Have you just discovered Cocomels, and now you can’t help but wonder if these coconut milk caramels align with your vegan lifestyle? Candy often has animal products hidden in the ingredients, so it’s always worth taking a closer look.
Good news – Cocomels are vegan! They are dairy-free, plant-based caramels made primarily from organic coconut milk and organic brown rice syrup. There are no animal products here.
Below, we’ll explore the details of the delicious candies, just what makes them vegan, and take a closer look at what else is hiding inside those sweet little morsels. But we need to warn you – you may come out of this feeling almost virtuous for eating them.
What Exactly are Cocomels?
If you’re new to Cocomels, you’re in for a treat!
These small, sugary snacks are a spin on traditional caramels, but without the gelatin, honey, milk, and butter we often see leading the list of candy ingredients.
Cocomels are made by a company called JJ’s Sweets and are much-drooled over for their smooth, rich, and creamy texture.
For a fun interview with the man who invented Cocomels, you can check out this YouTube video:
It’s worth watching because JJ himself was very intentional in his creation of a vegan-friendly candy.
Now, if you love caramel flavor but typically have to avoid it because of the milk, you’ll be relieved to know that what sets Cocomels apart from regular caramels is that they’re made using coconut milk.
So not only can vegans chew with ease, but so can anyone who is lactose intolerant.
Even better, they’re gluten-free and made in allergen-free facilities, ensuring that as many people as possible can eat them.
Of course, that doesn’t make them healthy, per se, but we love that the creator of Cocomels, aka Chief Candymaker JJ Rademaekers, purposely set out to make an Earth-friendly snack. Oh, and did we mention they’re GMO-free too?
What’s Really In Cocomels?
Now we know why Cocomels pass the vegan test. But most of us want to know more details about just what IS in the candy.
We’re not going to pretend they’re nutritious (that kind of takes the fun out of candy anyway), but they are made to be Earth-conscious.
First, remember that traditional caramels typically contain sugar, butter, and heavy cream. As you can see, two of the primary ingredients, butter, and cream, are animal-derived and are not suitable for a vegan diet.
That’s why we often need to be careful with candy.
But if you peruse the back of a bag of Cocomels, you’ll see the vegan-friendly caramels contain:
- Coconut milk adds a creamy, rich texture.
- Organic brown rice syrup. Luckily, there are no honey or other animal-based sweeteners lurking inside.
- Sea salt to add a savory touch.
- Xanthan gum, which is a thickener derived from bacterial fermentation. That makes it a great vegan substitute for egg whites.
- Organic flavor. An ingredient that is admittedly pretty vague. However, the makers of Cocomels assure customers that Cocomels are vegan, so it’s derived from plant sources. It’s what helps give Cocomels their distinct flavor.
How to Use Cocomels
Cocomels are available online on their official website, Amazon, and in various health food stores.
They even come in a variety of flavors like Vanilla, Sea Salt, and Espresso. (If you’re always looking forward to Autumn, you’ll even be able to find Pumpkin Spice Cocomels on the shelves around Halloween!)
I prefer to enjoy Cocomels straight from the package. But they also make a great addition to vegan desserts like cookies, brownies, and ice cream, adding a caramel twist to your favorite treats. In fact, the Cocomels website has a whole bunch of recipes that’ll make your kitchen smell great.
Our favorites are:
- Cocomels Caramel Apples
- Cocomels Brownie Bites (because we all deserve to double up on sweet snacks sometimes)
- Salted Caramel Stuffed Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (in case the situation demands you triple the sweetness)
Not only do Cocomels offer a way to enjoy a classic treat in a more sustainable and compassionate manner, but they also serve as a reminder of how versatile and exciting vegan eating can be.
So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth with a pack of Cocomels. After all, what’s life without a little sweetness?
Frequently Asked Questions
Cocomels should be stored in a sealed bag for optimal freshness. If you want to maximize their shelf life, which is 1 year from production, you can store them in the freezer. They can be eaten frozen or allowed to warm before eating for the chewy caramel experience.
You can get Cocomel via different retailers, mostly ones that are available to customers in the United States. However, other websites like iHerb do ship Cocomels to other countries, such as the UK.
Yes, you can purchase Cocomels in bulk. Certain online retailers such as GroceryBundles offer bulk purchases of Cocomels.
Cocomels previously had a ‘sugar-free’ option, which was made with an allulose and monk fruit sweetener blend instead of cane sugar. The brand continues to strive to improve the taste of this sugar-free option.
Unfortunately, the packaging for Cocomels is not eco-friendly or recyclable.
Cocomels are generally made with organic ingredients and are free from preservatives and artificial flavors. Some of the ingredients include organic coconut milk, organic brown rice syrup, organic dried cane syrup, organic vanilla extract, sea salt, and xanthan gum.
Summary
If you’ve been on the hunt for vegan caramels, Cocomels are a great choice. They don’t contain any animal products, and they are deliberately animal product-free and Earth-friendly, making them a delicious alternative to traditional dairy-based caramels for those of us who want candy with a conscience.
