No, Squashies are not vegetarian. They contain gelatine, an animal-derived ingredient commonly found in many gummy candies.
Squashies, a popular and playful treat, have captured the hearts of candy lovers everywhere. Known for their fun shapes and delightful flavors, they have become a go-to snack for many. But for vegetarians, the question often arises, “Are Squashies vegetarian?” In this comprehensive look, we will unravel the ingredients that make up various Squashies products and analyze their compatibility with a vegetarian lifestyle.
What Are Squashies Made Of?
Drumstick Squashies Original is made of ingredients like glucose syrup, sugar, gelling agent (gelatine), modified starch, and flavorings. If you ever wondered why they have that chewy consistency, you can attribute it to the gelatine. But here’s the catch: Gelatine is derived from animal collagen, a big no-no for vegetarians.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy, and flavorful candy. You taste the fruitiness, the sweetness, and a perfect texture that’s neither too hard nor too soft. That’s the magic of Drumstick Squashies Bubblegum. But as appealing as it sounds, this variant also contains gelatine, making it unsuitable for vegetarians.
The delicious flavors don’t stop there. Drumstick Squashies Rhubarb & Custard and Drumstick Squashies Sour Cherry And Apple follow the same trend. The unique combination of rhubarb & custard or sour cherry & apple might seem tempting, but unfortunately, the presence of gelatine leaves vegetarians out.
Squashies Common used Ingredients List:
- Glucose Syrup: A sweet syrup made from corn or wheat.
- Sugar: A sweet substance derived from sugar cane or sugar beet.
- Gelling Agent: Gelatine: Derived from animal collagen, not suitable for vegetarians.
- Modified Starch: Starch that has been chemically altered for specific cooking properties.
- Acidity Regulators: Such as Citric Acid and Trisodium Citrate, they control the acidity and alkalinity.
- Flavourings: Various natural and artificial flavors.
- Glazing Agents: Such as vegetable oils and Carnauba wax, used for a shiny appearance.
- Colours: Such as Anthocyanin, Black Carrot Extract, and Lutein, they give the candy its vibrant color.
Are Squashies Vegetarian?
No, Squashies are not vegetarian. It’s like discovering a hidden layer in a favorite dessert, only to find that it doesn’t align with your values. Gelatine is the culprit, and it’s present in all the variants, including Drumstick Squashies Original Big Bag and Squashies Minions.
Think of a favorite childhood memory of a candy that would melt in your mouth and leave a trail of happiness. That’s what Squashies might evoke. However, the presence of gelatine puts a barrier between this treat and those following a vegetarian lifestyle.
Some may argue that a small ingredient like gelatine shouldn’t make a difference. But for many vegetarians, it’s a matter of principle and personal choice. The market is filled with alternatives, so if you are a vegetarian looking for something chewy and sweet without compromising your beliefs, there are other candies you can explore.
Final Thoughts
Squashies have become a favorite for many, with their playful shapes, delightful flavors, and perfect chewy texture. However, as we have discovered, the presence of gelatine renders them incompatible with a vegetarian lifestyle. It’s a reminder that hidden ingredients can be significant even in the seemingly simple world of candies.
The lesson here isn’t just about Squashies but a broader reflection on food choices and the importance of understanding what goes into our favorite treats. It encourages us to look beyond the colorful packaging and delightful flavors, to the essence of what we consume.
In the world of candies, there are always alternatives. The joy of a sweet treat doesn’t have to come at the expense of one’s beliefs or dietary choices. It’s a journey of discovery, finding new favorites that align with who we are and what we stand for. Squashies might be off the list for vegetarians, but the adventure of finding that perfect candy continues.