Is Peppermint Patty Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing and straight at the formulation. When we analyze the ingredient list of a standard Hershey's Peppermint Patty, we find two distinct animal-derived ingredients that disqualify it from a vegan diet.

The primary offender is milk fat. This is listed under the chocolate coating ingredients. Even though it is a byproduct of the dairy industry, it provides essential flavor and texture to the chocolate. It is distinct from the milk solids (powder) often used, but it is unequivocally a dairy product.

Secondly, the patty itself uses egg whites. In confectionery science, egg whites are often used as a binding agent or to provide structure and aeration. They help the sugar and corn syrup mixture hold its shape without becoming too hard. Without them, the texture of the peppermint center would likely be different.

Finally, while natural flavor is a vague term, in the context of a mint chocolate candy, it is generally considered safe for vegans (often derived from plants). However, the presence of milk and eggs makes this point moot for this specific product.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Peppermint Patty is a high-sugar, high-calorie treat. A standard 1.4-ounce patty contains approximately 150 calories, with the vast majority coming from added sugars like corn syrup and sugar.

While it is relatively low in fat compared to a milk chocolate bar (due to the lack of milk solids in the center), the chocolate coating contributes saturated fat. It is also gluten-free, which is a plus for those with celiac disease. However, it does not provide significant vitamins or minerals, making it an 'empty calorie' food that should be consumed in moderation regardless of dietary preference.