If you are a vegan, you may be wondering if Snickers bars are vegan-friendly. Snickers is a popular candy bar that has been enjoyed by people for decades, but does it contain any animal-derived ingredients? In this article, we will examine the ingredients of Snickers bars and explore whether they are suitable for vegans.
What is Snickers?
Snickers is a chocolate bar that was first introduced in 1930 by Mars, Incorporated. It consists of a nougat base topped with caramel and peanuts, all covered in milk chocolate. It is one of the most popular chocolate bars in the world and is sold in over 70 countries.
It is important for vegans to be aware of the ingredients in the foods they consume to ensure that they are adhering to their dietary restrictions. While Snickers bars may not be vegan-friendly, there are still plenty of delicious and satisfying treats that vegans can enjoy. It is also worth noting that Mars, the parent company of Snickers, offers several vegan-friendly products, such as the vegan-friendly Skittles and Starburst.
If you are a vegan or considering a vegan lifestyle, it is essential to educate yourself on the ingredients in the foods you consume. Reading labels carefully and researching products beforehand can help you make informed decisions and ensure that you are staying true to your dietary preferences.
Snickers Ingredients
The ingredients in a Snickers bar can vary slightly depending on where it is sold, but the main components are generally the same. Here are the ingredients of a typical Snickers bar sold in the United States:
Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor), Peanuts, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Milkfat, Skim Milk, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Chocolate, Artificial Flavor.
Are Snickers Vegan?
Unfortunately, Snickers bars are not vegan. There are a few ingredients in Snickers bars that are derived from animals, making them unsuitable for those following a vegan diet.
Milk Chocolate
The first non-vegan ingredient in Snickers bars is milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is made with milk and therefore is not vegan. It contains milkfat, lactose, and skim milk, all of which are derived from cows.
Peanuts
Peanuts are vegan, but they are often roasted in oil that contains animal-derived products. In the case of Snickers bars, the peanuts are roasted in partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which is not vegan-friendly.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a sweetener that is derived from corn. It is vegan-friendly in itself, but it is often processed with animal-derived enzymes.
Artificial Flavor
The artificial flavor in Snickers bars is not necessarily non-vegan, but it is difficult to determine whether it is animal-derived or not. Some artificial flavors are made with animal products, while others are not.
Lactose
Lactose is a sugar that is derived from milk. It is often used as a filler in candy bars like Snickers, but it is not vegan.
Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
Partially hydrogenated soybean oil is not vegan-friendly because it is often processed with animal-derived products.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are not vegan and are not commonly found in candy bars. However, they are used in Snickers bars to help bind the ingredients together.
Alternatives to Snickers for Vegans
If you are a vegan looking for a candy bar alternative to Snickers, there are several options available:
Go Max Go “Jokerz” Candy Bar
The Jokerz candy bar from Go Max Go is a vegan-friendly alternative to Snickers. It consists of a nougat base topped with caramel and peanuts, all covered in rice milk chocolate.
Unreal “Snickers” Candy Bar
Unreal makes a candy bar that is similar to Snickers, but vegan-friendly. It is made with nougat, caramel, and peanuts, all covered in chocolate.
Vego “Whole Hazelnut Chocolate Bar”
The Vego Whole Hazelnut Chocolate Bar is a vegan chocolate bar that is similar in taste and texture to a Snickers bar. It is made with hazelnuts and vegan chocolate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Snickers bars are not vegan because they contain ingredients derived from animals such as milk chocolate, lactose, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, and egg whites. Vegans who are looking for a candy bar alternative to Snickers have several options available, such as the Go Max Go “Jokerz” Candy Bar, Unreal “Snickers” Candy Bar, and Vego “Whole Hazelnut Chocolate Bar.”
In conclusion, Snickers bars are not vegan, but there are several vegan-friendly alternatives available on the market. Vegans can still enjoy sweet treats while adhering to their dietary restrictions. With a little research and awareness, it is possible to find satisfying and delicious snacks that align with your ethical and dietary choices.