We can’t think of anything better than laying down in front of the TV on a Friday evening and biting on a piece (or the entire package) of delicious chocolates… or can we? The only thing that is even better than that is the fact that their excellent taste is composed of natural, plant-based ingredients and isn’t hurting any animals in the process.
However, even with the rise of veganism, many people still approach the concept of vegan candy with a lot of misconceptions in their minds and we’re here to set the record straight!
We put together a list of five common misconceptions associated with vegan candies, so you can rest assured that maybe it’s time to try that vegan candy bar from the store and enjoy it as one should!
Chocolate Isn’t Vegan: False
It’s no secret that we all like to indulge in some chocolate treats from time to time, but is chocolate also vegan friendly?
Fortunately for all us vegans out there, the majority of dark chocolate is vegan! If you’re following a vegan diet, avoid chocolates that contain dairy, and opt for darker chocolates that do not contain animal-derived ingredients. Many light chocolates offer dairy substitutes, making them creamier than the dark choices, but equally delicious!
Dark chocolate is also a great sweet snack to store for when you’ve got a craving as it can last a long time without going bad. And if you ever wondered why does chocolate turn white, it’s not because it’s mouldy; it’s just the sugars blossoming out of it. So if you found some dark chocolate with some white spots on top of it, feel free to take a bite!
If you feel like a chocolate dessert is a perfect option for your nights in, try some dark chocolate fondue, with the addition of some almond milk, and dip your fruits in it. That will certainly make for an unforgettable night in!
They’re Much More Expensive: True/False
It’s true — some Vegan candy that is much less processed than the normal ones may be a bit more expensive to your wallet than their non-vegan counterparts. However, this statement is also false, as there’s a variety of standard, cruelty-free sweets on the market, which do not differ significantly in price from ordinary candy. Be ready for us to shock you — Skittles, Oreos, or Nerds are just a few of the examples of popular vegan snacks you’d see in your everyday corner store! They’re in the same price range as non-vegan candy and certainly make for an equally delicious snack!
If you want to splurge a bit on something special, we recommend you get some Vegan protein bars or gluten free chocolate bars; they’re not only a great sweet treat but also make for a great source of protein that a wide majority of vegans need to keep a close eye on!
They Taste Bad: False
We hate to break it to you, but starting your diet after you had a bite of some vegan candy might not be a good idea (or an idea that will work out). Vegan candy is as good as their non-vegan counterparts; in fact, we could even non-objectively state that some are much better than regular candy. Just because it does not contain animal products doesn’t mean it tastes any worse. Peanut butter is a great dessert ingredient if you have a sweet tooth but want to keep to a vegan lifestyle — it certainly tastes great and provides a great source of protein in and of itself!
They’re Hard to Find: False
As we mentioned before, some popular candy choices on the market are, in fact, vegan, and you might have never realized it before. Vegan candy can be found in most supermarkets and even smaller corner shops; you just have to know what to look for and avoid. Most types of hard candy are, in fact, vegan, just be especially wary while choosing red candies, as the red pigment is carmine, which is derived from the crushed female cochineal insect. Another ingredient to be careful of while looking at the ingredient list is gelatine, an animal-based component.
They’re tasteless and Unsweet: False
A big false. If you have ever tried Oreos, you know how yummy they can be, and they’re vegan. Some ice cream such as Ben & Jerry’s offer vegan options. Try it out for yourself! You might just see that vegan food is as good as any other one, and you may just want to switch to a cruelty-free lifestyle along the way!
Conclusion
If we haven’t convinced you to vegan candy yet, you might need to try it for yourself to comprehend what we’re talking about. With so many misconceptions fueled by the meat and dairy industries, it’s easy to get the wrong impression of vegan candy and avoid giving it a well-deserved shot! In addition to that, vegan candy may also contain much less refined sugars, making it a great alternative if you’re keeping track of your health and weight.
