When you indulge in your favorite candies, do you ever stop to think about what’s really going into them? While we often assume that candies are made from traditional ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring, some may contain unexpected components – including animal bones.
Yes, you read that right. Animal bones. It may sound unsettling, but it’s a reality that has sparked heated debates and raised concerns among vegans, vegetarians, and animal lovers alike. But before we dive into the details, let’s take a step back and explore the history of candy making.
A Brief History of Candy Making
The art of candy making dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all producing sweet treats using natural ingredients like honey, fruits, and nuts. As trade routes expanded, new ingredients like sugar and spices became more accessible, leading to the creation of a wide range of candies.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed the candy-making process, allowing for mass production and the development of new technologies. This marked the beginning of the modern candy industry, with companies like Hershey’s and Mars dominating the market.
But with the rise of industrial candy making came the introduction of new ingredients, including some that might surprise you. One such ingredient is gelatin, a protein derived from animal bones and connective tissue.
What is Gelatin, and How is it Used in Candy?
Gelatin is a common ingredient in many food products, including candies, marshmallows, and desserts. It’s often used as a gelling agent, thickener, or stabilizer, helping to give products their texture and structure. But where does gelatin come from?
Gelatin is typically derived from animal bones, skin, and connective tissue, which are boiled down to extract the protein. This process can involve the use of bones from cows, pigs, horses, and other animals. The resulting gelatin is then dried and ground into a powder or sheet form, making it easy to incorporate into a wide range of products.
In the candy industry, gelatin is often used in products like:
- Marshmallows: Gelatin helps to give marshmallows their light, fluffy texture.
- Gummies: Gelatin is used to create the chewy texture of gummy bears and other fruit snacks.
While gelatin is a common ingredient in many candies, it’s not the only animal-derived component used in the industry. Other ingredients, like carmine and lactose, may also be used in certain products.
Other Animal-Derived Ingredients in Candy
In addition to gelatin, some candies may contain other animal-derived ingredients, including:
Carmine
Carmine, also known as cochineal or crimson lake, is a red food coloring derived from the crushed shells of cochineal insects. While carmine is not typically used in bulk candies, it may be found in some gourmet or artisanal products, like fruit leathers or candies with a natural food coloring.
Lactose
Lactose is a sugar derived from milk, making it an animal-derived ingredient. While lactose is commonly used in dairy products like milk and cheese, it’s also used in some candies, like caramels or toffees.
What Do Candy Manufacturers Say?
So, what do candy manufacturers have to say about the use of animal-derived ingredients in their products? We reached out to several major candy companies to ask about their policies and practices.
In response, a spokesperson for Hershey’s stated, “Hershey’s uses gelatin in some of our products, including our marshmallow treats. We source our gelatin from suppliers who ensure that the animal bones and connective tissue used are sourced from animals that are raised and treated humanely.”
Mars, Inc., another major candy manufacturer, responded, “Mars uses gelatin in some of our products, like our gummy candies. We are committed to sourcing our gelatin from suppliers who adhere to high animal welfare standards and follow local and international regulations.”
While candy manufacturers may claim to source their animal-derived ingredients from humane and sustainable sources, the reality is that the production process can be complex and opaque.
The Concerns Surrounding Animal-Derived Ingredients in Candy
So, why are animal-derived ingredients in candy a concern for many people? There are several reasons:
Animal Welfare
The use of animal bones and connective tissue in gelatin production raises concerns about animal welfare. The process of obtaining these ingredients can involve animal cruelty and neglect, particularly in cases where animals are raised in factory farms or neglected in their living conditions.
Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
For those who follow vegan or vegetarian diets, the presence of animal-derived ingredients in candy can be a major concern. Many people choose to avoid products that contain animal products, and the use of gelatin, carmine, and lactose can make it difficult for them to find suitable candy options.
Environmental Impact
The production of animal-derived ingredients can have a significant environmental impact, from the resources required to raise and process animals to the waste generated during production. This can contribute to climate change, deforestation, and other environmental concerns.
Food Safety
Finally, the use of animal-derived ingredients in candy raises concerns about food safety. Gelatin, in particular, has been linked to outbreaks of mad cow disease and other animal-borne illnesses.
What Can You Do?
If you’re concerned about the use of animal-derived ingredients in candy, there are several steps you can take:
Choose Vegan-Friendly Candies
Look for candies that are certified vegan or vegetarian, or opt for products that use plant-based alternatives to gelatin, like agar agar or carrageenan.
Support Sustainable Brands
Choose candy brands that prioritize sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility. These brands may be more transparent about their ingredients and production processes.
Contact Candy Manufacturers
Reach out to candy manufacturers and express your concerns about the use of animal-derived ingredients. Your voice can help drive change and encourage companies to adopt more humane and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
While the use of animal-derived ingredients in candy may be a complex and opaque issue, it’s essential to shed light on the topic and encourage a more informed conversation. By choosing vegan-friendly candies, supporting sustainable brands, and speaking out against animal-derived ingredients, we can create a more compassionate and environmentally conscious food industry.
So, the next time you indulge in your favorite candy, take a moment to think about what’s really going into it. Is it made from animal bones? The answer might surprise you.
What is bone char and how is it used in candy production?
Bone char, also known as animal bone charcoal, is a type of carbonated material derived from animal bones. It is used as a filtering agent in the production of sugar, which is a common ingredient in many types of candy. The bone char is used to remove impurities and whiten the sugar, making it suitable for human consumption.
The use of bone char in sugar production is a long-standing practice that dates back centuries. While it may seem unappetizing to some, the bone char is completely incinerated during the refining process, leaving no traces of animal products in the final sugar product. This means that the sugar used in candy production is completely vegan-friendly, despite the involvement of animal bone char in its production.
Are all types of candy made with sugar refined with bone char?
Not all types of candy are made with sugar refined with bone char. Some candy manufacturers may use alternative filtering agents, such as coconut shells or activated charcoal, to refine their sugar. Additionally, some sugar producers may use bone char-free refining processes, such as ion exchange or electrodialysis.
It’s also worth noting that not all candies contain sugar as an ingredient. Some candies may use alternative sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, which do not require the use of bone char in their production. If you’re concerned about the use of bone char in your candy, it’s always best to check the ingredients label or contact the manufacturer directly.
Is bone char used in other food products besides candy?
Yes, bone char is used in the production of other food products beyond candy. Bone char is often used to refine other types of sugar, such as beet sugar and cane sugar, which are used in a wide range of food products. It is also used to filter coffee, beer, and other beverages to remove impurities and improve their flavor and appearance.
In addition to sugar and beverages, bone char may be used in the production of some food additives, such as food coloring and flavorings. However, it’s worth noting that not all food products that contain sugar or other ingredients refined with bone char will necessarily contain animal-derived ingredients.
Are gummies and other gelatin-based candies made with animal bones?
Gummies and other gelatin-based candies are made with gelatin, which is a protein derived from animal bones and connective tissue. Gelatin is typically obtained from animal sources such as cows, pigs, and horses, and is used as a gelling agent in many food products, including gummies, marshmallows, and some types of candy.
However, it’s worth noting that not all gelatin-based candies are made with animal-derived gelatin. Some manufacturers may use plant-based gelatin alternatives, such as agar or carrageenan, which are derived from seaweed or other plant sources. If you’re concerned about the use of animal-derived ingredients in your gummies or other candies, it’s always best to check the ingredients label or contact the manufacturer directly.
Can vegans eat candy made with sugar refined with bone char?
The answer to this question is a matter of personal preference. While the use of bone char in sugar refining may be a concern for some vegans, the fact remains that the bone char is completely incinerated during the refining process, leaving no traces of animal products in the final sugar product.
For many vegans, the use of bone char in sugar refining is not a significant concern, as it is not an animal-derived ingredient in and of itself. However, some vegans may choose to avoid candies made with sugar refined with bone char as a matter of principle. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume candy made with sugar refined with bone char is up to the individual.
How can I avoid candies made with animal-derived ingredients?
If you’re concerned about avoiding candies made with animal-derived ingredients, there are several steps you can take. First, always check the ingredients label to look for obvious animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin, honey, or dairy products.
Additionally, you can look for certifications such as the Vegan Society logo, which indicates that the product is free from animal-derived ingredients. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to ask about their ingredients and production processes. Finally, consider choosing candies made with plant-based sweeteners, such as coconut sugar or maple syrup, which are naturally vegan-friendly.
Is the use of bone char in sugar refining a sustainable practice?
The use of bone char in sugar refining is a long-standing practice that has been criticized by some for its potential environmental and social impacts. The production of bone char requires the collection and incineration of animal bones, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Additionally, the sourcing of animal bones for bone char production can have negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities. Some sugar producers are beginning to explore alternative filtering agents and refining processes that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. If you’re concerned about the sustainability of your candy, consider choosing brands that prioritize transparency and sustainability in their production processes.