Are Now and Laters Vegan?
Now and Laters, commonly known for their taffy-like fruit flavors, have been a favorite treat for decades. However, many vegans are curious about whether these candies are actually vegan or not. In this article, we'll explore the potential vegan options with Now and Laters and provide a detailed breakdown of their ingredients.
The History of Now and Laters
Now and Laters, created by the Ferrara Candy Company, have been around since the early 1960s. Ever since their inception, they've been a favorite among candy enthusiasts for their delicious taste and chewy texture. While the brand may have changed hands over the years, their commitment to producing high-quality candy products has remained steadfast.
Are Now and Laters Vegan? A Brief Overview
Now and Laters come in three main varieties: Original (both vegan and non-vegan versions), Chewy (the chewy variety is non-vegan), and Splits (another non-vegan option, as it contains egg whites). The Vegan Now and Laters, found in the Original Mix, are confirmed to be vegan-friendly. However, the Chewy and Splits varieties are not vegan due to the presence of egg whites.
The Ingredients of Now and Laters
Now and Leters are made with a variety of ingredients that contribute to their unique taste and texture. Here's a brief overview of the ingredients used:
1. Corn Syrup: A natural, plant-based sweetener extracted from sweet corn. Corn syrup is a popular sweetener in both vegan and non-vegan糖果和零食中。
2. Sugar: Refined sugar that has been processed to turn it into a more concentrated, sweet white sugar. Most vegans opt for candy made with natural cane sugar rather than refined white sugar due to ethical concerns.
3. Palm Oil: A type of tropical oil that is used as a cooking ingredient. While palm oil itself is plant-based, the production process can have negative environmental impacts, including deforestation and the endangerment of endangered species.
4. Citric Acid: A naturally occurring酸, found in citrus fruits, that is used as a flavoring agent.
5. Salt: A mineral used to enhance the texture and taste of the candy.
6. Artificial Flavors: Man-made flavors used to provide the desired taste profile for the candy.
7. Soy Lecithin: A plant-derived thickener and emulsifier used to maintain the texture of the candy.
8. Artificial Colors: Colors added to the candy predominantly for aesthetic purposes, making them safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan and Non-Vegan Varieties of Now and Laters
As mentioned earlier, the Original Mix of Now and Leters is vegan-friendly, but the Chewy and Splits are not. The Chewy version includes egg whites, which are not vegan-friendly. The Splits variety also includes egg white in addition to soy (from the soy lecithin).
However, some vegans may find the Original Now and Leters, which are made with soy but not egg whites or palm oil, to be acceptable vegan options.
Are Now and Laters a Healthier Option Than Other Candies?
While Now and Leters may not be the healthiest option due to their sugar content, they can still be enjoyed as a treat once in a while. If you're looking for healthier candy options, many brands offer vegan-friendly choices that are made with natural ingredients and free from added sugars.
###So, are Now and Leters vegan? The answer depends on the variety you choose. While the Original Mix is vegan, the Chewy and Splits varieties contain egg whites and palm oil, making them non-vegan. When choosing Now and Leters, keep in mind their potential nutritional impact and opt for the varieties that align with your dietary preferences and ethical standards.
As always, if you have any further questions or need advice on veganism or healthy eating, feel free to ask below. We'd be happy to help!
References:
- Ferrara Candy Company. (no date). Now and Later [Product webpage]. Retrieved fromhttps://www.nowandlater.com/
- Greenpeace. (2013, November 8). Palm oil: Cooking the climate. Retrieved from<https://www.greenpeace.org/
- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. (no date). The bird communities of oil palm and rubber plantations in Thailand. Retrieved fromhttps://www.rspb.org/uks/sites/default/files/PPV060618.pdf
- Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2005, May). Palm oil threatening endangered species. Retrieved fromhttps://www.csip.net
