Are Swedish Fish Vegan?

You might wonder if Swedish Fish fit into a vegan lifestyle. Most of the time, you can enjoy these chewy candies without worry, especially in the U.S. Sometimes, though, certain varieties use ingredients like beeswax. Always check the label to see what’s inside. That way, you know exactly what you’re eating.

Key Takeaways

• Always check the ingredient label on Swedish Fish. Some varieties contain beeswax, which is not vegan.

• Most standard Swedish Fish are vegan-friendly, as they do not contain gelatin or animal-derived ingredients.

• Swedish Fish recipes can vary by region. U.S. versions are sweeter, while European versions use more natural ingredients.

• Look for vegan certifications on packaging. Products labeled as vegan or gluten-free are usually safe choices.

• Explore other vegan gummy brands if you want alternatives. Many options are available that are free from animal products.

Swedish Fish and Vegan Status

Standard Recipe

When you look at the standard recipe for Swedish Fish, you might notice that most of the ingredients come from plants or are made in a lab. This makes them a popular choice for people who want to avoid animal products. Here’s a quick look at what you usually find in a bag of Swedish Fish:

You might feel relieved to see that gelatin does not appear in the standard recipe. Gelatin comes from animals, so its absence means Swedish Fish are usually safe for vegans. Some mini varieties, though, use beeswax. Beeswax is not vegan, so you need to check the label before you buy.

Tip: Always read the ingredient list. Some bags, like the peg bag version, contain beeswax, which is not vegan.

PETA and other vegan groups talk about this a lot. Here’s what they say:

• Some Swedish Fish varieties are vegan, but others are not.

• The peg bag Swedish Fish contains beeswax.

• Many candies are vegan, including some Swedish Fish.

• You should always check the label for animal-derived ingredients.

Regional Differences

Swedish Fish recipes can change depending on where you buy them. If you pick up a bag in the United States, you get a sweeter candy with a strong fruity flavor, like cherry. In Canada, the recipe looks almost the same, but there might be small changes in the additives.

In Europe, things look a bit different. The Swedish version uses natural coloring agents and fewer artificial additives. You might taste flavors like lingonberry or black currant, which are more subtle than the American version. The texture also changes. Swedish Fish in Sweden feel firmer and less sticky, while the U.S. version is softer and chewier.

Here’s a table to help you see the differences:

You should know that white mineral oil, which appears in the U.S. recipe, is not allowed in Europe. Many food dyes used in the U.S. are also not approved in the EU. Because of these rules, the Swedish version of Swedish Fish uses more natural ingredients.

Note: The recipe for Swedish Fish in Sweden is not the same as the one in North America. Always check the label, especially if you travel or buy candy from another country.

Ingredients to Watch

Common Ingredients

When you pick up a bag of Swedish Fish, you probably wonder what’s inside. Most of the time, you see ingredients that come from plants or are made in a lab. Here’s a table that shows which ingredients are always plant-based:

You can see that most ingredients are vegan-friendly. Swedish Fish do not contain gelatin, which is common in other gummy candies. Carnauba wax is also safe for vegans. If you want a quick visual, check out this chart:

Non-Vegan Additives

You need to watch out for a few ingredients that are not vegan. Beeswax sometimes appears in mini or specialty versions. Beeswax comes from bees, so it does not fit a vegan diet. Some flavors and dyes might depend on their source, but most Swedish Fish use plant-based or synthetic options.

Tip: Always check the label for beeswax or other animal-derived ingredients. If you see beeswax listed, that product is not vegan.

Here’s a quick list of what to look for:

• Beeswax (not vegan)

• Gelatin (not found in Swedish Fish, but common in other gummies)

• Natural flavors (sometimes animal-based, but usually plant-based in Swedish Fish)

• Artificial colors (usually vegan, but check if you want to be sure)

If you stick to the classic Swedish Fish, you usually get a vegan treat. Specialty or mini versions might surprise you, so reading the label helps you make the best choice.

How to Check Swedish Fish Labels

Identifying Vegan Options

You want to make sure your candy fits your vegan lifestyle. Checking the label is the best way to spot vegan-friendly Swedish Fish. Start by looking at the ingredient list. If you see beeswax, put the bag back. Beeswax comes from bees, so it’s not vegan. Some packaging types, like the peg bag, include beeswax. Regular packaging usually skips it.

Here’s a quick table to help you compare:

You should also watch for sugar. Some vegans avoid sugar processed with bone char, but most Swedish Fish use refined sugar. Palm oil sometimes appears, and while it’s not animal-derived, some people skip it for environmental reasons.

Tip: Always scan for beeswax and gelatin. If you don’t see them, you’re likely holding a vegan treat.

Specialty Vegan Products

Some Swedish Fish products make things even easier. You might spot a vegan or gluten-free label right on the package. These labels help you choose with confidence. The Intertek Vegan Food Mark is one certification that shows a product meets vegan standards.

Check out this table for more info:

You’ll find specialty options like Swedish Fish Assorted and Swedish Fish Tails Candy. These treats come in different flavors and colors, and they skip animal ingredients. They’re also gluten-free, so you don’t have to worry about wheat, barley, or rye.

Here’s a quick list of what you might see:

• Classic red Swedish Fish: Fat-free, gluten-free, no animal-derived ingredients.

• Swedish Fish Assorted: Vegan-friendly, but contains refined sugar.

• Swedish Fish Soft and Chewy Assorted: Gelatin-free, fruity flavors, contains refined sugar.

• Swedish Fish Tails Candy: Two flavors in one, gluten-free, vegan-friendly.

If you see a vegan or gluten-free label, you can trust the product. Consumer groups say these labels are reliable, but always check for beeswax just in case. Swedish Fish usually fit vegan and gluten-free diets, but reading the label keeps you safe.

Vegan Candy Alternatives

Other Vegan Gummies

You have a lot of choices if you want vegan gummies that taste like Swedish Fish. Many brands make chewy, fruity candies without animal products. Here are some popular vegan gummy brands you can find in North America:

• BUBS Godis: Makes foam and gummy candies without gelatin.

• Candy People: Offers modern vegan sweets with clean labels.

• Kolsvart: Creates small-batch gummies using local ingredients.

• Läkerol: Sells sugar-free pastilles with no animal-derived ingredients.

• Fazer Tutti Frutti: Changed its recipe to be gelatin-free and vegan-friendly.

You might also see other brands in stores. Some of these include Dots, JujuFruits, and Smart Sweets. These candies use plant-based ingredients and natural sweeteners. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:

Vegan gummies often use natural ingredients and avoid animal byproducts like gelatin. Some even use coconut sugar or beet sugar instead of regular sugar. You might notice that these candies have fewer allergens and sometimes more nutrients than regular Swedish Fish.

😊 Tip: Vegan gummies can be a great choice if you want to avoid animal products and try new flavors.

DIY Vegan Candy

You can make your own vegan candy at home if you like to experiment in the kitchen. Many recipes use simple ingredients and easy steps. Here’s what you need for homemade vegan Swedish Fish:

• Agar agar: A tasteless powder from algae that works like gelatin.

• Vegan gel: A vegetable gum that helps the candy set.

• Locust bean gum, pectin, or xanthan gum: Other plant-based gelling agents.

• Vegan-certified sugars: Such as beet sugar or coconut sugar.

• Other sweeteners: Raw cane sugar, maple syrup, molasses, or stevia.

To make the candy, you mix fruit-flavored juice with your chosen gelling agent and sweetener. Heat the mixture, pour it into fish-shaped molds, and let it cool. You get chewy, fruity candies that look and taste like Swedish Fish—without any animal ingredients.

Making your own vegan candy lets you control the flavors and ingredients. You can even use real fruit juice for a healthier treat!

When you want to know what makes Swedish Fish vegan, you need to look at the ingredients and packaging. Some people think all versions are vegan, but beeswax, sugar processing, and food coloring can cause confusion. You can use guides like The Ultimate Vegan Candy Guide or Ater Imber’s list to help you check what’s safe. Remember, you have plenty of tasty vegan candy choices, so you never have to miss out on a sweet treat.

FAQ

What makes Swedish Fish vegan?

You get vegan Swedish Fish when the recipe skips animal ingredients like gelatin and beeswax. Most classic Swedish Fish use plant-based or synthetic ingredients. Always check the label for beeswax or other animal products.

What should you look for on the Swedish Fish label?

Scan the ingredient list for beeswax and gelatin. If you spot either, that bag isn’t vegan. You can also look for vegan or gluten-free certification marks for extra peace of mind.

What Swedish Fish varieties are not vegan?

Some mini Swedish Fish and peg bag versions use beeswax. Beeswax comes from bees, so these aren’t vegan. Stick with classic Swedish Fish or check for specialty vegan labels.

What are some vegan alternatives to Swedish Fish?

You can try brands like BUBS Godis, Candy People, or Smart Sweets. These companies make fruity, chewy candies without animal products. You can also make your own vegan gummies at home.

What is the best way to make sure your candy is vegan?

Read every label before you buy. Look for vegan certifications and avoid products with beeswax or gelatin. If you’re unsure, choose brands that clearly say “vegan” on the package.