If you’re a vegetarian, you’re probably used to scrutinizing food labels and menus for any hidden animal products. Even seemingly harmless treats like ice lollies can sometimes contain ingredients that are not vegetarian-friendly.
One ice lolly that often raises questions among vegetarians is the Blackjack ice lolly. This black, liquorice-flavored treat has been around for decades and is beloved by many in the UK. But is it safe for vegetarians to eat
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The answer is somewhat complicated.
What’s in a Blackjack Ice Lolly
First, let’s take a look at what ingredients are typically found in a Blackjack ice lolly. The main components include:
- Water
- Sugar
- Dextrose
- Malic Acid
- Liquorice Extract
- Natural Colour (vegetable carbon)
- Natural Flavourings (aniseed oil)
From this list, it may seem like the ice lolly is safe for vegetarians – after all, there are no obvious animal products listed. However, there are a few potential concerns.
The Liquorice Extract Conundrum
The main issue with determining whether or not Blackjack ice lollies are vegetarian-friendly comes down to the liquorice extract. While liquorice itself is plant-based, the extraction process can sometimes involve animal-derived products such as gelatin or bone char.
In general, it’s difficult to know exactly how the liquorice extract in any given product was produced. Manufacturers are not required to disclose this information on labels, and it’s often considered proprietary information.
That being said, some companies do use animal-free methods of producing liquorice extract. For example, Panda Licorice – a popular brand in the UK – uses a steam extraction process that does not involve animal products.
What Do Other Sources Say
If you’re still unsure whether or not Blackjack ice lollies are vegetarian, it can be helpful to consult other sources. Here are a few examples:
- Vegan Womble: This website lists the ingredients of Blackjack ice lollies and notes that they are vegan-friendly. However, they also acknowledge that the liquorice extract may be an issue for some vegetarians.
- PETA: The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) website does not specifically mention Blackjack ice lollies, but they do have a page about liquorice candy in general.
They note that “most liquorice candy is vegan,” but caution that some products may contain gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients.
- The Vegetarian Society: According to their website, “liquorice is generally suitable for vegetarians and vegans.” They do not mention Blackjack ice lollies specifically, but this suggests that the product is likely safe for vegetarians.
The Bottom Line
So, are Blackjack ice lollies vegetarian The answer is..it depends.
While the ingredients list does not contain any obvious animal products, the liquorice extract may have been produced using non-vegetarian methods. That being said, many sources suggest that liquorice is generally safe for vegetarians and vegans.
If you’re a strict vegetarian or vegan, you may want to avoid Blackjack ice lollies or do some further research into how the liquorice extract is produced. However, if you’re comfortable with the idea that there may be some uncertainty, then go ahead and enjoy this classic British treat!
