Why Are Vegan Sweets So Popular? Key Reasons to Stock Them

Vegan sweets aren’t just a passing trend – they’ve become a key element of modern confectionery ranges. Whether running a sweet shop, packing bespoke gift boxes, or selling online, plant-based treats hold appeal to customers like never before.

It may have been a few years since vegan sweets exploded in popularity, but what has sustained the interest? From broader appeal to an eco-conscious choice, there are many reasons why stocking vegan-friendly options can offer a boost to your bottom line.

Here we dive into what’s driving the demand and why these treats are worthy of a spot in your range.

Wider Customer Appeal

Vegan sweets might sound niche, but they’re anything but. In fact, they’re one of the easiest ways to cater to a wider range of dietary needs without overhauling your range.

From vegans and vegetarians to those avoiding gelatine and dairy, vegan sweets tick a lot of boxes, given that they are made without any animal by-products. In some cases, vegan sweets are also halal and kosher, but this isn’t a given. As with all sweets, make sure you check the ingredients before labelling. Not only is this important for dietary reasons, but shoppers could buy vegan sweets because of their allergies! Our post explaining Natasha’s Law is the perfect way to brush up on labelling sweets safely and responsibly.

In their earlier days, vegan sweets weren’t always as popular, and it was an uphill battle for them to break into the mainstream. Surprisingly, many sweets have long been vegan-friendly (Skittles and Rowntree’s Jelly Tots being great examples!), but the newest options seeking alternatives to gelatine, in particular, weren’t popular right away. Today, however, both the quality and taste of modern vegan sweets are spot on. Thanks to innovation, perseverance, and competition in the sector, the options are stronger than ever. Vegan sweet lovers are happier than ever! Especially when it comes to pick n mix, countless best-sellers

Top Tip: Highlight your vegan stock clearly in-store and online. A simple label or logo can catch the eye and drive sales. It communicates a commitment to being accommodating and offering an inclusive range.

The Environmental Aspect

Modern consumers are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact, and many see plant-based products as a more sustainable choice.

A pivotal aspect of their appeal, vegan sweets avoid animal-derived ingredients like gelatine or dairy, which often lowers their carbon footprint. This makes them suitable for dietary reasons, but they’re also appealing to customers who care about sustainability and want to make planet-friendly purchases.

Offering vegan options can also show that your business is forward-thinking and tuned in to green values – something more and more consumers appreciate. There are numerous vegan brands on the market today, as many as ever, and a lot of them are environmentally aware. Whether through their production processes or packaging, there are plenty of B Corp-certified and eco-conscious sweet brands.

Shoppers of all ages are becoming increasingly concerned with their environmental impact, so offering a variety of more conscientious options will broaden the appeal of your range. Whether it’s younger customers, parents shopping for eco-aware kids, or adults making lifestyle shifts, the eco-appeal of vegan sweets is often an understated factor, but one that can be utilised!

Top Tip: Create a dedicated eco-conscious section in your range – not everything in it will necessarily be vegan-friendly – it can be a strong draw for both online and physical displays.

A Perceived Healthier Choice

While sweets will always be a treat, many consumers see vegan options as a slightly healthier choice when indulging.

They are often made without artificial additives for flavours or colours, opting for natural colours or flavours, or simply the absence of gelatine and animal fats. Some vegan sweets are also gluten-free, whilst they are all dairy-free, and often contain fewer allergens – another positive for customers with specific dietary needs.

Even if they’re still an indulgence, vegan sweets can feel like a better choice – something more conscious shoppers are actively looking for. Stocking them gives you the chance to tap into this mindset and offer guilt-free goodies with extra feel-good factor.

The Rise of Flexitarianism & Ethical Lifestyles

Not everyone who buys vegan sweets is strictly vegan – many shoppers are flexitarian. A flexitarian diet is a way for people to be more conscientious and lessen their consumption of animal by-products.

Whether for health or ethical reasons, flexitarianism brings a compromise. These customers exercise flexibility to make ethical or plant-based choices when it is best for them. This could mean eating less meat, having soy or oat milk on their cereal, or opting for vegan sweets when indulging their sweet tooth. There are no hard and fast rules – just flexibility!

Whether shoppers define themselves as flexitarian or not, offering vegan sweets keeps your range in step with evolving customer behaviours and means you are ready to meet their changing needs.

Why Now’s the Time to Stock Up

Vegan sweets are here to stay – and stocking them is a smart move for any business looking to grow. They appeal to more customers, support ethical and environmental values, and tie into wider lifestyle trends. Plus, with so many great options available – from vegan fizzy favourites to gelatine-free jelly picks – they’re easy to add to your range.

Ready to boost your offering? Here at Hancocks we stock the best vegan sweets on the market. Explore our full vegan collection today and give your customers more choice with every chew. Of course, this range includes the very best vegan sweets – with a market-leading choice of vegan pick n mix sweets – as well as a brilliant selection of vegan chocolate. As always, you can shop online, via our free Click & Collect service, or visit the nearest of our wholesale stores.

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