Going to the movies can be a nostalgic experience that’s more than just about watching the latest summer blockbuster. The real star of the show is indulging in a bucket of popcorn accompanied by your favorite candy. If you’re wanting more vegan candy and snack options at the movies, you are not the only one. A 2022 survey by online movie ticket retailer Fandango found that 55 percent of the 2,500 people surveyed want more vegan options at concessions.
Fortunately, a wide range of vegan candy is available at movie concessions to enhance your time at the movies. This guide will help you navigate what’s available at theaters—and offer a few ideas about which treats you can sneak in to ensure a sweet movie experience all around.
Red Vines
Understanding vegan candy
Why isn’t all vegan? Many traditional candies contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, dairy, and confectioner’s glaze.
Gelatin is made from the tendons, ligaments, or skin of pigs and cows, and is common in gummies. Sadly, Haribo Gummy Bears, Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Starbursts, and others are not vegan for this reason.
While vegan chocolate is not hard to find, dairy ingredients—including milk, milkfat, and whey—are often present in classic chocolate bars and caramels. This renders popular movie theater candies such as Whoppers, Reese’s Pieces, Milk Duds, Sno-Caps, Junior Mints, Raisinets, M&M’s, Goobers, and others not vegan-friendly.
Additionally, carmine (derived from cochineal beetles) and shellac (an ingredient in confectioner’s glaze made from insects) are sometimes used as colorings and coatings. Avoid Mike & Ike, Good & Plenty, Lemonheads, Hot Tamales, and others due to these ingredients.
There is a large selection of candy that are accidentally vegan, as they do not explicitly contain animal products. However, refined white sugar is sometimes processed with bone char. If this is a concern, look for candy made with organic sugar.
Despite these challenges, there are numerous candies available that are free from animal products. Let’s explore some of the options you can find at movie theaters.
Vegan candy options at movie theaters
The candy options vary from theater to theater, but there is a core selection that makes an appearance at most concession stands. Here are the vegan candy options commonly available at most movie theaters.
Skittles
1Skittles
Bite-sized buttons in a rainbow of fruit flavors, chewy and crunchy Skittles are popular movie theater choices. Opinions vary on whether or not these candies pair well with popcorn.
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2Sour Patch Kids
These tangy, chewy candies are a favorite among moviegoers for their sour-then-sweet taste. Shaped like Gumby’s long-lost children, a coating of inverted sugar and sour sugar gives Sour Patch Kids their signature burst of tartness. Sour Patch Kids’ fan-favorite watermelon variety is also vegan-friendly.
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3Swedish Fish
These sweet, chewy fish are known for their unique texture and slightly fruity flavor. While most varieties offered at theaters are vegan, some Swedish Fish—particularly those sold in Sweden—contain beeswax so check the label to be sure.
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Red Vines
4Red Vines
Red Vines offer a distinct licorice flavor and texture making them a top candy choice that’s easy to share. Pair these red licorice twists with popcorn for an old school movie experience.
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5Dots
These colorful candies are gelatin-free and offer a fruity punch. Their vibrant colors and simple, stick-to-your-teeth sweetness have made Dots a movie theater favorite.
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Sweet Tarts
6Sweet Tarts
As their name suggests, Sweet Tarts offer a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors in a crunchy, bite-sized form. They come in candy and rope varieties, both of which are vegan if you stick to the original flavor.
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Katjes
7Katjes
This all-vegan gummy brand has made its way into the mainstream after it debuted at AMC Theaters. Free of animal gelatin (and palm oil to boot), Katjes offers five varieties: Rainbow Gummies, Sour Gummies, Wild & Free Soft Foam Gummies (extra chewy!), and Cosmic Visions Sour Gummies.
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8Jolly Rancher
Mouthwatering Jolly Rancher hard candies come in a variety of intense fruit flavors. Their long-lasting nature makes them ideal for a slow, savoring candy experience, perhaps best suited for a double feature.
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Twizzlers
9Twizzlers
These iconic red licorice twists are gelatin-free and perfect for snacking during a film. Twizzlers are also fun to use in place of straws to drink beverages.
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Airheads
10Airheads
These taffy-like bars come individually wrapped in a variety of flavors, including Cherry, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and White Mystery. Their stretchy, chewy texture makes Airheads enjoyable to eat slowly, perfect for savoring through a long film.
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11Dum Dums
Classic Dum Dums lollipops come in a range of flavors, offering a sweet and nostalgic treat. Their small size and variety make them perfect for sharing or enjoying different tastes in one sitting.
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Jujyfruits
12Jujyfruits
Jujyfruits are known for their distinct shapes, each piece resembling a fruit or a flower, adding a whimsical touch to your snacking experience. The candies come in a variety of flavors, including raspberry, licorice, lime, orange, and lemon, which opens the door to flavor surprises inside the dark theater.
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Vegan candies to sneak into movie theaters
While it’s great to find vegan options at the concession stand, sometimes it’s easier to bring your own favorites. Here are some top vegan candies you can sneak into the movies for a delightful treat.
13YumEarth Chewys
Starburst Original Fruit Chews are a mainstay at movie theaters, but unfortunately, gelatin renders this candy unsuitable for vegans. Enter: YumEarth Chewys. This vegan recreation is sweet, slightly tart, and perfect for watching the newest flick.
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The Hershey Company
14Reese’s Plant Based
Check the local Walmart before the film to stock up on Reese’s Plant Based peanut butter cups. Can’t find them at the big box store? Order these bars on Amazon and stash them away for the next trip to the movies. Reese’s Plant Based cups are made with oat milk and feature the same peanut buttery and chocolatey goodness as the original.
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The Hershey Company
15Hershey’s Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection
The first vegan candy bar from The Hershey Company, these chocolate bars are made creamy with oat milk and are sectioned into recognizable snap-off portions printed with the Hershey logo.
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16Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems
Not in the mood for an entire candy bar? Miss Peanut M&Ms? Reach for Unreal’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems. Candy-coated chocolate envelopes crunchy peanuts in this recreation of the classic candy.
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Check out The VegNews Guide to Vegan Candy for a full list of vegan candies you can sneak into the movie theater. Enjoy the show!
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Anna Starostinetskaya is always keeping an eye on all things vegan in her home city of San Francisco, CA and everywhere else.
