No, Squashies are not vegan as they contain gelatine which is derived from animal sources, specifically pork.
Squashies, with their sweet and chewy allure, have become a staple in the confectionery aisles of many stores. The colorful, fun shapes and flavors are a hit for kids and adults alike. But with the rise of veganism and growing interest in plant-based diets, many are asking: Are Squashies vegan?
About Squashies:
Squashies are a line of UK-based chewy sweets known for their fruity flavors and fun, squishable shapes. Their unique texture, somewhere between a marshmallow and a gummy, is one of their distinguishing features. Originating as a spin-off of the traditional Drumstick lolly, these sweets have carved a niche for themselves in the candy market.
If you’ve ever been curious about how these treats achieve that unique chewiness, you might be surprised to know the answer lies in an age-old ingredient: gelatine. Gelatine has been used for centuries in food production for its gelling properties. It’s made by boiling the bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals, typically cows or pigs.
If you’re familiar with vegan principles, you’d know that any product containing animal-derived ingredients isn’t considered vegan. But before jumping to conclusions about Squashies, let’s delve deeper into its ingredients, flavors, and what makes it tick.
Squashies Common Used Ingredients List:
1- Drumstick Squashies Original: This classic variety has ingredients like glucose syrup, sugar, and apple pulp. However, it also contains gelatine and certain glazing agents derived from vegetable oils.
2- Drumstick Squashies Bubblegum: While sharing many ingredients with the original, this flavor boasts a distinct bubblegum taste. The presence of Spirulina, a blue-green algae, gives it its characteristic color.
3- Drumstick Squashies Rhubarb & Custard: As the name suggests, this flavor combines the tartness of rhubarb with the creaminess of custard. Its coloration is achieved using black carrot extract, lutein, and paprika extract.
4- Drumstick Squashies Sour Cherry And Apple: For those who love a tangy kick, this variety offers a combination of sour cherry and apple. Like some other varieties, it contains preservatives like sulphur dioxide.
5- Drumstick Squashies Original Big Bag: Essentially the same as the original but in a larger pack, perfect for sharing… or not!
6- Squashies Minions: Inspired by the popular Minions characters, this variant includes apple pulp and the coloring agent, lutein.
Are Squashies Vegan?
Although Squashies come in a plethora of flavors, there’s a consistent ingredient across the board: gelatine. This means, regrettably for vegans, that Squashies are off the menu.
Gelatine, as mentioned earlier, is an animal-derived product. Specifically, the gelatine used in Squashies is derived from pork. Many vegan alternatives to gelatine are available in the market, like agar-agar or pectin, but as of now, the manufacturers of Squashies opt for pork gelatine.
The use of gelatine is a common practice in the confectionery industry, especially in gummy candies and certain types of marshmallows. It provides that distinct chewiness that many people love. While there’s been a surge in vegan candies in recent years, it’s always crucial to check the ingredient list if you follow a strict vegan diet.
Final Thoughts
The world of confectionery is vast and varied, with something for everyone. Squashies, with their delightful taste and texture, have undeniably found a fan base. But for those committed to a vegan lifestyle, these chewy treats might not fit the bill due to the inclusion of pork gelatine.
It underscores the importance of being vigilant about ingredient lists and understanding the origins of those ingredients. Thankfully, the food industry is more accommodating to diverse dietary needs than ever. As consumer demand for vegan products grows, who knows? We might see a vegan Squashies variant in the future. For now, though, vegans will have to find alternative gummies to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if popular candies came with vegan versions too? Imagine enjoying the nostalgia of childhood favorites without compromising on ethics. Here’s to hoping for a more inclusive candy aisle in the future!