As veganism grows in popularity, so does the demand for vegan-friendly sweets and treats. Vegans avoid all animal-derived products, including ingredients like dairy, eggs, honey, and gelatin, which are commonly found in many traditional sweets. However, that doesn't mean vegans have to give up on indulging their sweet tooth. There are plenty of delicious, plant-based alternatives available, both homemade and store-bought. In this article, we'll explore what sweets vegans can eat, along with some popular brands and homemade recipes.
Common Non-Vegan Ingredients to Avoid
Before diving into vegan sweets, it’s essential to understand which ingredients vegans avoid. Many traditional sweets contain:
Gelatin: Often used in gummy candies, marshmallows, and jellies, gelatin is made from animal bones and connective tissue.- Dairy: Found in products like milk chocolate, ice cream, and cream-based desserts.
- Eggs: Frequently used in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries.
- Honey: Though natural, honey is produced by bees and is avoided by many vegans.
- Carmine: A red dye made from crushed insects, commonly used in red candies and frosting.
Now that we know what to avoid, let’s move on to the delicious vegan options!
Popular Vegan-Friendly Sweets
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is often vegan, as it typically contains cocoa, sugar, and cocoa butter without any dairy. Always check the label, as some brands might add milk fat or other non-vegan ingredients. Look for dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage (70% or more) for a rich, dairy-free experience.
Tip: Brands like Lindt, Green & Black, and Alter Eco offer vegan-certified dark chocolate bars.
2. Fruit Gummies
Vegan gummies are widely available, as many companies now offer gelatin-free alternatives. Instead of gelatin, vegan gummies use plant-based ingredients like agar-agar (derived from seaweed) or pectin (from fruit).
Popular Brands:- SmartSweets offers a range of vegan gummy candies.
- Surf Sweets and YumEarth also produce a variety of vegan gummies.
3. Vegan Cookies
Many traditional cookie recipes contain butter and eggs, but there are numerous vegan-friendly cookie options on the market. Many store-bought brands use plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and flaxseed as egg substitutes.
Tip: Enjoy Life, Uncle Eddie’s Vegan Cookies and Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies are popular vegan brands.
4. Vegan Ice Cream
Thanks to the rising demand for dairy-free options, vegan ice creams are now easier to find than ever. Made with bases like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, these frozen treats are just as creamy and indulgent as their dairy-based counterparts.
Tip: Brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Halo Top, and So Delicious offer a wide range of vegan ice cream flavors.
5. Marshmallows
Traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, but vegan marshmallows are widely available and perfect for s’mores, hot chocolate, or just enjoying on their own.
Popular Brands: Dandies and Trader Joe’s offer excellent gelatin-free marshmallows.
6. Candy Bars
Many candy bars contain milk chocolate, but there are several vegan options that replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Look for candy bars that use dark chocolate, nuts, or caramel made from coconut or almond milk.
Tip: Go Max Go Foods and No Whey! Foods make vegan versions of classic candy bars like peanut butter cups and caramel nougat bars.
Homemade Vegan Sweets
If you prefer homemade sweets, vegan recipes offer endless possibilities. Here are a few popular homemade vegan dessert ideas:
1. Vegan Brownies
You can easily make fudgy vegan brownies using ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and a plant-based milk alternative. Instead of eggs, use applesauce or a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water).
2. Vegan Cupcakes
Vegan cupcakes are just as light and fluffy as their non-vegan counterparts. Use plant-based butter or oil, along with a dairy-free milk alternative, and egg substitutes like vinegar and baking soda or mashed bananas.
3. Vegan Energy Balls
Energy balls made from dates, oats, nuts, and cocoa powder are a great, naturally sweet snack that requires no baking. These raw treats are quick to make and customizable with various add-ins like coconut flakes, chia seeds, or dried fruits.
4. Vegan Cheesecake
Yes, you can make a rich and creamy vegan cheesecake! Use soaked cashews blended with coconut cream or silken tofu as the base for a luscious, dairy-free dessert. Sweeten with maple syrup or agave and top with fresh berries.
Vegan Sweeteners
Vegans often seek alternatives to honey and refined sugar, which can be processed using bone char. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based sweeteners that are 100% vegan:
- Maple Syrup
- Agave Nectar
- Coconut Sugar
- Date Syrup
- Stevia
These sweeteners can be used in baking or drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or vegan yogurt.
Summary
Vegans can enjoy a wide variety of sweets, both store-bought and homemade. From dark chocolate and gummies to ice cream and brownies, there are delicious plant-based alternatives to satisfy any craving. As veganism continues to grow, more brands are introducing vegan-friendly products, making it easier than ever to indulge in your favorite sweet treats without compromising your dietary choices.
By checking labels and exploring plant-based ingredients, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy sweets while maintaining a vegan lifestyle.