Jelly Tots Sweets Now Officially Certified Vegan
Rowntrees’ Jelly Tots – a favorite childhood sweet of many – are now officially labeled as vegan on the packaging.
Although the sweet does not feature any animal products in the ingredients list – for instance, gelatin, which is derived from the bones of cows and pigs and found in many jelly-like sweets – it hasn’t been marked as such until now.
Companies opting for clear vegan labeling is a progressive step; Last year, animal rights organization Animal Aid launched a campaign encouraging more supermarkets and companies to clearly label products as vegan where applicable.
Rowntrees’ Jelly Tots prove that tasty popular candy doesn’t have to include animal products, like gelatin. According to the brand, these “lovely little fruity-flavoured dots in five tasty flavours” are made from sugar, glucose syrup, and fruit juices.
It notes on its website, “with real fruit juice and no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, [Jelly Tots] are perfect for a moment of child-like playfulness, whatever age you are.”
According to a study from last year by Mintel, the vegan candy market is growing, with new product launches increasing by 140% from 2013 to 2018.
“A shift away from animal products is currently underway,” said Mintel’s food and drink director of insight in a statement. “After a boom in other categories, the vegan and vegetarian trend can now be seen in both chocolate and sugar confectionery.”
