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Vegan Sweets in the UK: The Complete Guide to Gelatine-Free Confectionery

Guides 10 April 2026 · 8 min read

The UK confectionery aisle is a minefield for vegans. Gelatine is the main culprit — it's in most jelly sweets, some chocolates, and more. Here's the definitive guide.

UK Sweets: Vegan vs Gelatine✓ VEGANSkittlesStarburstFruit PastillesLove Hearts✗ CONTAIN GELATINEHariboWine GumsJelly BabiesMarshmallows

Vegan sweets you can grab with confidence

Skittles — Removed E120 in 2015. Fully vegan.

Starburst — Vegan in the UK (not US).

Millions — Gelatine-free.

Fry's Turkish Delight — No gelatine, no dairy.

Fox's Glacier Mints & Fruits — Both vegan.

Fruit Pastilles — Rowntree's removed gelatine in 2015.

Swizzels — Drumstick lollies, Love Hearts, Refreshers, Parma Violets all vegan.

NOT vegan (contain gelatine or other animal products)

Haribo Goldbears / Tangfastics / Starmix — All contain gelatine.

Wine Gums (Maynards) — Contain gelatine.

Marshmallows — Almost all contain gelatine. Freedom Mallows is the vegan alternative.

Percy Pigs (M&S) — Originals contain pork gelatine. M&S makes vegan ones (labelled "Plant-based").

Jelly Babies — Contain gelatine.

What to watch on the label

Gelatine (E441) — The most common. From animal bones. Carmine (E120) — Red dye from insects. Beeswax (E901) — Glaze on coated sweets. Shellac (E904) — Insect secretion glaze. See our E-numbers guide for the full list.

Not sure about a sweet? Search it or scan the barcode.

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The sunflower shortcut

The Vegan Society trademark (sunflower logo) is the fastest way to know. More brands add it every year. For anything without it, use our checker.