I Tried It...Katjes Vegan Candy

As a lifelong gummy candy lover who is plant-based, I’ve definitely missed the chewy, fruity treats I grew up with—especially the ones that don’t taste like...well, rubber. So when I found out that Katjes, a beloved European brand known for its colorful gummies and licorice, had fully vegan options with zero animal gelatin, I knew I had to try them. Spoiler: I was not disappointed.

🐄 No Gelatin? No Problem

One of the biggest wins for me is that Katjes makes all of its fruit gummies and licorice without gelatin—yep, none. They use plant-based pectin instead, which gives you that same satisfying chew without the animal byproducts. Even better? Every pack is clearly labeled as vegetarian or vegan, thanks to the official “V” label.

This means no guesswork, no Googling ingredients in the candy aisle, and no hidden dairy or sneaky gelatin surprises. Just honest, clear labeling. A win for vegans, vegetarians, and label readers alike.

🌈 Naturally Colored and Flavored

Here’s something that really impressed me: Katjes hasn’t used artificial food coloring since 1988. Every burst of color and flavor comes from fruit juice, fruit pulp, or plant-based extracts—like algae or beets. That’s right: no Red 40 here. Just naturally colorful and delicious sweets that feel good to eat. And since 2007, they’ve also eliminated artificial flavors altogether.

So when I popped a few gummies (okay, maybe a few handfuls) into my mouth, I was met with real fruity flavor—bright, juicy, and surprisingly clean. It’s like the grown-up version of candy I wish I had as a kid.

🍫 A Vegan Chocolate Worth Talking About

Oh, and did I mention they make vegan chocolate, too? Their line called CHOCJES swaps out cow’s milk for oat drink, making it creamy, smooth, and 100% dairy-free. As someone who’s lactose-intolerant and a chocolate snob, I was honestly shocked by how rich and milky it tasted—without the milk.

It’s also nice to know that behind the scenes, they’re walking the talk: CHOCJES is not only vegan but made without palm oil and uses locally sourced ingredients when possible.

🚫 No Palm Oil + Local Sugar = Sustainable Sweets

Katjes doesn’t use palm oil in any of the candy made in their Emmerich, Germany facility, which helps protect rainforests and biodiversity. Plus, their sugar comes from European sugar beets—sourced nearby to cut down on transport emissions. It’s a subtle sustainability flex, but a meaningful one in a world of over-processed sweets.

🖤 Licorice Lovers, Rejoice

If you’re a black licorice fan, Katjes has high standards there too. Their licorice products—like Tappsy (the adorable panda gummies), Katzen Pfötchen, and Salzige Heringe—are made with premium licorice juice mostly sourced from Italy. They’re intense, balanced, and the perfect salty-sweet bite if that’s your vibe.

🧠 Eat Mindfully, Candy Included

Katjes also impressed me with their thoughtful approach to marketing. They believe in treating sweets as just that—treats, to be enjoyed mindfully and in moderation. And in an age where bright packaging often targets kids directly, Katjes consciously avoids advertising in children’s media. That kind of intentionality matters.

Final Verdict:

10/10 Love it—and I’m already planning my next restock.

If you’ve been looking for a truly vegan, naturally flavored, and sustainably made candy that actually satisfies, Katjes might become your new go-to. From gummies to licorice to creamy oat-based chocolate, their lineup proves that candy can be fun, ethical, and flavorful.