Almost everyone will agree that sweets are one of life’s best pleasures. But, for those with specific dietary needs, finding sweets that are suitable can be tricky! And, even then, a lot of the time, sweets that are made for these people often don’t match the real deal.
At Sweets Direct, we believe that no one should miss out on the joy of indulging in their favorite treats. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to sweets and dietary requirements – to help you find the perfect sweets, whether for yourself or somebody else.
Read on to find out all you need to know, and as always, don’t forget to check out our range of sweets for dietary needs. From vegan sweets to gluten free sweets, and much more, we have just about everything you could imagine!
Understanding Dietary Requirements, Allergens, and Preferences
There are a number of reasons as to why somebody might be on a specific diet. From allergens to medical issues and even preference, it is always important to respect what a person can and cannot consume. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common dietary needs in the UK, as well as an explanation for each.
Vegan Diet: those following a vegan diet avoid all animal products. This includes dairy, gelatin, and honey, which are all common ingredients for popular sweets.
Gluten-Free Diet: a person that follows a gluten-free diet can’t consume wheat, barley, rye, and oats (unless certified gluten-free).
Sugar-Free Diet: some prefer to avoid sugar, which means options for sweets and candy that contain no added sugars, often sweetened with natural or artificial alternatives.
Nut-Free Diet: for people with a nut allergy, sweets made with no traces of nuts are the only option.
Dairy-Free Diet: for people who are lactose intolerant, sweets that are free from milk and milk-based ingredients are most suitable.
Now, we’ve covered dietary requirements that are common, it’s time to dig into the best sweets for people following these diets.
The Best Sweets for Specific Dietary Needs
Vegan Sweets
Vegan sweets are a fantastic alternative for those looking to enjoy treats without animal-derived ingredients. One of the main ingredients in a lot of gummy sweets is gelatine, which is derived from animal collagen. Vegan sweets replace gelatine with plant-based alternatives such as pectin or agar-agar. For those following a vegan diet, it is possible to still enjoy a range of sweets that do not contain animal ingredients.
Popular Vegan Sweets
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Vegan chocolates
Gluten-Free Sweets
Gluten-free sweets are suitable for those with gluten intolerances or coeliac disease. Unfortunately, many traditional sweets often contain gluten, due to the addition of ingredients such as wheat-based thickeners and coatings. However, gluten-free alternative sweets generally use safe substitutes such as corn or rice starch. These sweets are still enjoyable in terms of texture and taste!
Dairy-Free Sweets
Dairy-free sweets are made for those who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. Dairy-free sweets are also suitable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle. Many sweets, and especially chocolates, contain milk or milk derivatives. Thankfully, dairy-free alternatives are widely available and use great substitutes such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk to replicate the creamy texture and rich flavor of conventional treats.
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Dairy-free chocolates
Recommendations for Sweets for Dietary Needs
Inclusive sweets are more than just treats – they’re a way to bring people together and create memorable experiences for everyone. By understanding dietary needs and shopping thoughtfully, you can ensure everyone gets a taste of the fun.
FAQs
Are dietary-specific sweets as tasty as regular sweets?
Absolutely! Many dietary-specific sweets are crafted to match or even surpass the taste and texture of traditional sweets. With advancements in food technology, there are now high-quality alternatives for all types of dietary needs.
What is the difference between vegan and dairy-free sweets?
Vegan sweets exclude all animal-derived ingredients, including dairy, gelatin, and honey. Dairy-free sweets specifically omit milk and milk-based products but may not necessarily exclude other animal products.
Are all gluten-free sweets safe for coeliacs?
Yes, sweets labeled gluten-free are typically safe for coeliacs. However, it’s always essential to check for certifications to ensure there’s no cross-contamination during production.
Are sugar-free sweets suitable for diabetics?
Sugar-free sweets are often suitable for diabetics as they are made with natural or artificial sweeteners. However, individuals should check the nutritional labels and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
Are nut-free sweets safe for severe allergies?
Nut-free sweets are designed without nuts or traces of nuts, but it’s crucial to verify that they are produced in nut-free facilities to ensure complete safety for severe allergies.
Are you ready to stock up on sweets dietary requirements? Why not visit Sweets Direct and explore our wide range of vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free options for dietary needs. We’ve got a wonderful selection of dietary sweets for nearly everyone!