When it comes to veganism, there are many things that people don’t know. For example, are Mike and Ike’s vegan? The answer is… not really. While these candies do not include any obvious animal products, there are some ingredients in the recipe that most vegans would agree to steer clear of.
What Are Mike and Ikes Made of?
Mike and Ike’s candies are popular chewy, fruit-flavored snacks that have been around since 1940. The original flavor combination was strawberry and lemon, but the line has expanded to include various flavors.
So, what exactly are Mike and Ikes made of? The answer may surprise you. These colorful candies are made from a blend of sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s glaze, and various chemicals and flavorings (sounds appetizing, right?).
While this ingredient list might not be as exciting as some of the other candy options out there, it’s clear that the simplicity of Mike and Ikes is one of the things that makes them so irresistible. So next time you’re reaching for a sweet snack, don’t be afraid to indulge in nostalgia with a bag of Mike and Ikes.
What Does Vegan Mean?
Many people often confuse the terms vegan and vegetarian. While both vegans and vegetarians do not eat meat, there are some critical differences between the two diets. Vegans avoid all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and honey.
In contrast, vegetarians may choose to consume some or all of these animal-based foods. Additionally, vegans typically avoid using animal-based products like leather and wool. For many people, veganism is about more than just food; it is a lifestyle choice that seeks to avoid all forms of animal exploitation.
While vegetarianism is also a compassionate diet choice, vegans often feel that it does not go far enough in protecting animals. As a result, veganism is often seen as the more ethical option for those wanting to reduce their impact on animals. However, when it comes to Mike and Ikes, you might be surprised to learn that both vegans and vegetarians want to avoid them.
Are Mike and Ikes Vegan-Friendly?
Mike and Ikes don’t contain gelatin, which many would assume makes them vegan-friendly; however, there are some other things you should be aware of if you are trying to adhere to a cruelty-free diet. According to the official website, Mike and Ikes are not currently vegan.
The company (along with several other popular candy companies) removed gelatin from its ingredients to appeal to the cruelty-free crowd. However, to fill the gap left behind by gelatin, they have added a confectioner’s glaze. Confectioner’s glaze sounds harmless (like confectioner’s sugar, right?), but it contains an ingredient called shellac, which is derived from the excretions of beetles —that’s right, beetles.
The company does not currently offer any vegan versions of Mike and Ike. However, several similar candies are vegan-friendly, such as Skittles and Swedish Fish. So, if you’re looking for a vegan candy option, you might want to try one of these instead.
There Are Plenty of Vegan-Friendly Candy Options Available
Mike and Ikes are a popular type of candy known for their fruity flavors and vibrant colors. However, many people are disappointed to learn that Mike and Ikes are not vegan-friendly. While it’s disappointingly true that Mike and Ikes contain animal products, there are plenty of similar vegan-friendly candies you can indulge in.
For example, Swedish Fish is a popular type of vegan candy. In addition, Swedish Fish are available in various colors and flavors, making them a great alternative to Mike and Ikes.
Another vegan-friendly alternative to Mike and Ikes is Twizzlers. Twizzlers come in a narrow range of flavors, but they’re packed with nostalgia. So if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly alternative to Mike and Ikes, there are plenty of delicious options.
Benefits of Following a Vegan Diet
So what’s the big deal if Mike and Ikes contain some animal products? There are many benefits to following a vegan diet that you may not be aware of. A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
While some people follow a vegan diet for ethical reasons, there are also many health benefits associated with this way of eating. For instance, vegans tend to have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and, therefore, a lower risk of developing heart disease.
Additionally, plant-based diets are typically high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help to protect against various chronic diseases. While a vegan diet may require careful planning to ensure that all nutrient needs are met, the potential health benefits are worth considering.
Conclusion
Whether or not you decide to try vegan candy is up to you. However, it’s essential to be aware of the ingredients in your food and what they mean for your overall health. If you are interested in following a vegan diet, plenty of delicious and cruelty-free options are available. So don’t let the lack of options keep you from sticking to your vegan diet.
