The Sweet Secret of Vegan Sprinkles: Everything You Need to Know

The Sweet Secret of Vegan Sprinkles: Everything You Need to Know

Sprinkles have the magical ability to turn any dessert into a festive masterpiece. Whether you're decorating cupcakes, cookies, or ice cream, they add colour, crunch, and fun. But for those following a plant-based lifestyle, the question arises: Are sprinkles vegan? The answer? Not always—but don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about vegan sprinkles and how you can find the perfect ones for your bakes.

What Makes Sprinkles Non-Vegan?

Traditional sprinkles often contain animal-derived ingredients, which can make them unsuitable for vegans. Here are the key culprits:

• Shellac (Confectioner’s Glaze) – This is a common ingredient that gives sprinkles a glossy finish. However, it comes from the secretions of the lac insect, making it non-vegan.

• Beeswax – Sometimes used instead of shellac, beeswax helps create a smooth outer coating but is still an animal byproduct.

• Carmine (E120) – This red food colouring is derived from crushed cochineal insects and is often used to create vibrant reds and pinks.

• Gelatine – Found in some soft or chewy sprinkles, gelatine is made from animal collagen and is definitely not vegan.

How Are Vegan Sprinkles Different?

Vegan sprinkles completely forgo any ingredients derived from animals and instead use plant materials, providing the same bright colour and crunch as traditional sprinkles. The main differences are:

• Natural food colourings – Whereas carmine is the standard red colouring dye, vegan sprinkles utilise plant-based dyes derived from beetroot powder, spirulina, and turmeric.

• Plant-based coatings – Vegan sprinkles use carnauba wax derived from palm leaves instead of shellac and beeswax.

• No gelatine – Alternative binding agents for vegan sprinkles contain no animal ingredients.

How to Tell if Sprinkles are Vegan?

Now that you know what to watch out for, here are some helpful tips for shopping for vegan sprinkles:

✅ Look for "Vegan" or "Plant-Based" Labels – Brands catering to plant-based eaters proudly proclaim their vegan certification.

✅ Check the Ingredients List – Stay away from anything that mentions shellac, carmine, beeswax, or gelatine.

✅ Choose Artificial Colours (If Comfortable) – Some vegan sprinkles rely on synthetic colourings; strictly speaking, these are plant-based but may not always be natural.

✅ Do Your Homework on the Brand – Many small ethical brands focus on providing vegan-friendly baking decorations.

Best Uses for Vegan Sprinkles

Now that you know what to check for, here are some great ways to use vegan sprinkles in your bakes:

🌱 Vegan Cupcakes & Cakes – Sprinkle them over vegan buttercream for an extra pop of colour.

🍪 Cookies – Press them into cookie dough before baking for a crunchy, colourful texture.

🍩 Doughnuts – Dip your doughnuts in a vegan glaze and cover them with bright sprinkles.

🍦 Ice Cream & Shakes – Vegan sprinkles make every frozen treat extra fun, whether they are homemade or shop-bought.

Where to Buy Vegan Sprinkles?

Vegan sprinkles can now be found in many specialty baking shops and online. Some good places to check include:

🛒 Health Food Stores – Many carry natural and plant-based decorative items for baking.

🛒 Online Vegan Marketplaces – Websites dedicated to plant-based products generally have vegan sprinkles in a wide variety of choices.

🛒 Baking Supply Stores – Some large specialty baking stores will have vegan options.

And, of course, if you are looking for a bright, happy, rich, and tasty vegan sprinkle, do check out Sprinkly's own vegan line! 🎉

Final Thoughts

Vegan sprinkles give you the opportunity to decorate your treats with colour, fun, and flavour—without having to go against your plant-based principles. By knowing what to choose and picking out ethical, plant-friendly brands, you can use your creativity to produce beautiful bakes that comply with this lifestyle.

So go ahead and sprinkle away with a clean conscience! 🎊