Are Candy Canes Vegan? The Surprising Answer!

Candy canes are the best way to sum up the Christmas season.

Although they are an integral part of Christmas, you probably haven’t given much thought to their origin.

To live a healthier, more plant-based lifestyle, you need to question the ingredients in everything you eat.

If you are asking yourself the question, “Are Candy Canes Vegan?”

You’re in the right place.

We will provide a detailed explanation.

What Is A Candy Cane?

Candy canes are long, thin sticks with red stripes at the top.

They come in peppermint or wintergreen flavors.

August Imgard, the American’s first Christmas tree decorator, used a variety of candy canes from the 1800s.

These candies were initially made by hand.

However, Gregory Keller created a machine that could make Candy Canes in the middle of the 20 century.

They are loved by children and adults worldwide, every holiday.

Are Candy Canes Vegan?

Candy canes are generally vegan.

The main ingredients include sugar, corn syrup, natural flavorings, and colors.

Some contain animal products, so make sure to read the entire ingredient list.

Candy canes used red color from crushed beetles in the past.

This was not vegan and a bit strange.

This practice is no longer necessary, and most candy canes do not use it.

To be safe, make sure to always read the labels to ensure that they are suitable for vegetarians or vegans and beetle-free.

Nutrition Facts

Here is a breakdown of the nutritional content of candy cane.

Total Carbohydrates 12 grams

Number of Calories: 50

Sugar: 12g

Candy canes do not contain cholesterol or fats.

They only contain sugar and carbs.

Watch Out For Non-Vegan Ingredients

Candy Canes Beware of Non-Vegan Ingredients

These are the ingredients you should avoid when making vegan candy canes.

Gelatin

It is made from the skin and bones derived from sheep.

Carmine

Cochineal is an insect that gives off this coloring ingredient.

Sugar

Some sugar is made from cattle bones, which is not organic sugar.

Be sure to look out for the vegan label.

Shellac

This ingredient gives candy canes a shiny texture.

However, it can be dangerous for the lives of many KeriaLacca bugs.

Glycerin

Glycerin can be found in many plant-based products, but it also has an animal-based source.

Make sure to only buy organic or vegan glycerin.

Health Benefits Of Candy Canes

While candy canes may be sweet, they are full of health benefits.

Antioxidants are a good source.

Peppermint oil is found in candy canes.

This oil has higher antioxidant levels than fruits, vegetables, and cereals.

Antioxidants improve the immune system and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.

A mouth freshener

Peppermint candy canes can make bad breath disappear.

Peppermint oil can not only cover bad breath but also kill harmful bacteria.

The stomach is a benefit.

To promote a healthy stomach, peppermint in candy canes might help to boost the gastrointestinal tract.

An effective appetite suppressant

MUST READ Learn Facts About The Effects Of Vegan Diet On Testosterone

Peppermint helps curb appetite and decrease the likelihood of overeating.

You can expect to lose weight by eating less.

Great relief for tension headaches

Tension headaches can be caused by stress or anxiety.

Peppermint oil is said to be a great way to relieve tension headaches.

This is the ultimate remedy for a stuffy nose.

A blocked nose can be cleared with peppermint.

A great nasal decongestant is a menthol found in peppermint candy bars.

Vegan Candy Cane Brands

Yumearth Organic Candy Canes

Yumearth candy canes make an excellent addition to any organic Christmas.

These candies are vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.

These candy canes are not available in retail stores.

They are also available online at a fair price on Amazon and meet all your holiday needs.

Nutrition Facts per 1 candy cane:

60 Calories
0g Total Fat
0g saturated fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
0 mg sodium
14g Total Carbohydrate
0g of Dietary Fiber
Total Sugars 11g
11g Sugars Added
0g Protein

Ingredients:

Organic Cane Sugar
Organic Brown Rice Syrup
Natural Peppermint Flavor
Organic Fruit
Vegetable Concentrate

Brach’s Candy Canes

Brach’s candy canes are a great example of a sustainable candy cane.

Brach’s peppermint candy has become a massive hit in the US.

Some schools even allow Brach to distribute their peppermint candy before subject to state testing.

Brach’s peppermint candy is entirely plant-based, making it ideal for baking and snacking during the holidays.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 gram):

50 Calories
Fat: 0g
10g Sugars
15 mg Sodium

Ingredients:

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Peppermint Oil
Red 40
Red 40 Lake

Allan Candy Canes

Allan’s candy canes are an excellent example of a local business moving to a national chain.

Allan’s store definitely deserved the recognition.

Allan began in Ontario, Canada, with lollipops.

They later expanded to candy popcorn and eventually became nationally recognized.

Nutrition Facts per 1 cane:

60 Calories
0g Fat
13g Total Carbohydrates
10g Sugars
0g Protein

Ingredients:

Sugar
Glucose Syrup
Soybean Oil
Hydrogenated Soybean oil
Calcium Carbonate
Sunflower Lecithin
Mono and Diglycerides
Corn Starch
Natural Flavor
Color

Warheads Candy Canes

Warheads candy canes offer a unique twist on holiday favorites.

They come in 12 super sour wildberry flavored canes.

These canes contain a high level of citric acid which allows them to have that puckering effect Warheads is famous for.

It is important to note that candy canes are manufactured in the same facility as products containing eggs, milk, and tree nuts.

Nutrition Facts per 1 candy cane:

50 Calories
0g Total Fat
0g saturated fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
45 mg Sodium
Potassium 0 mg
14g Total Carbohydrates
0g of Dietary Fiber
8g Sugars
0g Protein

Ingredients:

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Acidity regulators
Artificial Flavor
Glycerin
Colors
Vegetable Oils
Sunflower Lecithin

Jelly Belly Canes

Jelly Belly jelly beans are the most well-known product.

Still, jelly belly candy canes add a fruity twist to the holiday classic.

These canes come in packs of six or twelve and offer many of the same flavors as our fruity jelly bean varieties.

Nutrition Facts per 1 candy cane:

45 Calories
0g Total Fat
0g saturated fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
0 mg sodium
12g Total Carbohydrates
Total Sugars 9g
9g Sugars Added
0g Protein

Ingredients:

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Citric Acid
Malic Acid
Artificial Flavor
Red 40
Blue 1
Yellow 5

MUST READ 9 Healthy & Delicious Instant Pot Recipes To Try Today

Sweet Tart Candy Canes

Sweet tarts are a departure from Jelly Belly’s candy canes and Warheads.

They take a more tart approach to their creations.

This sweet-tart is very similar to the sweet-tart powdery capsules, which gives it that nostalgic taste.

These candy canes can be found in most supermarkets and offer a variety of sweet-tart flavors that anyone will love.

Nutrition Facts per 1 candy cane:

50 Calories
0g Total Fat
0g saturated fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
60mg sodium
12g Total Carbohydrate
0g of Dietary Fiber
9g Sugar
Protein 0g

Ingredients:

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Malic Acid
Sodium Lactate
Artificial and Natural Flavors
Blue 1
Red 40
Yellow 5

Other Vegan Christmas Candies

TruJoy Sweets Peppermint Choco Chews

These festive holiday candies, which are vegan, gluten-free, and kosher, provide a lot of accessibility and goodwill.

They are also proud of their sustainability and donate 1% of all sales to environmental causes.

This peppermint candy is a chewy, delicious addition to any holiday celebration.

It is free from corn syrup, peanut-free, and non-GMO.

Nutritional facts (per 7 pieces):

170 Calories
5g Total Fat
3.5g saturated fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
0 mg sodium
32g Total Carbohydrates
1g of Dietary Fiber
16g Sugars
1g Protein

Ingredients:

Organic Evaporated Cane Juice
Organic Brown Rice Syrup
Natural Peppermint Flavor
Organic Fruit Juice

Theo Peppermint Crunch

Theo peppermint crunch is another sustainable peppermint treat.

They put a lot of love and care into the product production process.

Cool packs are placed around the ship to keep dark chocolate cool while it is coming to you.

They are organic, fair trade, and non-GMO.

Here are some nutritional facts:

160 Calories
10g Total Fat
5g of Saturated Fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
0 mg sodium
15g Total Carbohydrates
3g of Dietary Fiber
10g Total Sugars
10g Sugars Added
2g Protein

Ingredients:

Cocoa Beans
Cane Sugar
Dried Corn Syrup
Water
Cocoa Butter
Salt
Baking soda
Peppermint Essential Oil

Joe-Joes Candy Cane Joes

The Trader Joe’s candy cane joe joes are a fun take on the classic Oreo cookie.

They offer a variety of flavors to the cookie giant.

These cookies are the third-most-popular trader joes product.

This gives them a lot of credibility and sales.

These joe joes with candy cane flavor are vegan.

However, the gluten-free version does contain eggs.

Nutritional facts (per 1 cookie):

70 Calories
3g Total Fat
1.3g saturated fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
42.5 mg Sodium
10.5g Total Carbohydrates
0.5g of Dietary Fiber
6g Sugars
0.5g Protein

Ingredients:

Sugar
Chocolate Liquor
Enriched Flour
Cocoa Butter
Palm Oil
Salt
Expeller Pressed Soybean oil
Corn Starch
Organic Evaporated Cane Juice Syrup
Baking soda
Soy Lecithin
Natural Flavors
Natural Vanilla Flavor

Peppermint Dandies

These vegan peppermint marshmallows make a great addition to vegan hot cocoa.

They don’t contain artificial flavors or colors, and they have no corn syrup.

They are also kosher and made without GMO ingredients.

These soft marshmallows offer a refreshing alternative to the unhealthy and gelatin-infused marshmallows available in stores.

Nutritional facts (per 18 pieces):

90 Calories
0g Total Fat
20 mg Sodium
23g Total Carbohydrates
18g total sugars
18g Sugars Added

Ingredients:

Tapioca Syrup
Cone Sugar
Filtered water
Tapioca Starch
Carrageenan
Soy Protein
Beet Juice Concentrate
Natural Flavor

Nadamoo Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

Nadamoo’s peppermint bark ice cream is the perfect vegan ice cream to enjoy a low-calorie experience.

MUST READ Is Tahini Vegan? You Might Be Surprised

It is a fun holiday ice cream.

The texture is similar to rocky roads, but the flavor is peppermint bark.

The ice cream’s crunchy-creamy flavor is enhanced by the dairy-free ice cream, which gives consumers a vegan option for the holidays.

Nutritional facts (1/3 of the container):

170 Calories
7g Total Fat
6g of Saturated Fat
Cholesterol 0 mg
45mg sodium
28g Total Carbohydrates
6g of Dietary Fiber
17g Total Sugars
10g Sugars Added
1g Protein

Ingredients:

Water
Organic Coconut Milk
Cane Sugar
Non-GMO Tapioca Syrup
Radish Juice
Beet Juice
Natural Peppermint
Organic Agave Syrup
Organic Tapioca Syrup
Organic Inulin
Sugar
Maltodextrin
Glycerin
Cocoa
Natural Flavor
Pectin
Locust Bean Gum
Organic Guar Gum
Sea Salt

Top Vegan Candy Cane Brands

Many candy canes don’t allow you to go vegan.

You don’t have to skimp on the best stuff.

Some brands make delicious, vegan candy canes.

You can still enjoy your candy canes more healthily.

These are the top two vegan candy cane brands.

Wholesome

List Of Ingredients

Organic cane sugar
Juice made from organic fruit
Natural peppermint flavor
Organic brown rice syrup

This organic candy cane brand is a must-have for anyone who loves candies.

This famous brand offers vegan and organic candy canes.

Wholesome candies are free from gluten, corn syrup, casein, and other allergens.

It does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

They are also allergen-free, taste great, and have many positive reviews.

Hammond’s

Listing Of Ingredients

Organic sugar
Organic palm oil
Natural vegetable glycerin
Organic tapioca syrup
Organic flavors

Hammond’s a well-known producer of vegan peppermint candy with organic certification.

This candy cane brand has a significant advantage: it contains a higher-calorie candy cane.

Each serving contains 90 calories.

Hammond’s candy canes are great because all of the ingredients are organic and vegan.

Last Words

You can now stop wondering, “Are candy canes vegan?”

You can now say goodbye to the days of wondering, “Are candy canes vegan?”

You can now distinguish plant-based products from 100% vegan ones based on the brand and the ingredient list.

It’s still important to carefully examine the ingredients, as many manufacturers won’t disclose the source of their Christmas candy sticks.

For more information on their products, you can always contact them.

Author

Mary M. Cameron
Mary M. Cameron is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science from the University of California, Davis and a Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). With over 8 years of experience in the nutrition field, Mary is an expert in weight management, plant-based nutrition, and overall health and wellness. As an author at FitGAG, she shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including nutrition plans, healthy recipes, and overall health and wellness tips. Mary believes that nutrition is the foundation of overall health and wellness, and she strives to inspire her readers to prioritize a balanced and varied diet, while also incorporating physical activity and self-care into their daily routines. Through her articles, Mary aims to empower her readers to make informed decisions about their nutrition and lifestyle choices, and to help them achieve their health and wellness goals.
View all posts