are red hots vegan?
Are Red Hots Vegan?
Are you a vegan or someone who is interested in following a plant-based lifestyle? If so, you might be wondering if Red Hots candies are suitable for your diet. In this article, we will explore whether Red Hots are vegan-friendly or not. So, let’s dive right in!
Are Red Hots vegan?
The short answer is no, Red Hots are not vegan. These cinnamon-flavored candies, famous for their fiery taste and vibrant red color, contain an ingredient called confectioner’s glaze or shellac. This substance is derived from the secretions of lac insects, making it unsuitable for those following a vegan diet.
Why are Red Hots not vegan?
Red Hots contain confectioner’s glaze, also known as shellac, which is used as a coating to provide a shiny and protective layer on the candies. Shellac is a resinous substance that is derived from the secretions of female lac insects, found mainly in Thailand and India. These insects create the resin as a protective covering for their eggs.
Unfortunately, the process of collecting shellac involves scraping the resin from the trees where the insects reside. This involves killing the insects, making it a non-vegan ingredient. As a result, Red Hots cannot be considered vegan-friendly.
Vegan alternatives to Red Hots
If you’re craving that sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor, there are plenty of vegan alternatives to Red Hots available. Many companies produce vegan candies with a similar taste and texture, minus the animal-derived ingredients.
Look for candies labeled as vegan or made from plant-based ingredients. These can include cinnamon hard candies, jellybeans, or even vegan cinnamon gummies. Check the ingredient list carefully, as some candies may still contain non-vegan ingredients like gelatin or carmine, a red coloring made from crushed insects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Red Hots candies are not suitable for vegans due to the inclusion of confectioner’s glaze, which is derived from lac insects. However, there are many vegan alternatives available in the market that can satisfy your craving for that cinnamon kick. Remember to always read the ingredient list to ensure that the candies you choose align with your vegan lifestyle.
Don’t let the non-vegan status of Red Hots discourage you from exploring the wide variety of vegan-friendly treats out there. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, there are plenty of delicious options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy discovering new flavors while staying true to your values!
