let’s dive in!
Health Benefits of Vegan Candies
First off, let’s talk about the health benefits that come with choosing vegan candy options.
Did you know that many vegan candies are made from fruit snacks?
Yes, those delicious fruity flavors are not just a treat to your taste buds but also come packed with vitamins and minerals. Moreover, they tend to have fewer additives and artificial colors compared to traditional Halloween candy.
For instance, sour patches and gummy bears often come in vegan versions now, offering a healthier alternative that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
So, when the trick-or-treaters knock on your door, you can happily hand out these treats, knowing you are offering a healthier option.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Next up is the environmental angle.
The production of vegan candies, especially those derived from fruit snacks, tends to have a lesser environmental footprint.
By choosing these for your candy bowl, you are essentially reducing the demand for products that rely heavily on animal agriculture. This practice is known to be a significant contributor to environmental degradation.
Moreover, many vegan Halloween candy brands are now opting for sustainable packaging. It can further reduce the waste generated during the Halloween season.
Final Reason: Ethics!
Lastly, let’s touch upon the ethical reasons that make vegan Halloween a choice worth considering.
The vegan movement is rooted in a philosophy of causing the least harm possible. By opting for vegan candies, you are saying no to products that involve animal suffering.
Moreover, brands producing these candies often engage in fair trade practices, ensuring that every ring pop or gummy bear you enjoy comes from a place of ethical production.
5 Best Vegan Halloween Candies
1. YumEarth Organic Halloween Gummy Fruits
As a vegan, finding the perfect Halloween candy that aligns with my dietary preferences can be quite a challenge. However, when I tried the YumEarth Organic Halloween Gummy Fruits, my ideas changed!
It not only meets vegan standards but also offers a delightful taste experience — the perfect gummy bears
The YumEarth Organic Halloween Gummy Fruits come in three tantalizing flavors: strawberry smash, very very cherry, and perfectly peach.
I found each flavor to be distinct and satisfying, offering a burst of natural fruitiness that is both refreshing and delightful. The absence of artificial dyes and the use of organic concentrates for coloring further enhance the natural taste of these gummies.
Analyzing the nutritional content, each serving contains 70 calories, with no fats and cholesterol, making it a relatively healthy choice for a candy. The gummies also offer a substantial amount of Vitamin C, contributing to 100% of the daily value, which is a significant plus point.
What sets this product apart from many others in the market is its commitment to sustainability. The product is Climate Pledge Friendly, indicating a responsible choice for the environment. Moreover, it holds the USDA Organic certification, ensuring that it is produced following high standards for soil and water quality, among other factors.
One of the standout features of this product is its allergen-free formulation. It is free from top allergens, including soy, dairy, and peanuts, making it a safe choice for individuals with various dietary restrictions.
Moreover, it is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and organic, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs.
Pros
Cons
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Comes in a variety of natural flavors
- Has a good chewy texture
- Gelatin free gummies
- Climate Pledge Friendly and USDA Organic certified
- While it is low in fats and cholesterol, it contains a high amount of sugars (13g per serving)
- Doesn't have any fiber content
2. YumEarth Organic Giggles Sour Chewy Candy Bites
When I tasted the YumEarth Organic Giggles, I was greeted with a delightful assortment of sour flavors, including green apple, lemon, orange, strawberry, and grape. Each flavor offers a tantalizing burst of sourness that is both refreshing and satisfying.
It has a delightful tart twist that sets it apart from many other candies in the market.
The candy is made with organic ingredients such as cane sugar and rice syrup, steering clear of high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes, which is a huge plus.
Moreover, the use of natural sources for coloring, including turmeric and blackcurrant. This showcases the brand’s commitment to maintaining a natural and organic profile, which I highly appreciate.
A standout feature of YumEarth Organic Giggles is its allergen-free formulation.
Being free from the top 8 allergens, including peanuts, gluten, and soy, it caters to a wide range of dietary needs, offering a treat that many can enjoy without worry.
Again, like other YumEarth products, it holds a USDA Organic certification, indicating that it adheres to stringent standards regarding soil and water quality.
Pros
Cons
- Offers a variety of sour flavors
- Made with organic and non-GMO ingredients
- Allergen-free
- Climate Pledge Friendly and USDA Organic certified
- Might be too sour for some
- The inclusion of organic palm oil is a concern
3. That's it. Spooky Fruit Bites
That’s it. Spooky Fruit Bites Halloween Fun Size Fruit Bars Variety Pack is a delightful find that ticks all the right boxes.
It offers a unique and enjoyable snacking experience. The bars are conveniently packaged and sized, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking.
They are also ideal for Halloween, but their appeal extends beyond the holiday season.
The bars come in two flavors: Wicked Banana and Mummy Mango. Both flavors are delicious and offer a satisfying chewiness that is characteristic of dried fruit. The fruit bars are made from only two ingredients and are 100% natural, which is a refreshing change from the artificial ingredients often found in other snacks.
What sets these fruit bars apart from their competitors is their simplicity and adherence to dietary restrictions. They are Non-GMO, Allergen Friendly, Kosher, and Gluten-Free. This makes them a safe choice for people with various dietary needs or preferences.
One of the major benefits of these fruit bars is their healthiness.
They contain no added sugar, making them a healthier alternative to traditional Halloween candies. However, some children might prefer the taste of traditional candies over these fruit bars.
As an adult, I found them to be quite tasty, but they might not be the first choice for all kids.
Pros
Cons
- This fruit flavored treats are different from the typical snacks
- Individually wrapped in fun sizes, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking
- Free from the common 12 allergens
- Made from 100% natural ingredients
- Non-GMO, allergen-free, kosher, and gluten-free
- Limited flavor options
- May not appeal to all kids
4. Dr. John's Healthy Sweets Sugar-Free Fresh Fruit Hard Candy
Recently, I came across Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Sugar-Free Fresh Fruit Hard Candies, a product that piqued my interest.
After all, not all vegan hard Halloween candy is delicious enough!
The candies offer a rich variety of flavors, including watermelon, green apple, pear, peach, and strawberry. Each delivers a refreshing burst of fruity freshness that is both delightful and satisfying.
These candies stand as a healthier alternative to traditional candies, being sugar-free and low in calories. The addition of 10 grams of fiber and a substantial amount of vitamin C (160% DV) in each serving adds to their health benefits.
What distinguishes Dr. John’s candies from others in the market is their dedication to promoting health and wellness.
They are crafted without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Also, they are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, and Kosher, catering to a wide array of dietary preferences and restrictions.
While the candies score high on the health factor, their sugar-free nature might not resonate well with everyone, especially those with a sweet tooth accustomed to traditional candies.
It’s a healthier choice but might compromise slightly on the sweetness that some individuals prefer.
Pros
Cons
- Vegan and allergen-friendly
- Rich in fiber and vitamin C (160% DV)
- Variety of fruity flavors
- Less sweet than traditional candies
- May not appeal to kids
5. Choco No No's Minis
Upon tasting, I found that these chocolates provide a rich and creamy texture similar to milk-based chocolates. This is quite an achievement considering they are dairy-free. The use of rice syrup powder and cocoa butter grants them a smooth consistency.
What truly sets the Choco No No’s Minis apart from competitors is their commitment to being allergy-friendly and inclusive.
They are free from the top 8 common food allergens. This not only makes them vegan but also kosher and free from artificial colors and flavors.
When compared to other vegan chocolates, the Choco No No’s stand out for their creamy texture and rich flavor, which often is missing in dairy-free alternatives.
Moreover, the vibrant colors derived from natural sources like spirulina extract and fruit and vegetable juices add a fun element to the chocolates, making them visually appealing as well.
For vegan consumers, the key decision-making factors often revolve around ethical sourcing, ingredient transparency, and taste.
The Choco No No’s Minis excel in all these areas.
Pros
Cons
- Allergy-friendly and vegan
- Rich, creamy texture
- Natural coloring
- May be too sweet for some
Vegan Candy Certification: What to Look For
When it comes to indulging in vegan candies, especially during the festive Halloween season, it is essential to ensure that the treats you choose adhere to strict vegan standards.
But how can you be certain that the candy you’re buying is genuinely vegan?
This is where vegan candy certifications come into play.
Let’s delve into the certifications you should look for and the organizations that offer them.
Vegan Certifications You Should Look For
- Vegan Certification: This certification ensures that the product is free from animal-derived ingredients. Look for labels such as "Certified Vegan" on the packaging.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: While not exclusively vegan, this certification indicates that the product does not contain genetically modified organisms, aligning with the vegan philosophy of natural and ethical consumption.
- Organic Certification: Organic products are generally free from synthetic additives and pesticides, which is a plus for vegan consumers looking for clean and green products.
- Gluten-Free Certification: Many vegans prefer gluten-free products. This certification ensures that the product is safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
- Kosher Certification: Some vegan products also carry a Kosher certification, indicating adherence to the Jewish dietary regulations, which often align with vegan principles.
Organizations Offering Certifications
- Vegan.org: This is a prominent organization that offers the "Certified Vegan" logo, a trusted symbol for vegan products worldwide.
- Non-GMO Project: They provide the Non-GMO Project Verified certification, helping consumers make informed choices about genetically modified organisms in their food.
- USDA: The United States Department of Agriculture offers organic certification, ensuring products meet stringent organic farming and processing standards.
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO): This organization is responsible for certifying products that are gluten-free, helping individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
- Orthodox Union (OU): They offer Kosher certification, helping consumers identify products that adhere to kosher dietary laws.
DIY Vegan Halloween Candy Recipes
Halloween is all the rage, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in some homemade vegan treats that are both delicious and cruelty-free.
Here, I have curated a list of 3 DIY vegan candy recipes that will satisfy your craving and make you the star among trick-or-treaters.
Let’s dive into the world of vegan candies that are free from common non-vegan ingredients like milk products, gelatin, and confectioner’s glaze.
1. Vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vegan dark chocolate chips | 2 cups |
| Natural peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Maple syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and pour a layer of melted chocolate into each.
- Add a dollop of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate.
- Cover with another layer of chocolate.
- Freeze for 30 minutes or until set. Enjoy your homemade vegan chocolate peanut butter cups.
Tips:
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best results.
- Ensure your peanut butter is creamy and not too thick to achieve the perfect consistency.
2. Vegan Ring Pops
Ingredients:
- Various flavors of vegan jelly (strawberry, apple, etc.)
- Ring pop molds
Instructions:
- Prepare the jelly according to the package instructions.
- Pour the jelly into ring pop molds and let it set in the refrigerator.
- Once set, unmold and enjoy your fun and colorful vegan ring pops.
Tips:
- You can add pieces of fruit or edible glitter to your jelly for an extra touch of fun.
3. Vegan Kettle Corn
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Popcorn kernels | ½ cup |
| Coconut oil | ¼ cup |
| Maple syrup | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot.
- Once the kernels start popping, shake the pot constantly to prevent burning.
- When the popping slows down, add the maple syrup and salt and stir well.
- Transfer to a bowl and let it cool. Your vegan kettle corn is ready to munch.
Tips:
- Stir the kettle corn continuously after adding the syrup to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
Conclusion: Making Halloween Sweeter with Vegan Candy
As we wrap up our delightful journey through the world of vegan Halloween candy, it’s evident that opting for vegan alternatives is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a kind gesture towards our planet and its inhabitants.
The best vegan Halloween candy is the one that aligns with your values while satisfying your sweet tooth, and as we’ve seen, there are plenty of options to choose from.
This Halloween, I encourage you to take a step towards a more compassionate celebration by choosing vegan Halloween candy. Whether you are preparing a candy bowl for the trick or treaters or planning a spooky movie night with friends, vegan candies can add a touch of sweetness without the guilt.
From the delightful DIY recipes to the extensive list of ready-made vegan candies available in the market, there is something for everyone. You might be surprised to find that many popular candies, like Sour Patch Kids, have vegan options available, making the transition even easier.
As someone who has embraced the vegan lifestyle and experienced the rich flavors and textures that vegan Halloween candy has to offer, I can assure you that you won’t be missing out on anything. In fact, you’ll be introducing your palate to a range of delightful flavors while doing good for the environment and animals.
So, as the Halloween season approaches, let’s make a conscious choice to indulge in vegan Halloween candy. Let’s make this Halloween not just about tricks and treats, but also about making ethical choices that are kind to all.
