Are Tic Tacs Halal? The 119 New Answer

Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs. Gelatin is used in shampoos, face masks and other cosmetics; as a thickening agent for fruit gelatin and pudding (such as jelly); in candy, marshmallows, cakes, ice cream and yogurt; on photographic film; and in vitamins as a coating and as capsules, and is sometimes used to ‘clarify’ wines. Gelatin is not vegan. However, there is a product called “agar-agar” that is sometimes marketed as “gelatin” but is vegan. It is obtained from a type of algae.

Kosher symbols and labels are not reliable indicators on which vegans or vegetarians should base their purchasing decisions. This subject is complex, but the “K” or “Kosher” symbols basically mean that the food-making process was overseen by a rabbi, who theoretically ensures that it conforms to Hebrew dietary laws. The food also cannot contain both dairy and meat, but it may contain one or the other. “P” or “Parve” means the product does not contain meat or dairy, but may contain fish or eggs. Kosher gelatin is usually made from a fish source. “D” as in “Kosher D” means the product either contains milk or is made with dairy machinery. For example, a chocolate and peanut candy can be labeled “Kosher D” even if it doesn’t contain milk because the non-dairy chocolate was made on machines that also made milk chocolate.

Can’t believe your Jell-O actually lived? Check out more disgusting things that might be hiding in your food.

Being a vegetarian has one simple rule: no meat, poultry, fish or seafood, or products derived from it or any part of an animal’s body. While it may seem easy to avoid eating a cheeseburger or drumsticks, there are many processed foods on the shelves that are mistakenly considered vegetarian-friendly. Misleading labels or the lack of a list of all ingredients make vegetarians more prone to unwitting rule-breaking.

The Food and Drug Administration’s Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires food manufacturers to label common food allergens, prompting some companies to be more transparent about the origin of their ingredients. However, the FDA does not require food companies to clearly identify all ingredient sources on the label. This has raised concerns among vegetarians and vegans, who must grapple with the ambiguity of ingredients such as “natural flavors,” which can come from either an animal or a plant-based source.

Most common foods that are considered vegetarian actually contain leftovers from non-vegetarian foods. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians still have to grapple with shades of gray when it comes to green thinking. Below are the most common foods that are considered vegetarian but surprisingly don’t get a green thumb.

1. Altoids

The go-to breath freshener mint might be kind to your breath, but not your vegetarian needs. Altoids contain gelatin — a thickening agent used to give gummies and yogurt a jelly-like consistency, but it’s derived from collagen, which is derived from various animal by-products. Gelatin is used as a stabilizer in Altoids. However, in 2011, the mint company changed the ingredients of their Wintergreen Mints, adding blue food coloring. Altoide Mints labeled “Sugar-Free Bites” do not contain gelatin. They are a vegetarian friendly option.

2. Bananas

It may seem “bananas” that this high-potassium food isn’t vegetarian, but turns out a spray coating meant to extend shelf life may contain animal parts. Chitosan, a bacteria-fighting compound extracted from shrimp and crab shells, is used to prevent bananas from ripening, turning soft and rotting into mush, according to Science Daily. This is bad news for vegetarians, vegans, and those with a shellfish allergy.

While the banana itself is fine, it’s the spray used to extend its shelf life that makes it non-vegetarian. Gina Keatley, a New York-based nutritionist with Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, told Medical Daily in an email, “The coating is made from shellfish and works amazingly well; however, this means that the product is no longer vegan.” She suggests that vegetarians and vegans use organic to avoid the spray.

3. Beer

Not every beer is vegetarian. Guinness beer is known to use fish bladder as a fining agent, meaning it removes unwanted residue from the brewing process and could potentially end up in your pint. However, the beer company doesn’t list it as an ingredient on the label.

According to Keatley, some brands use fish bladder to filter the yeast, with the thicker UK brands using more tropical fish bladder to filter. She suggests sticking with the big American brands like Budweiser and Coors, which cater to both vegetarians and vegans.

4. Fries

The nutritional information on chips sometimes does not distinguish between animal and vegetable enzymes. FritoLay explains on their website that pork enzymes are used to develop the cheese in some of their cheese seasonings. Their BBQ-flavored baked fries contain chicken fat. However, there are FritoLay chips that are free of pork enzymes for vegetarians and vegans.

5. Orange Juice

Orange juice is marketed as “heart-healthy,” meaning manufacturers add omega-3s from anchovies, tilapia, and sardines — unless they’re synthetic. “Also, the added vitamin D comes from lanolin, which comes from sheep’s wool, but that varies from brand to brand,” Keatley said. She suggests opting for freshly squeezed orange juice to avoid the non-veg ingredients.

6. Nutritional supplements and vitamins

Vegetarians and vegans who want to get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals should opt for supplements and vitamins that are not in gelcaps. dr Jennie Ann Freiman, an obstetrician-gynecologist from New York, told Medical Daily, “[G]el Caps are not vegetarian because the capsule is made of gelatin, which is usually beef (it may be fish etc, but less likely ).” She believes that not many people are aware of this when they shop for supplements and vitamins.

Keep these six vegetarian foods that aren’t actually vegetables in your back pocket when you go grocery shopping.

I’ve loved orange tic tacs since I was little, so I was a little afraid to ask, are tic tacs vegan? The answer is that most current orange tic tacs are vegan, as are many other flavors, but some are not.

For example, the Cherry Cola flavor is vegan on the US website, but not on the Australian website. Currently, the US website only lists vegan flavors. However, some non-vegan flavors not listed are still available in stores across the United States.

A customer service representative for Tic Tacs’ parent company, Ferrero, wrote me that some tic tacs contain carmine and/or shellac, which are not vegan, and some candy cane tic tacs contain milk, but all other flavors are vegan. They also wrote that Ferrero does not use sugar or other ingredients that have been processed through bone char or animal rennet, and that they do not test on animals.1

Look out for these non-vegan ingredients in some Tic Tacs:

Carmine – a red dye made by cooking certain insects.

– a red dye obtained by cooking certain insects. Carminic Acid – the coloring agent in carmine, a red pigment created by cooking certain insects.

– the dye in Carmine, a red dye created by cooking certain insects. Shellac – A resin secreted by the female lacquer beetle that is used to give candies a glossy coating. It is now often replaced by carnauba wax.

– resin excreted by the female lacquer beetle, used to give candies a glossy coating. It is now often replaced by carnauba wax. Milk – a liquid produced in the mammary glands of mammals to nourish their babies.

When shopping online, use our free vegan ingredient search engine to insert and search all ingredients at once.

Currently, all Tic Tacs with images printed on them, like the Despicable Me series or the Be Mine Valentine’s Day mix, use shellac, although the base flavor is usually vegan.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Vegan Tic Tac Flavors

A reader commented on finding a box of orange Tic Tacs containing Shellac in Australia. The tic tacs listed below as vegan are based on the latest information available on each country’s tic tac website. As of December 2017, orange tic tacs on the Australian Tic Tacs website do not contain shellac. However, previous formulas might have included it, so always check the ingredients and look out for the non-ingredients listed at the beginning of this post. I wish it would be easier!

Non-vegan tic tac flavors

Be Mine Mix – contains shellac

Berries Tic Tacs – Australia – contains carmine

Candy Cane Mints – contains dairy products

Cerise Cola – France – contains carmine

Cerise et Fruit de la Passion – France – contains carmine

Cherry Cola Tic Tacs – UK, Canadian & Australian versions contain carminic acid – check ingredients. The US version is vegan.

Cherry Passion Tic Tacs – UK – contains carminic acid

Citron Vert et Orange – France – contains carmine

Despicable Me Banana and Tangerine contains shellac

Despicable Me Banana and Tangerine contains shellac

Emotics Orange Tic Tacs – contains shellac

Emotics Peppermint Tic Tacs – contains shellac

Fruit Adventure Tic Tacs – UK, Australia, Sizes 24g & 49g – Contains Carminic Acid

Grape Tic Tacs – contains carmine

Lime and Orange Tic Tacs – UK – contains carminic acid

More about tic-tacs

Tic Tacs is a brand of small, hard lozenges owned by Ferrero, which also owns Nutella, Kinder Eggs and Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Tic Tacs were introduced in 1969. About forty-five percent of the world’s tic tacs are made in Cork, Ireland. The Tic Tacs sold in the United States appear to be made in Canada.

What about carcinogenic food coloring?

One of the reasons some flavors of tic tacs are vegan in the US but not in other countries is that other countries have banned synthetic food colorings that are allowed in the US. These countries end up using carmine from beetles instead of Red 40, which is made from petroleum or coal by-products. While carmine can cause severe allergic reactions, Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5 have links to potential health risks, including cancer and hyperactivity. However, in some of their newer flavors, Tic Tac has used vegan and “natural” colorings like beet powder and carotene, so it looks like we may soon have our cake and eat it too.

In Canada, orange tic tacs are actually white and come in a clear plastic case. I’d love to get my hands on some of these.

FOOTNOTES

1. Customer Service Emails:

Ferrero Customer Service, 5/12/2017:

“Tic Tac flavors with carmine and shellac are not vegan. Candy Cane Mints contain dairy products. All other flavors are vegan.”

Ferrero Customer Service, 12/06/2017:

“Our Ferrero products contain no ingredients processed through bone char or animal rennet.”

Ferrero Customer Service, 12/13/2017:

“To answer your question, we don’t test on animals.”

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Tic Tac® has been certified Kosher under the supervision of the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union.

by Fabian Jackson

These refreshing, round mints are a treat when offered. But are they also suitable for vegans?

Whether you’re someone who always has a pack of mints on the go or just someone who happily accepts them when they’re offered, polos are a refreshing and zesty treat.

What are polos?

Polos are an instantly recognizable breath mint that are circular in shape with a prominent hole in the center. Peppermint polo shirts were first made in Britain in the early 1900s by a Rowntree employee in York and have since grown into an international name. They are now owned by Nestlé and a number of flavors have been produced over the years.

The name has nothing to do with the sport (water and horseback riding), but is a “polar” reference to its cool, fresh taste.

Are polos vegan?

Yes, polos are vegan! There are four main vegan-friendly Polo flavors: Original, Spearmint, Fruit and Sugar-free, all suitable for anyone on a plant-based diet. Occasionally there are limited offshoots, which are always worth a look at the label.

Send us more plant-related questions in the comments.

A vegan diet is one that excludes animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, and generally aims to minimize harm to animals as much as possible. While vegan diets are often based on whole plant-based foods, they can include processed or packaged foods like candy. Some candies are more obviously made from animal-based ingredients, such as milk chocolate, cream, or other milk-based compounds. Others, like Skittles, are less obvious and might leave you wondering if they’re suitable for a vegan diet. This article examines whether Skittles are vegan. Share on Pinterest

Vegan Status Whether or not Skittles can be considered vegan depends on what ingredients are listed on the candy. As of 2020, the ingredients in Original-flavored Skittles include the following (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7): Sugar. Traditional white sugar used in candies like Skittles is made from sugar cane stalks and refined into smaller, whiter granules.

Traditional white sugar used in candies like Skittles is made from sugar cane stalks and refined into smaller, whiter granules. corn syrup. Also known as glucose syrup, this syrup is made from cornstarch and is used to soften, add volume, improve flavor, and prevent sugar crystallization in skittles.

Also known as glucose syrup, this syrup is made from cornstarch and is used to soften, add volume, improve flavor, and prevent sugar crystallization in skittles. Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil. This is a vegetable oil extracted from the kernel of the Elaeis guineensis oil palm plant. It is used in candy to improve flavor and texture.

This is a vegetable oil extracted from the kernel of the Elaeis guineensis oil palm plant. It is used in candy to improve flavor and texture. Citric acid. Found naturally in citrus fruits, a man-made version of citric acid is used in candy to increase acidity, enhance flavor and preserve ingredients.

Found naturally in citrus fruits, a man-made version of citric acid is used in candy to increase acidity, enhance flavor and preserve ingredients. Tapioca Dextrin. This is a starch extract derived from the yucca plant or cassava root. It is used in Skittles as an adherent candy coating and to preserve flavor and color.

This is a starch extract derived from the yucca plant or cassava root. It is used in Skittles as an adherent candy coating and to preserve flavor and color. Modified Corn Starch. Made from corn, this is an emulsifier and gelling agent that helps gum skittles.

Made from corn, this is an emulsifier and gelling agent that helps gum skittles. Natural and artificial flavors. Details of these flavors are usually proprietary, but given Skittles’ fruit-based flavors, it’s safe to assume they’re either derived from natural fruit sources or artificially created to mimic fruit flavors.

Details of these flavors are usually proprietary, but given Skittles’ fruit-based flavors, it’s safe to assume they’re either derived from natural fruit sources or artificially created to mimic fruit flavors. Colours. Cones use Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake and Titanium Dioxide. These are derived from raw materials derived from petroleum.

Cones use Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake and Titanium Dioxide. These are derived from raw materials derived from petroleum. sodium citrate. This is the sodium salt of citric acid and is used as a preservative and to provide a tart flavor.

This is the sodium salt of citric acid and is used as a preservative and to provide a tart flavor. carnauba wax. This is obtained from the wax of the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree. It is used in candy to keep coatings shiny and prevent them from melting. Other Skittles flavors such as Sour, Tropical, and Wild Berry contain the same ingredients, but the natural and artificial flavors and colors may differ slightly. However, limited-time special edition flavors may use animal-derived ingredients that are not found in mainstream flavors. Therefore, it is best to read the ingredients list. Up until about 2010, Skittles contained gelatin, which is not a vegan ingredient. Derived from animal collagen, the protein found in connective tissue, gelatin is used to give foods a chewy, gel-like texture. The maker of skittles has since removed gelatin. Additionally, up until 2015, Skittles manufactured in the UK contained carmine, also known as E120 or cochineal, a red dye derived from the Dactylopius coccus beetle ( 8Trusted Source ). Although no animal-derived ingredients are used to make Skittles these days, some people on vegan diets may be concerned about the use of white sugar. This is because refined cane sugar can be processed with animal bone char to remove both impurities and the sugar’s natural coloring to whiten it. However, the final product contains no animal traces. However, it is impossible to tell if bone char was used unless the food or confectionery is organic. This is because bone char is not on the National Organic Program’s national list of allowable substances. SUMMARY Common Skittles strains contain no animal-derived ingredients. However, it’s best to read the label for special edition varieties, which may contain ingredients not found in the original varieties.

Recommendation While some people following a vegan diet may not want to consume cane sugar that is not certified vegan, Skittles contain no animal-derived products. The natural and artificial flavors, colors, thickeners, sweeteners, and other ingredients used to make Skittles are either synthetically produced or plant-derived. That said, by definition of veganism, the standard varieties of Kegel are suitable for a vegan diet. To be safe, it’s a good idea to always read the ingredient label to make sure no animal compounds are used if you’re avoiding them. SUMMARY The main Skittles varieties contain no animal ingredients, so you can be sure that these will fit into a vegan diet.

Possibly vegan

This product appears to be sold in more non-English speaking countries. The vegan grade may be imprecise.

Create an account to set your diet and customize ingredients you want to avoid.

Peppermints are one of those things that should always be vegan. The minty flavor itself comes from plants like peppermint and spearmint. But like many other products, it’s possible that milk, egg, gelatin, beeswax, and other crazy bug ingredients make their way into the recipe.

Of 35 peppermint brands analyzed, 25 were vegan, 5 were non-vegan, and 5 varied by product. Peppermints and Mint Imperials (Scotch Mints) turned out to be consistently vegan. Meanwhile, Junior Mints, Andes Mints, and most Altoids aren’t vegan.

Below I share the full list of popular peppermint brands and whether they are vegan. I’ll also look at different types of after-dinner mints and whether they tend to be consistently vegan (or not)!

Are Peppermints Vegan?

Most peppermints are vegetarian and vegan, as they contain no obvious animal ingredients. However, there are some non-vegan peppermints that contain gelatin, carmine, beeswax, shellac (confectioner’s glaze), egg, or milk ingredients.

In the following I will outline which common mint varieties and mint brands are vegan and vegetarian. But first, let’s look at what peppermints are actually made of.

What are peppermints made of?

Peppermints are usually “minty” with some type of mint oil, such as peppermint oil, spearmint oil, or wintergreen. This applies to all types of mints, even chocolate mints.

Other ingredients in breath mints often include sugar, other sweeteners like dextrose or sucralose, and artificial colors (like Blue 1).

Magnesium stearate is also a common ingredient in many breath mints — and a controversial one for picky vegans, as it can be of animal or plant origin (and you don’t just know it by reading the label).

Side note: This is the best free video tutorial I’ve found on adopting a plant-based diet — the right way. You’ll learn how to lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and obesity – all with plants. Watch the free master class here.

Which peppermint brands are vegan?

Alright, now let’s take a look at some of the specific popular brands of mints. This gives you a bird’s-eye view of which mints are more vegan and which brands you should take a closer look at.

Brand Are you vegan? Animal-based ingredients After Eight Non-vegan butterfat (source) Altoids It varies gelatin in most; Little things look okay (Source) Andes Mints Non-vegan Skim milk, milk protein conc. (Source) Bendicks Mints Vegan None (Source) Breath Savers Vegan None (Source) Certs Vegan None (Source) Dentyne Mints Vegan None (Source) Eclipse Mints Vegan None (Source) Eskimo Mints Vegan None (Source) Excel Mints Vegan None (Source ) Extra Chewy Mints Vegan None (source) Fox’s Glacier Mints Vegan None (source) Halls Vegan None (source) Ice Breakers Vegan None (source) Jila Mints Vegan None (source) Junior Mints Not Vegan Pastry Glaze (source) Kool Mints (Allen’s ) Non-Vegan Protein (Source) LifeSavers Mints Non-Vegan Animal Stearic Acid (Source) Mentos Mints It Varies Beeswax in Many Flavors (Source) Orbit Mint Gum Vegan None (Source) Polo Mints Vegan None (Source) Ricola Vegan None (Source) Smint It Varies Carmine in strawberry flavor only (source) Tic Tacs It varies carmine, shellac or milk in some (source) Trebor It varies gelatin in some not others (source) Which brands of breath mints are vegan?

Which types of mint are vegan?

Okay, now let’s look at some common mint varieties and whether or not they tend to be vegan.

Are Peppermints Vegan?

Mints are basically vegan. While it would be possible to make mints with animal ingredients like gelatin or carmine, this doesn’t seem to be common. Most peppermints contain no animal ingredients.

Below I’ve examined several popular brands of mints. I found that none of them had any definite animal ingredients. They only contain ingredients like sugar and Red 40 that only the pickiest of vegans would avoid:

Starlight Peppermint Mints are vegan. (Source)

Brach’s Star Brites Peppermint Candy are vegan. (Source)

Bob’s Sweet Stripes Soft Peppermint Candy is vegan. (Source)

dr John’s Peppermint Pop Hard candies are vegan. (Source)

Are Mint Imperials or Scotch Mints vegan?

Mint Imperials (aka Scotch Mints) are typically vegan. These mints are popular in the UK, where they are often used as after-dinner mints.

I researched six popular brands and found no animal-based ingredients in any of them:

Glisten Mint Imperials are vegan. (Source)

Cartwright & Butler Mint Imperials are vegan. (Source)

Lichfield’s Mint Imperials are vegan. (Source)

Sainsbury’s Mint Imperials are vegan. (Source)

Kerr’s Scotch Mints are vegan. (Source)

RealMint Scotch Mints are vegan. (Source)

Are Thin Peppermints Vegan?

Thin peppermints are generally considered vegan. Both Girl Scout brands, ABC Baker’s Thin Mints and Little Brownie Baker’s Thin Mints, are vegan. (Source)

Additionally, I can confirm that I’ve already checked out some similar products in-store – and I’ve easily found other brands of Thin Mint alternatives that are also vegan.

However, beware of Keebler’s Cookie in the same style as Thin Mints. These Fudge Shoppe Grasshopper mint cookies are not vegan as they contain whey (a dairy ingredient). (Source)

Two more recommendations for your plant-based journey

1. This is the best free video tutorial I’ve found on plant-based eating. You’ll learn how to reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and obesity – all with plant-based eating. Watch the free Food for Health Masterclass here.

2. This is the best vegan multivitamin I have found in my 14 years as a vegan. It has vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 – and nothing else. Translation: It only has the nutrients that vegans are actually low in. Read my full review of Future Kind’s multivitamin here (with a 10% discount).

Frequently asked questions about tacrolimus

Q. What is Tic Tac 0.1% Ointment used for? Tic Tac 0.1% ointment is a drug that modulates the immune system. It acts on the immune system and, above all, reduces its activity. It is used to treat moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults who do not respond to or develop side effects from steroid use. In neurodermatitis, the skin’s immune system reacts excessively and causes skin inflammation that leads to itching, redness and dryness. Tic Tac 0.1% Ointment acts on and modifies the abnormal immune response, relieving skin inflammation and itching.

Q. What are the side effects of Tic Tac 0.1% Ointment? Tic Tac 0.1% ointment can cause skin irritation, burning and itching at the application site when applied to the skin. These are usually mild to moderate and usually go away within a week of starting treatment. Redness is also a common manifestation along with warmth, pain, altered sensation and rash at the application site. Its use increases patients’ risk of developing inflamed or infected hair follicles, cold sores, acne, and generalized herpes simplex infections.

Q. Is Tic Tac 0.1% Ointment safe? Tic Tac 0.1% Ointment has been shown to be a safe and effective short-term treatment for atopic dermatitis compared to other immunosuppressive drugs. When applied to the affected part of the skin, its absorption into the blood and body is minimal. Therefore, the side effects are less compared to oral intake.

Q. Does Tic Tac 0.1% ointment have abuse potential? No, Tic Tac 0.1% Ointment has no potential for abuse and is therefore not a controlled substance. Controlled substances can be abused, so they require regulatory and doctor approval for their use.

Q. Does Tic Tac 0.1% Ointment cause cancer? It has been established that long-term use of Tic Tac 0.1% ointment has an increased risk of lymph node tumors, so-called lymphomas. Some studies have found that few patients taking Tic Tac 0.1% ointment or any other similar medication developed skin cancer or lymphoma. Contact your doctor if you need to use Tic Tac 0.1% ointment for more than 6 weeks or if your eczema symptoms have not improved or are getting worse over time during your treatment.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and completeness. wikiHow’s content management team carefully oversees our editorial team’s work to ensure that every article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 107,500 times.

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Though you can eat tic tacs any way you want, the right kind might surprise you. Tic Tacs were designed to be taken out of the box and eaten individually. Start by turning the case upside down and shaking it to make the tic tacs fall to the ground. Then grasp the box by the lid and open it backwards. There should be a tic tac in the small bowl in the lid. Although many people chew tic tacs, the best way to eat them is to leave one on the tongue so it slowly dissolves, leaving your breath minty fresh. For some fun facts about tic tacs, read on!

(NBC) — A sugar substitute found in a variety of sugar-free and diet cookies, mints, and chewing gum is proving to be highly toxic and even deadly to dogs looking for snacks.

veterinarian dr Michael Kopf continues to treat 7-year-old Gracey for xylitol poisoning. A few weeks ago, Gracey got caught in a box of Tic Tacs.

“It can be fatal,” said Kopf.

Within minutes, Gracey’s insulin spiked and her blood sugar dropped to dangerously low levels. Seven-year-old Julia Sciortino explained what happened to her dog.

“She was on her back and she was just shaking, it was really scary,” Julia said.

Julia’s mother, Dr. Pat McGuire, was in the kitchen when it happened.

“I heard a noise in the dining room. I looked through the door. Gracey was on her back having a seizure,” she said.

McGuire knew her beloved animal lab was in serious trouble, but she didn’t know the cause. Fortunately, Julia found out.

“I was in my room and my tic tacs were in the back of my counter. When I went back to my room, the box of tic tacs was lying in the middle of my floor, all chewed up,” Julia said.

Had McGuire not acted quickly and called her vet, Gracey would have died within 30 minutes.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in many sugar-free products, from candy and chewing gum to toothpaste and baked goods. It’s safe for humans, but when ingested by dogs, it can cause a dangerous spike in insulin and life-threatening liver damage.

Kopf said the number of xylitol poisonings was increasing.

“It’s getting scary how common it is. As a sugar substitute, weight issues are making the chemical ubiquitous in our society,” Kopf said.

“Everyone is surprised. No one’s ever heard of it before,” McGuire said. “I was even surprised that some friends said they gave their dogs tic tacs as a breath freshener.”

Gracey is on the upswing. Kopf induced Gracey’s vomiting within the crucial 30-minute window and prescribed her medication to treat her elevated liver enzymes.

It’s unclear how xylitol affects cats, rabbits, and other pets, but Kopf said one shouldn’t assume it’s as safe for pets if it’s safe for humans.

©2009 NBC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, transcribed or redistributed.

TIC TAC®

REFRESH EVERY LITTLE MOMENT

Welcome to TIC TAC® Australia & New Zealand, the home of all things refreshingly minty and fruity! TIC TAC® is manufactured in Lithgow (also home of the famous Marjorie Jackson, “The Lithgow Flash”), 3 hours west of Sydney.

The iconic and hugely popular TIC TAC® pack has become part of the fun of the whole eating ritual – bet you can’t eat your TIC TAC® without shaking your box! It’s the combination of rattling and shaking sounds and colorful delicious yummy little pills that will help shake up your day and put a smile on your face.

Peppermints are refreshing sweets that come in many varieties, from hard to soft, from chewy to crumbly. And while they share similar minty flavors (based on the Mentha plant genus) and often similar colors (white is most commonly associated with mints), they can vary wildly in style.

But whether you’re a lover of polos, tic tacs, or even old-school Everton mints, you’ll probably want to know the answers to the question: which mints are vegan? And actually, which mints are not vegan?

Not all mints are vegan, but many are!

Luckily for vegan mint lovers out there, there are many very nice vegan friendly mints on the market. Unfortunately, there are some notable mints that are off-limits to committed vegans. In this article, we’ll go through the best vegan mints and list the ones that vegans should avoid (along with the offensive ingredients that make them non-vegan).

We like to start things on a positive note, so let’s start with some of the best vegan-friendly mints available in the UK, including a few that we feature in our more general vegan sweets article.

Note that in this article we are dealing with mints in the traditional sense, meaning those that come in cylindrical packets (like Polos, Extra and Softmints), pouch-like packets (like Everton Mints and Murray Mints), cardboard-like packs (like After Eights or tic tacs), those that are still sold quarterly in traditional candy stores (like Mint Imperials). So, let’s get things rolling with our best vegan-friendly mints:

The 10 best vegan mints

Here are our top 10 vegan mints in no particular order. Note that there are many specialist vegan mints out there but we have focused on the most popular and widely available options which are likely to be available in most supermarkets and sweetshops in the UK. Also note that the mints mentioned are vegan at the time of writing, but it’s always wise to check the ingredients in case they change.

1. Polo Coins

First produced by Rowntree’s in 1948 and now owned by Nestlé, the hole mint is hugely popular… and vegan! The company confirmed this in a July 2018 document, stating that Polo Mints Original, Polo Spearmint, and Polo Sugar Free Mints are all suitable for those following a vegan diet.

Occasionally there are spin-offs or special editions of Polo products which should be investigated on a case-by-case basis by checking the ingredients and if in doubt contacting Nestlé directly.

2. Trebor Softmints

If you prefer it a little softer, you can’t avoid Softmints. They contain carnauba wax, but that’s fine for vegans, as are the other ingredients.

3. Makeup

These sugar-free, breath-freshening peppermints are hugely popular, and according to the FAQ page on the Smint website, their Mint, Spearmint, and Peppermint flavors are good options for vegans. However, vegans should avoid the strawberry flavor as it contains E120, also known as carmine or carmine, which is made from insects and is not suitable for vegans.

4. Fox’s Glacier Mints

A grandparent favorite in the 1980s, Glacier Mints were first made in 1918 by Leicester-based Fox’s. The company has changed hands several times over the past few decades and is now owned by Valeo Foods under the Big Bear Confectionery banner. However, the mints themselves have changed little over the years and are good to eat for vegans.

5. Mentos

Some Mentos mints appear to be suitable for vegans, although others have not been confirmed as such. Their product pages clearly state that Mentos Spearmint Roll are suitable for vegans, although this is not stated for other mints, so stick with the spearmints to be safe.

We contacted their customer service teams and they said “I can confirm that our Mentos Mint Roll is not suitable for vegans as it contains beeswax.” But the spearmints are fine.

6. Bendick’s Mints

These semi-luxe dark mint chocolates have a Royal Warrant from the Queen, and not only are they delicious, all of their mints are vegan-friendly, as they state on their website.

7. Mint Imperials (Sometimes!)

Mint Imperials are often the kind that show up on the bill at the end of a meal at a restaurant, and some of them are vegan-friendly…but many aren’t. For example, Morrisons Mint Imperials and Waitrose Mint Imperials are fine, but Tesco Mint Imperials are not (as they contain bovine gelatin).

So unless you buy your own and can therefore verify the ingredients, it might be better to err on the side of caution and give those minty freebies a dangling after-meal giveaway unless the waiters can tell you where they bought them to have.

8. Waitrose Mint Crumbles

Essentially, mint sugar balls (97% sugar, to be exact!) aren’t much, but they’re very tasty — if not at all healthy — and perfectly vegan-friendly.

These are actually pretty good for grandparents or anyone who doesn’t want to risk breaking their teeth over some of the harder mints on the list!

9. Peppersmith Mints

Peppersmith makes a variety of mints (and chewing gum) that use the plant-based sweetener xylitol in place of sugar. As they confirm on their website, everything they make is approved by the Vegetarian Society as suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

10. Tic Tacs (sometimes!)

Another iconic mint, first produced in 1968 by the Italian company Ferrero (made famous by Ferrero Rocher and Nutella). While shellac (from insects) was obviously used as a coating agent in the past, they now use vegetable carnauba wax. So the mint flavors are okay for vegans, and certainly the fresh mint flavor.

Note that some of the other flavors sold in the UK, notably Lime & Orange and Cherry/Cola, contain carminic acid, which is derived from insects and are therefore not vegan. Also, check out any non-standard flavors that may appear from time to time in case they contain non-vegan ingredients.

Bonus entry: Kendal Mint Cake

While some argue that Kendal Mint Cake should even belong in the mints category, we think it should, so it’s more of a bonus entry here than part of the top 10.

This sweet, traditional energy source for hikers and climbers made from sugar, water and peppermint is suitable for vegans.

Avoid non-vegan peppermints

Here we list the most popular non-vegan mints sold in the UK, along with the ingredient that puts them on the naughty step.

Mint Company/Brand Notes Extra Strong Mints Trebor contains gelatine made from animal hooves or other parts and is therefore not suitable for vegans. Butter Mints Various (e.g. Tesco Butter Mintoes) Here’s the clue in the name; Buttertermints are generally made with butter that’s derived from milk that’s sourced from cows… so they’re not vegan. Note that some buttermints may be vegan if they are made with vegan butter substitutes instead of dairy butter. Humbugs Various (e.g. Morrison’s Mint Humbugs) humbugs usually contain milk derivatives such as butter oil and condensed milk and are therefore not vegan. There may be exceptions that don’t include dairy-based ingredients, so check the ingredients just in case. Everton Mints Various (e.g. Maynard Bassett’s Everton Mints, Morrison Everton Mints) Everton Mints, essentially a slight variation on humbugs, were thrown at Goodison Park fans who came to see Everton FC, the black and white being the ones Stripes of mint replicated the team’s gear The team. Unfortunately, like other humbugs, most Everton Mints use milk derivatives and as such vegans – even those who support Everton – should avoid them. After Eights Nestlé The archetypal After Dinner Mint is not vegan as it contains butterfat derived from milk. However, as we explain in our dedicated After Eights article, there are many vegan-friendly alternatives. Welsh Mints Various Another variant of Humbugs and another one that contains milk derivatives and is therefore not good for vegans. XXX Extra Strong Mints Big Bear Candy As with Trebor Extra Strong Mints, gelatin is one of the ingredients in these hard hitting mints. Curiously Strong Mints Altoids (Mars Wrigley) Altoids Mints have been (oddly) strong for nearly 250 years, but unfortunately – like M&S’ oddly similar Curiously Strong Mints – they contain gelatin and are therefore not suitable for vegans.

What ingredients prevent peppermint from being vegan?

There are many similarities between the animal ingredients found in some mints and those found in candy in general. Some are more obvious than others, gelatin being a prime example.

Others, however, require a little more research, and knowing which E numbers are vegan can save you a lot of head scratching when you’re doing your weekly grocery shopping or heading to the candy store. Here are the main ingredients that are likely to make mints non-vegan.

gelatin

Gelatin (E441) is made from various animal parts, including hooves, cartilage and bones, and is generally found in many sweets, including some of the mints mentioned above.

shellac

It’s possible that shellac (aka E904) could be used as a coating on some breath mints.

beeswax

Beeswax comes from bees, which are animals, and while it doesn’t necessarily kill them, acquiring beeswax could potentially harm them and certainly exploit them, so beeswax, like honey, is not vegan. It is used in some popular mints like Mentos Mint Roll.

milk or milk derivatives

As present in humbugs and related breath mints, milk and milk derivatives may render breath mints non-vegan.

cochineal

Made from crushed insects, this coloring agent — also known by the names Carmine, Carmine Lake, Natural Red, or E120 — is probably not present in most peppermints (which tend to be white), but it can show up in mint by-products from brands like Strawberry smints

Conclusions: Best Vegan Mints

Luckily, there are plenty of mints that vegans can suck or chew on. Most of these are what would be considered inadvertently vegan, and they cover most mint styles, from iconic polo to chocolate-covered Benedicks offerings, with many in between.

There are, of course, a few notable mints that aren’t on the vegan menu, including most varieties from Extra Strong Mints, Humbugs and their variants, and After Eights. But there are enough vegan-friendly mints out there to satisfy most mint lovers.

A vegan diet is one that excludes animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, and generally aims to minimize harm to animals as much as possible. While vegan diets are often based on whole plant-based foods, they can include processed or packaged foods like candy. Some candies are more obviously made from animal-based ingredients, such as milk chocolate, cream, or other milk-based compounds. Others, like Skittles, are less obvious and might leave you wondering if they’re suitable for a vegan diet. This article examines whether Skittles are vegan. Share on Pinterest

Vegan Status Whether or not Skittles can be considered vegan depends on what ingredients are listed on the candy. As of 2020, the ingredients in Original-flavored Skittles include the following (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7): Sugar. Traditional white sugar used in candies like Skittles is made from sugar cane stalks and refined into smaller, whiter granules.

Traditional white sugar used in candies like Skittles is made from sugar cane stalks and refined into smaller, whiter granules. corn syrup. Also known as glucose syrup, this syrup is made from cornstarch and is used to soften, add volume, improve flavor, and prevent sugar crystallization in skittles.

Also known as glucose syrup, this syrup is made from cornstarch and is used to soften, add volume, improve flavor, and prevent sugar crystallization in skittles. Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil. This is a vegetable oil extracted from the kernel of the Elaeis guineensis oil palm plant. It is used in candy to improve flavor and texture.

This is a vegetable oil extracted from the kernel of the Elaeis guineensis oil palm plant. It is used in candy to improve flavor and texture. Citric acid. Found naturally in citrus fruits, a man-made version of citric acid is used in candy to increase acidity, enhance flavor and preserve ingredients.

Found naturally in citrus fruits, a man-made version of citric acid is used in candy to increase acidity, enhance flavor and preserve ingredients. Tapioca Dextrin. This is a starch extract derived from the yucca plant or cassava root. It is used in Skittles as an adherent candy coating and to preserve flavor and color.

This is a starch extract derived from the yucca plant or cassava root. It is used in Skittles as an adherent candy coating and to preserve flavor and color. Modified Corn Starch. Made from corn, this is an emulsifier and gelling agent that helps gum skittles.

Made from corn, this is an emulsifier and gelling agent that helps gum skittles. Natural and artificial flavors. Details of these flavors are usually proprietary, but given Skittles’ fruit-based flavors, it’s safe to assume they’re either derived from natural fruit sources or artificially created to mimic fruit flavors.

Details of these flavors are usually proprietary, but given Skittles’ fruit-based flavors, it’s safe to assume they’re either derived from natural fruit sources or artificially created to mimic fruit flavors. Colours. Cones use Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake and Titanium Dioxide. These are derived from raw materials derived from petroleum.

Cones use Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake and Titanium Dioxide. These are derived from raw materials derived from petroleum. sodium citrate. This is the sodium salt of citric acid and is used as a preservative and to provide a tart flavor.

This is the sodium salt of citric acid and is used as a preservative and to provide a tart flavor. carnauba wax. This is obtained from the wax of the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree. It is used in candy to keep coatings shiny and prevent them from melting. Other Skittles flavors such as Sour, Tropical, and Wild Berry contain the same ingredients, but the natural and artificial flavors and colors may differ slightly. However, limited-time special edition flavors may use animal-derived ingredients that are not found in mainstream flavors. Therefore, it is best to read the ingredients list. Up until about 2010, Skittles contained gelatin, which is not a vegan ingredient. Derived from animal collagen, the protein found in connective tissue, gelatin is used to give foods a chewy, gel-like texture. The maker of skittles has since removed gelatin. Additionally, up until 2015, Skittles manufactured in the UK contained carmine, also known as E120 or cochineal, a red dye derived from the Dactylopius coccus beetle ( 8Trusted Source ). Although no animal-derived ingredients are used to make Skittles these days, some people on vegan diets may be concerned about the use of white sugar. This is because refined cane sugar can be processed with animal bone char to remove both impurities and the sugar’s natural coloring to whiten it. However, the final product contains no animal traces. However, it is impossible to tell if bone char was used unless the food or confectionery is organic. This is because bone char is not on the National Organic Program’s national list of allowable substances. SUMMARY Common Skittles strains contain no animal-derived ingredients. However, it’s best to read the label for special edition varieties, which may contain ingredients not found in the original varieties.

Recommendation While some people following a vegan diet may not want to consume cane sugar that is not certified vegan, Skittles contain no animal-derived products. The natural and artificial flavors, colors, thickeners, sweeteners, and other ingredients used to make Skittles are either synthetically produced or plant-derived. That said, by definition of veganism, the standard varieties of Kegel are suitable for a vegan diet. To be safe, it’s a good idea to always read the ingredient label to make sure no animal compounds are used if you’re avoiding them. SUMMARY The main Skittles varieties contain no animal ingredients, so you can be sure that these will fit into a vegan diet.