Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan? Here’s What You Need To Know!

What Are Sour Patch Kids?

Originally named “Mars Men” when they launched in the 1970s to capitalize on the space race that captured the imaginations of kids and adults alike, Sour Patch Kids have gone through many revisions over the years.

In 1985, they morphed into children following the wild success of Cabbage Patch Kids dolls when they hit US markets. Now owned by parent company Mondelez, makers of Oreos and other snack foods, Sour Patch Kids are sold across the world under a few different names. In France, they’re called “Very Bad Kids,” while they go by the similar but far less catchy name of “Maynards Sour Patch Kids” in the UK and Canada.

Given such wide distribution, it should come as no surprise that Sour Patch Kids are produced in many different factories. Unfortunately, not all factories use precisely the same formula, so the ingredients differ depending on which country you purchase them in. The biggest difference is the use of natural or artificial colors.

The standard mix contains redberry, blue raspberry, pink strawberry, lemon, orange, lime, grape, and white pineapple flavors.

What Are Sour Patch Kids Made Of?

With that disparity in mind, let’s take a look at the label of Sour Patch Kids that are produced and sold in the US.

Here are the classic Sour Patch Kids ingredients: Sugar, invert sugar, corn syrup, modified corn starch, tartaric acid, citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, yellow 6, red 40, yellow 5, blue 1.

Let’s dive into each.

Sour Patch Kids Ingredients & Vegan Status

• Sugar: Making up the bulk of this candy, simple granulated sugar is a potentially controversial ingredient. Is sugar vegan? Here’s our perspective on that (we do consider sugar vegan). Though it comes from either sugarcane or sugar beets which are naturally plant-based, the way it’s processed may not be. Some manufacturers clarify their sugar through bone char, which comes from ground animal bones. There’s no way of knowing at a glance since this doesn’t need to be disclosed on the label. It can be a bit of a gamble, so whether you’re comfortable with that or not is up to you.
• Invert sugar: Combining fructose and dextrose to make a strong, sticky syrup, this ingredient helps prevent crystallization during the candy-making process. It’s what makes sugar sculptures come to life in the hands of professional pastry chefs, too.
• Corn syrup: Distinctly separate from high fructose corn syrup, plain corn syrup is made by refining the sugars inherent in corn, creating a thick and gooey light golden syrup that helps create the soft, chewy texture in this treat.
• Modified corn starch: Don’t worry, “modified” doesn’t mean genetically modified in this case. It just implies that the starch has been further treated, through heat, acids, or electricity, to change the properties to make a better candy structure.
• Tartaric acid: This is what gives the candies their distinctive sour bite! Tartaric acid is naturally derived from many plants, especially in grapes and tamarind.
• Citric acid: Found in all citrus fruits like lemons and limes, this secondary sour flavor adds more depth and contrast to the outer coating.
• Natural and artificial flavor: No, you can’t pretend like you’re eating a serving of fruit with your snack here. These flavors are more like baking extracts rather than whole fruit purees.
• Artificial colors (yellow #6, red #40, yellow #5, blue #1): Real fruits can only dream of such wild and bold hues! These colors come from science, not nature.
• Titanium dioxide: This fine powder provides a bright, white pigment to a wide range of foods and cosmetics. In this case, it makes the exterior sour coating stand out against the brightly colored gummy centers.

So… Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan or Not?

The final verdict is… Maybe! It largely depends on your judgment whether or not you consider Sour Patch Kids to be “accidentally” vegan-friendly. Going by the list of ingredients: Yes, Sour Patch Kids are vegan! Unlike many other soft, chewy candies, no gelatin or eggs are used to create that bouncy texture.

However, if you take the unknown processing of the sugar into account, in addition to evidence that parent company Mondelez does use bone char in other products: No, Sour Patch Kids are not vegan.

As a matter of ethics, it’s up to you to decide what you’re most comfortable with. If it’s an issue of extreme allergies, it’s not ever safe to take such a risk.

Vegan Sour Patch Kids Varieties

In addition to the original rainbow, there have been many spin-off flavors for various holidays, promotions, and different cravings. These choices may come and go, but the good news is that they all share roughly the same list of accidentally vegan ingredients. Here’s what you can expect to find on shelves in the US when you want a fun change of pace:

• Sour Patch Xploderz
• X-Treme Sour Patch
• Sour Patch Connectors
• Tropical Sour Patch Kids
• Xmas Sour Patch Kids
• Sour Patch Chillerz
• Sour Patch Line Ups
• Zombie Sour Patch Kids
• Watermelon Sour Patch Kid
• Blue Raspberry Sour Patch
• Peach Sour Patch
• Cherry Sour Patch
• Sour Apple Sour Patch Kids
• Sour Patch Bunnies

Are Sour Patch Kids Gluten-Free?

Yes, Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free! Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some grains and is not present in the ingredients. However, Sour Patch Kids are not gluten-free certified, meaning they may be made in a facility that also produces gluten products, and trace gluten could be accidentally present in the final product.

If you have an extreme sensitivity to gluten or want celiac-approved candy, find a different vegan candy option with a label guarantee.

Are Sour Patch Kids Dairy-Free?

Yes! There is zero dairy in the ingredients of Sour Patch Kids. In fact, all vegan products are also dairy-free by default. If a product is vegan, it is also dairy-free.

Is Red #40 Vegan?

Yes, technically! Red #40 is a food additive commonly used in candies (like Red Vines) and other processed or packaged foods and drinks. It’s a synthetic coloring dye made in a laboratory from petroleum.

It contains no animal ingredients, insect products, or byproducts. The ingredients are fully vegan. However, Red #40 is not cruelty-free, as it has been tested on animals (mice, rats, dogs, rabbits, pigs) which is an FDA requirement for all synthetic food additives.

Can You Make Sour Patch Kids At Home?

If you’re a fan of fun DIY projects or simply want a slightly healthier alternative, you’re in luck! It’s quite easy to make your own Sour Patch Kids from scratch. You can use any shapes you like for the molds, or simply pour the mixture into a plain baking pan to cut squares out of once set.

For an incredibly simple 3-ingredient approach, you can’t find a better formula than this recipe that calls for just citrus fruits, sugar, and citric acid. As a bonus, you get a decent dose of vitamin C along with your treat!