Is Halloween candy brachs candy cornbag Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the label for Brach's Candy Corn reveals a mix of standard sugar candy ingredients and a few controversial additives that are common deal-breakers for vegans. The primary conflict comes from three specific ingredients: honey, gelatin, and confectioner's glaze.

Honey is the first red flag for many vegans. While some vegetarians consume honey, strict vegans generally avoid it because it is an animal-derived product made by bees. It is used here to provide a distinct, floral sweetness that granulated sugar alone cannot achieve.

The second, and perhaps most significant, ingredient is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones of animals, usually pigs or cows. In candy corn, it acts as a binding agent, giving the candy its specific texture and preventing it from crumbling. Without it, the candy would likely be too brittle.

Finally, the candy has a distinct shine that comes from confectioner's glaze. This is often listed as shellac on labels. Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, *Kerria lacca*, on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. While it is technically an insect secretion rather than animal tissue, it is strictly not plant-based, making the candy unsuitable for vegans.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Brach's Candy Corn is essentially pure sugar. A standard serving size (about 15 pieces) contains roughly 140 calories, all of which come from carbohydrates (about 34 grams). There is virtually no fiber, protein, or significant vitamins in the product.

Because it is made of sugar, corn syrup, and dextrose, it has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. It fits into a diet only as an occasional treat and is not suitable for those managing diabetes or looking for nutrient-dense snacks. It is fat-free, which is a plus, but the lack of satiety means it is very easy to overeat.