Is Reese’s Peanut Butter Lovers Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the label for Reese’s Peanut Butter Lovers, the verdict is clear: this candy is not vegan. The primary obstacle is the MILK CHOCOLATE coating. This specific ingredient is a compound that strictly excludes dairy products. It contains SKIM MILK and MILK FAT, both of which are animal-derived ingredients.

Furthermore, the chocolate coating explicitly lists LACTOSE. Lactose is a sugar found naturally in milk and is a definitive indicator of dairy content. For those following a vegan lifestyle, the presence of lactose is an immediate disqualifier.

There are also other non-vegan or potentially controversial ingredients. PGPR (Polyglycerol polyricinoleate) is often used as a flow agent in chocolate; while it is technically derived from castor beans, it is sometimes processed using animal products, though it is generally considered plant-derived. However, the EGG flag is not present here, but the MILK flag is the dealbreaker.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Reese’s Peanut Butter Lovers is a high-calorie, high-sugar treat. A standard serving contains a significant amount of calories, primarily coming from fats and added sugars like SUGAR and CORN SYRUP SOLIDS.

The product also includes PARTIALLY DEFATTED PEANUTS, which provides some protein, but the high sugar content likely outweighs the nutritional benefits. It fits into the 'indulgence' category rather than a health food category. For those monitoring sugar intake, this candy would be considered a high-glycemic food that can spike blood sugar levels rapidly.