Why Regular M&Ms Aren’t Vegan Friendly
The unfortunate truth is that several key ingredients in traditional M&Ms prevent them from being classified as vegan. Let’s break down each culprit:
The first and most obvious offender is the presence of milk chocolate. Milk chocolate, by definition, contains milk solids, which are derived from cows. This immediately disqualifies it for anyone adhering to a vegan lifestyle. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that many associate with milk chocolate is directly attributable to the addition of milk, making it impossible to achieve the same effect with plant-based ingredients alone, although significant progress is being made in plant-based alternatives.
Adding insult to injury, milk fat is another common ingredient in many varieties of M&Ms. It may seem redundant, considering milk chocolate is already present, but milk fat is often added to enhance the richness and smooth texture of the chocolate, and sometimes as a filler. This sneaky ingredient is a common hidden pitfall for vegans meticulously scanning ingredient lists.
Lactose, a sugar found in milk, is another milk-derived component that finds its way into the M&M recipe. Even in small quantities, lactose is unacceptable for those following a strict vegan diet. While some lactose-intolerant individuals can tolerate small amounts, the core principle of veganism is to avoid *all* animal products, regardless of quantity or potential health effects.
However, perhaps the most surprising and often overlooked ingredient that makes M&Ms non-vegan is shellac, also known as confectioner’s glaze. Shellac is a resin secreted by the lac beetle, an insect native to India and Thailand. This resin is harvested, processed, and used as a glaze to give candies, including M&Ms, their shiny, polished appearance.
The use of shellac is ethically problematic for vegans because it involves the exploitation and potential harm of insects. While some may argue about the sentience of insects, the vegan philosophy generally extends to minimizing harm to all living creatures, where possible and practical. The harvesting process of shellac inherently involves disrupting the natural environment and exploiting the beetles for their secretions. The industry isn’t always transparent about the welfare of the insects. Many vegans deem shellac an unacceptable ingredient. Discovering this ingredient is often a shock to people new to veganism.
Therefore, because of the inclusion of milk chocolate, milk fat, lactose, and shellac, standard M&Ms are simply not an option for those committed to a vegan lifestyle. This necessitates a search for suitable alternatives that can provide a similar chocolatey, crunchy, and colorful experience.
Vegan “M&M” Alternatives: Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth Cruelty-Free
Fortunately, the demand for plant-based alternatives has led to the emergence of several vegan chocolate candies that mimic the look and feel of M&Ms. While they may not be identical in taste and texture, they offer a satisfying and ethical way to indulge in a sweet treat. Remember to always check the labels, as ingredients may change.
Several brands have stepped up to create delicious vegan alternatives. For example, “Unreal” makes a variety of chocolate candies, some of which resemble M&Ms in their colorful coating and chocolate interior. These candies are often made with dark chocolate and natural colorings, making them a healthier and more ethical choice. You can usually find Unreal products online through major retailers or at natural food stores.
“No Whey! Foods” is another company dedicated to creating allergy-friendly and vegan treats. They often produce chocolate candies that are free from common allergens like dairy, nuts, and soy, making them a safe and inclusive option for a wider range of consumers. Their “No Whey! Choco No Nos” are designed to mimic M&Ms. Be sure to check their website or online retailers for availability.
Little Secrets are another option, but their vegan status can vary by product, so careful checking is essential. They often offer dark chocolate gems that are similar in appearance to M&Ms, using natural ingredients and vibrant colors. Availability is usually through online retailers and specialty food stores.
When trying these alternatives, it’s important to manage expectations. While they strive to replicate the familiar M&M experience, there will inevitably be differences in taste and texture. Vegan chocolate often has a slightly different flavor profile than milk chocolate, and the plant-based coatings may not have the exact same crunch as traditional candy shells. However, many people find these differences to be negligible or even preferable, especially considering the ethical benefits.
One thing to keep in mind is that ingredient lists change, so make it a practice to double-check the ingredient list on any product before purchasing, as formulations can change. Sometimes, a product will be vegan for a while, and then an ingredient change makes it no longer vegan.
Homemade Vegan M&Ms: A Fun and Creative Option
For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, creating your own vegan “M&Ms” at home is a fun and rewarding project. This allows you to control every ingredient and customize the flavors to your liking. There are many recipes available online that utilize plant-based chocolate, natural food coloring, and creative techniques to create a similar candy shell.
Typically, these recipes involve melting vegan chocolate, shaping it into small discs, and coating them with a mixture of powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and natural food coloring. The process can be time-consuming, but the end result is a batch of homemade vegan treats that are both delicious and ethically sound. Searching online for “vegan chocolate candy recipe” or “homemade vegan M&Ms” will yield plenty of options.
Homemade options provide control over everything, and can be made to be both more allergy friendly and healthier.
The Future of Vegan M&Ms: Awaiting the Possibility
The growing demand for vegan options is undeniable. More and more consumers are seeking plant-based alternatives to their favorite foods, and the confectionery industry is taking notice. Could a vegan M&M become a reality in the future?
Mars, the company that manufactures M&Ms, has made some commitments to sustainability and responsible sourcing, which *could* indicate a willingness to explore plant-based options. However, as of now, there has been no official announcement or confirmation that a vegan M&M is in development.
Creating a truly vegan M&M presents several challenges. The primary hurdle is finding a suitable replacement for milk chocolate that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile. While plant-based milk alternatives have come a long way, replicating the exact taste and mouthfeel of dairy milk chocolate remains a difficult task.
The second challenge is finding a vegan alternative to shellac that can provide the same glossy finish and protective coating. Some potential substitutes include plant-based waxes or other natural resins, but these may require further research and development to ensure they meet the desired standards for appearance and shelf life.
Despite these challenges, the possibility of a vegan M&M is not entirely out of reach. With advancements in food technology and growing consumer demand, it is conceivable that Mars could eventually develop a plant-based version of their iconic candy.
Until then, consumers can actively voice their desire for vegan M&Ms by contacting Mars directly through their website or social media channels. Signing petitions or participating in online campaigns can also help demonstrate the demand for this product and encourage the company to take action.
In Conclusion: Enjoying Cruelty-Free Treats
While regular M&Ms remain off-limits for vegans due to the presence of milk chocolate, milk fat, lactose, and shellac, there are several delicious and ethical alternatives available. Brands like Unreal and No Whey! Foods offer vegan chocolate candies that mimic the look and feel of M&Ms, providing a satisfying way to indulge in a sweet treat. Creating your own homemade vegan “M&Ms” is another fun and creative option, allowing you to control every ingredient and customize the flavors to your liking.
The future of vegan M&Ms remains uncertain, but the growing demand for plant-based alternatives suggests that it is not an entirely impossible dream. By actively expressing your desire for vegan M&Ms and supporting companies that offer ethical and sustainable products, you can help pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate confectionery industry.
So, while you may have to skip the traditional M&Ms for now, there are plenty of other vegan treats to enjoy. Embrace the variety of plant-based options available and savor the satisfaction of knowing that your sweet indulgence is cruelty-free. The journey to finding vegan alternatives can be an adventure in itself!
