Are Sprinkles Vegan?
Ice cream, cupcakes, donuts, cookies… what do all of these foods have in common? They are all even better when smothered in sprinkles! As a vegan, you may be thinking this harmless sweet topping is surely animal-free—after all, aren’t they made out of pure sugar?
Not only is white sugar a controversial product for vegans, since it may have been refined using animal bone char (very difficult to determine unless you contact the brand), sprinkles typically contain yet another tricky ingredient: confectioner’s glaze. It’s also known as pharmaceutical glaze, resinous glaze, confectioner’s resin, pure food glaze, or natural glaze. If your sprinkles contain this insect-derived ingredient, they're sadly not vegan-friendly.
Another frequently overlooked ingredient in sprinkles is artificial coloring. Although these are artificial, so not plant or animal-derived, they are frequently tested on animals to determine their safety for human consumption. Also, some natural red food colorings like crimson lake and natural red 4 are made out of cochineal insect blood. So, if you’re vegan and have access to a better alternative, we’d suggest avoiding artificial or red colorings for both your health and the animals.
And finally, even sprinkles considered ‘vegan’ tend to contain palm oil. Although this ingredient is plant-based, its negative environmental impact harms animals directly by ruining their habitats through rainforest destruction. Again, if you can find palm-oil free alternatives, they’re likely safer for our animal friends.
What Is Confectioner’s Glaze?
Made partially out of an ingredient known as shellac, or “beetle juice”, confectioner’s glaze is used to add shine to sprinkles, candies, pills, and even apples! Shellac, however, is commonly used in nail polish, wood varnish, flowers, and shoe polish. The two differ slightly, since confectioner’s glaze is food-grade, and made of only around 20-50% pure shellac. The rest of the solution is composed of ethanol (grain alcohol).
Shellac is made of lac beetle secretions, originally intended to protect the insects’ eggs. These secretions, once hardened, are collected from tree branches and dissolved into a shiny resin. Unfortunately, bugs are sometimes dissolved into the ethanol solution used for this process as well. In fact, around 300,000 bugs are killed for every 2.2 pounds of shellac produced. So, needless to say, this product is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Our Favorite Vegan Sprinkles
Now that you know why sprinkles are not typically vegan, check out some of these products going against the grain with their delicious, glaze-free formulas!
Watkins Rainbow Decorating Vegan Sprinkles
Made with vegetable extracts instead of artificial coloring, and zero confectioner’s glaze, Watkins’ Rainbow Decorating Sprinkles have a unique color scheme that can bring originality to your treats! Plus, they’re non-GMO, gluten free, and free from corn syrup. Just keep in mind that not all of their products are vegan, and they do contain palm oil.
Chef’s Quality Vegan Chocolate Sprinkles
These rich sprinkles are a great addition to your ice cream, cupcakes, and more! However, you should know that they contain palm oil and artificial flavors.
Wilton Naturally Flavored Rainbow Confetti Sprinkles
A relatively natural choice in comparison with leading brands, Wilton’s Naturally Flavored Rainbow Confetti Sprinkles are free from high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors! Although they are made with hydrogenated palm oil, which is not great for our planet or your health. So, even though these are technically vegan, we suggest consuming with great moderation!
Whole Foods Market Rainbow Sprinkles
This is one of the most natural products on our list, and it’s labelled vegan! Made with naturally-derived ingredients like cane sugar, beet, turmeric, red cabbage, and others, this product is likely the safest, as well. However, as do the rest of the sprinkles we found, they also contain palm oil.
Edward & Sons Let's Do Organic Confetti Sprinkelz
Finally a palm-oil free option! Made with truly simple, gluten-free ingredients (organic cane sugar, organic tapioca starch, organic tapioca maltodextrin, plant-based natural colors, baking soda, and citric acid), they are an ideal option for your vegan baking! Create beautiful, kinder creations with these ethical sprinkles.
Now that you know which products to stay away from, and which to look out for, you’re all set to decorate your beautiful baked treats! For more vegan baking tips, check out our complete guide right here. Thanks for sticking up for the animals and our planet!
