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Are Mike and Ikes Vegan?

By PhilippeIngredient checks · Updated Oct 2026 Reviewed Oct 2026 · US recipe
THE VERDICTNo (for most vegans)

Mike and Ikes aren't vegan by the usual definition. They contain no gelatin, dairy or egg, but the shiny coating is confectioner's glaze, which comes from an insect.

Some vegans accept shellac because the insects aren't eaten. We don't count it as vegan.

Mike and Ikes come close. The candy itself is sugar, corn syrup and starch. It's the glossy outer coating that rules them out.

Mike and Ike ingredients

Ingredient Status Why
Sugar, corn syrup Vegan Sugar is a grey area for some.
Modified food starch Vegan Sets the chew instead of gelatin.
Citric acid, malic acid Vegan
Natural and artificial flavors Vegan No animal source reported.
Confectioner's glaze Not vegan Resin from the lac insect.
Carnauba wax Vegan Plant wax.
Medium-chain triglycerides Vegan Usually from coconut or palm oil.
Artificial colors Vegan Synthetic.

Are any Mike and Ike flavors vegan?

Every Mike and Ike flavor we've seen uses the same coating, including Original Fruits, Berry Blast, Tropical Typhoon and the sour versions. Treat them all as not vegan unless a new bag drops confectioner's glaze from the list.

Why some vegans eat them anyway

Shellac is a secretion, not part of the insect's body, so some vegans see it like a plant resin. Others avoid it because the harvested resin often contains insects. We follow the stricter view so our verdicts stay consistent, and we explain it so you can decide.

Vegan alternatives

For a similar chewy candy without glaze, try Skittles, Dots or Jujyfruits.

Mike and Ike vs other chewy candy

Candy Status What decides it
Mike and Ike Not vegan Confectioner's glaze.
Skittles Vegan Carnauba wax coating.
Airheads Bars Vegan No glaze or gelatin.
US Starburst Not vegan Gelatin.
Twizzlers Vegan Wheat-based chew.

How to check any Mike and Ike product

Mike and Ike spin-offs and limited editions don't always share the original recipe. Check the ingredients for:

  • Gelatin or gelatine: not vegan.
  • Carmine, cochineal or E120: an insect-based red.
  • Confectioner's glaze, shellac or E904: from lac insects.
  • Beeswax (E901): from bees.
  • Milk, whey or butter: dairy.

Carnauba wax, pectin, starch and gum arabic are all plant-based.

The bottom line

Mike and Ikes are vegan apart from one ingredient, the shellac-based confectioner's glaze. Whether that's a dealbreaker is up to you; by our standard, they're not vegan.

FAQ

Do Mike and Ikes contain gelatin?
No. The chew comes from modified food starch.
What is confectioner's glaze?
A food-grade shellac made from the resin secreted by the lac insect. It's also listed as shellac, resinous glaze or E904. More on confectioner's glaze.
Are Mike and Ikes vegetarian?
Most vegetarians eat them. The Vegetarian Resource Group classes shellac as vegetarian but not vegan.
Are Mike and Ikes vegan?
No. They contain confectioner's glaze (shellac), which comes from lac insects. Otherwise they're plant-based.
Are Mike and Ikes gluten-free?
They contain no gluten ingredients. Check the pack for an allergen statement.
Who makes Mike and Ike?
Just Born, the Pennsylvania company that also makes Peeps and Hot Tamales.
Are Hot Tamales vegan?
Hot Tamales are also made by Just Born and also use confectioner's glaze, so check the current bag.

Keep checking

Are Starburst Vegan?NOAre Nerds Vegan?NOAre Skittles Vegan?YESAre Jolly Ranchers Vegan?SOME

Sources and how we checked

We reviewed the ingredient information below in Oct 2026. Recipes change, so check the pack, especially if you have an allergy.

Spotted a recipe change? Tell us and we'll re-check.