A Vegan Halloween : Ethically Spooky & Sweet!

As Halloween’s shadowy charm unfolds, it brings along a season of mystic celebrations, thrilling costumes, and, of course, an array of tantalizing treats. For the conscientious and ethically-minded vegan, the festival’s delight is often intertwined with careful vigilance, as hidden non-vegan ingredients lurk in both candies and costumes alike.

In the realm of Halloween candies, it’s crucial to understand that appearances can be immensely deceptive. While the treats may seem innocent, many candies conceal animal-derived ingredients. For instance, gelatin—a frequent offender in gummies and marshmallows—is derived from animal collagen, rendering it non-vegan. The shiny exterior of candies, too, often owes its gloss to shellac or confectioner’s glaze, both of which are products of lac bugs. And let's not forget honey, a commonly used sweetener that isn't vegan.

Even chocolates, despite their seemingly harmless composition, often contain milk products, necessitating careful label scrutiny. To ensure a safe and vegan indulgence, it’s imperative to meticulously check labels and ingredient lists. Look for reliable indicators, such as certifications like "Vegan," "Vegan-Friendly," or "Certified Vegan." Brands like Lovo, Enjoy Life, SmartSweets, and Unreal have carved a niche for themselves by offering delightful vegan-friendly candies that promise taste without compromise.

For those intending to play generous hosts distributing candies, it's not just about selecting vegan treats, but also about creating an fun and playful environment. Opt for candies like Skittles, Airheads, Jolly Ranchers, or Twizzlers—popular treats that are accidentally vegan—and you'll offer treats that can be enjoyed by all.

The festive allure is not just about candies; costumes form the very essence of Halloween. While leather, wool, silk, and real feathers might enhance a costume’s authenticity, they are non-vegan materials often found in high-quality outfits and accessories. Opt instead for costumes and accessories crafted from synthetic or plant-based fibers. Purchasing from brands known for their commitment to cruelty-free and vegan practices ensures you celebrate in style without compromising on ethics.

The Halloween party spread can be a deceptive field of non-vegan ingredients. Common party delights, from finger foods and appetizers to baked goods, may contain eggs, dairy, or gelatin. For vegan guests, communicating your dietary preferences to the host in advance is key. As a host, incorporating a variety of vegan options such as guacamole, hummus with veggies, or vegan cupcakes ensures that the celebration is delightful for everyone.

So what candies are Vegan-Friendly for Halloween?

Common Candies That Are Vegan:

Laffy Taffy: As the name suggests, this is a taffy candy. It's chewy, sweet, and comes in a variety of fruit flavors. Each wrapper also includes a joke, making them fun for kids.
Fun Dip: Fun Dip is a candy powder that's eaten by licking a candy stick (called a "Lik-A-Stix") and then dipping it into the powder. It comes in various fruit flavors.
Zotz: Zotz are hard candies with a fizzy, sour center. When you reach the center, it fizzes in your mouth, offering a unique candy experience.
Brach’s: Brach's offers a range of candies, but not all are vegan. Some of their products, like their Lemon Drops or Cinnamon Hard Candy, can be vegan, but always check the ingredient list.
Smarties: In the US, Smarties are small, round, pastel-colored candies that come in a roll. They have a sweet and slightly tart taste.
Twizzlers: Twizzlers are a brand of licorice candy, known primarily for their strawberry and cherry flavors. They have a distinct twisted shape and chewy texture.
Now and Later: These are chewy taffy-like candies that come in an array of fruit flavors. They are similar in texture to Starburst but have a more prolonged and intense flavor.
Red Vines: A popular brand of red licorice, Red Vines have a unique taste and texture compared to other licorices. They're often used as straws for drinks for a fun twist.
Sour Patch Kids: These are gummy candies coated in sour sugar. They start sour and then turn sweet, which is reflected in their slogan, "Sour. Sweet. Gone."
Jolly Ranchers: These are hard candies that come in various fruit flavors. They are well-known for their intense and long-lasting flavor.
Dots: Dots are small gumdrop-like candies. They're chewy and come in an assortment of fruit flavors. They’re also free of gelatin, which is a common non-vegan ingredient in gummy candies.
Fruit By the Foot and Fruit Roll-Ups: Both are fruit-flavored snacks made by General Mills. They are chewy and come rolled up in plastic, which you unroll as you eat.
Swedish Fish: These are chewy, fish-shaped candies with a unique red fruit flavor. They are gelatin-free, making them a favorite vegan gummy candy.
Sweet Tarts: These are small, round candies that offer a sweet and tangy taste, much like their name suggests.
Ring Pops: These are lollipop-style candies set on a plastic ring. Kids love them because they can wear them like a ring while enjoying the candy.
Skittles: Skittles are small, chewy candies with a hard shell and come in a mixture of fruit flavors. Their slogan, "Taste the Rainbow," reflects the variety of colors and flavors in each pack.
Airheads: Airheads are chewy, tangy, and come in a variety of fruit flavors. They're similar to taffy in texture and are individually wrapped, making them a popular choice for Halloween.

Chocolates:

Enjoy Life - They offer a variety of vegan chocolates.
Endangered Species Chocolate - Many of their dark chocolate bars are vegan.
Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - The dark chocolate version is vegan.
Taza Chocolate - Many of their products are vegan.
Lovo Chocolate - This new brand is all vegan and crafted in Switzerland.

Specifically Vegan Brands/Options:

YumEarth - They offer vegan gummies, licorice, and lollipops.
Surf Sweets - A brand that offers vegan gummies and jelly beans.
Go Max Go Foods - They have vegan versions of popular candy bars, like vegan "Snickers" and "Twix."
Unreal - They offer vegan versions of peanut butter cups and coated chocolates.

What are our top 15 Halloween Tips?

These can be made at home, & are a great way to get the family in the Spooky Season spirit.

Vegan Pumpkin Soup:

Craft a creamy and savory pumpkin soup using the sweetness of pumpkin puree combined with the rich texture of coconut or almond milk. Enhance the flavors with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm, autumnal feel.

Stuffed Jack-o’-Lantern Peppers:

Select vibrant orange bell peppers and carve them into whimsical jack-o'-lantern faces. Stuff these with a hearty and spicy mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices like cumin and chili powder, then bake until tender and delicious.

Vegan Candy Corn:

Create your own vegan candy corn at home using agave nectar or maple syrup as sweeteners, combined with coconut milk for consistency. Using natural food coloring, you can achieve the iconic tri-color effect.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:

Don't discard pumpkin seeds after carving. Clean and dry them, toss with olive oil and your choice of seasonings — from simple salt and pepper to smoked paprika or cinnamon sugar — then roast until crisp and golden.

Vegan Caramel Apples:

Dip crisp, tart apples into a vegan caramel made from a simmered mixture of coconut milk and coconut sugar. Allow them to cool and set on parchment paper, and consider rolling them in chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips for extra flair

Vegan Apple Cider Doughnuts:

Prepare baked doughnuts using a mixture of reduced apple cider, apple sauce (as an egg substitute), and your preferred dairy-free milk. After baking, roll these autumn delights in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spiced finish.

Guacamole "Witch’s Brew" with Tortilla "Bats":

Craft a visual delight with guacamole served in a small cauldron, accompanied by tortilla chips cut into bat shapes using a cookie cutter. The rich, green "brew" will look wonderfully spooky against the dark, crunchy "bats."

Mummy-Wrapped Vegan Hot Dogs:

Wrap vegan hot dogs or sausages snugly with strips of vegan puff pastry. Bake them until the pastry is golden and crisp, and then dot mustard or vegan mayo for eyes, presenting an army of edible mummies.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie:

Prepare a classic pumpkin pie with a vegan twist by using canned pumpkin puree, a selection of warming spices, and substitutes for eggs and dairy. A store-bought or homemade vegan pie crust provides the perfect base for this fall dessert.

Spooky Fruit Platter:

Design a fruit platter with a Halloween theme by creating ghosts from banana halves (with chocolate chip eyes) and using cookie cutters to shape melons into spooky or fun Halloween figures, adding a healthy option to your spread.

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes with Orange Frosting:

Prepare moist and rich vegan chocolate cupcakes, then frost them with vibrant orange-tinted vegan buttercream. The contrast of chocolate and orange not only tastes fantastic but also looks distinctly Halloween.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus:

Offer a bowl of bright, savory roasted red pepper hummus. Its vibrant color resembles that of a pumpkin, making it a thematic and healthy dip option served alongside pita bread or an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables.

Vegan Cheese Platter:

Construct a vegan cheese platter with various plant-based cheeses, crispy crackers, and seasonal fruits. This sophisticated array provides a delightful snacking experience, offering something for every palate.

Haunted Popcorn Hands:

For a playful snack, fill disposable clear gloves with popped popcorn. Add a candy corn at each fingertip to simulate nails, and tie them off at the wrist. These “hands” are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes:

Recreate the flavors of the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte in a cupcake form, utilizing pumpkin puree, a blend of autumnal spices, and coffee. Top each with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the final touch.

These creative and vegan-friendly Halloween treats not only cater to various dietary preferences but also embody the festive spirit and flavors of the season, ensuring that everyone can partake in the celebration. Each dish offers a unique taste experience while celebrating the delightful and diverse world of vegan cuisine during Halloween.

With Halloween’s trick-or-treat dilemma, vegans need not view the festival as a celebration fraught with compromises. Armed with awareness, diligence, and some planning, it's more than possible to partake in the spooky festivities with joy and ethical integrity intact. Whether hosting a party, attending as a guest, or delighting neighborhood kids with candies, this Halloween, let’s celebrate not just the spooky spirit but also make conscious choices.