Candy Kittens – The complete guide to the vegan sweets brand

Candy Kittens has become one of the most talked‑about confectionery brands in the UK, known for its gourmet gummy sweets that are entirely plant‑based. Founded by television personality Jamie Laing, the brand has built a reputation around clean ingredients, bold flavours, and a commitment to being vegan, gelatine‑free, and palm‑oil‑free. This article answers the most common questions about the brand, from its ownership and ingredients to where you can buy it and what flavours are available.

Laing, best known for his role on Made in Chelsea, launched Candy Kittens in 2012 with the goal of creating a sweet that did not rely on animal gelatine. Over the years the range has expanded, and in 2023 the brand confirmed that its entire portfolio is now 100% vegan after reformulating the last non‑vegan flavour, Eton Mess. Today, Candy Kittens sweets are stocked in major UK supermarkets and are praised for their natural fruit flavours and chewy, satisfying texture.

Who is the owner of Candy Kittens?

Candy Kittens was co‑founded in London by Jamie Laing and Ed Williams. Laing, a former reality‑TV star and entrepreneur, is the public face of the brand and remains actively involved in product development and marketing. The brand’s name was chosen to reflect playful, cute branding with a nod to cats (kittens) and Laing’s love of sweets.

Candy Kittens: Gourmet Vegan Sweets at a Glance

Key Insights

• Candy Kittens was founded by Jamie Laing, TV personality (Made in Chelsea) and sweet enthusiast.
• The brand positions itself as “New Fashioned” – plant‑based, no gelatine, no palm oil, and no artificial nasties.
• Tesco and M&S are the key UK retail partners; Amazon UK serves online orders.
• All products are certified vegan and gluten free.
• Customers most frequently ask about ingredient specifics (gelatine, palm oil, gluten) and US availability.
• Candy Kittens are produced in Germany, not the UK, which is an under‑communicated fact in SEO copy.

Key Facts & Figures

What are the ingredients in Candy Kittens?

Candy Kittens gummies are built around sugar, glucose syrup, modified starch, fruit juice concentrates, acids, natural flavourings, and plant‑derived gelling agents such as pectin. Some recipes also include hydrolysed pea protein. The brand’s own marketing emphasises “no nasties,” and sourcing and formulation vary by flavour.

Are Candy Kittens vegan?

Yes, the entire range is now 100% vegan. The brand achieved this after reformulating the Eton Mess flavour, which previously contained beeswax. All other flavours were already vegan. The brand and multiple third‑party sources confirm the vegan status, as reported by Vegan Food & Living and The Grocer.

Does Candy Kittens contain gelatine?

No. Candy Kittens sweets are gelatine‑free. The brand originally removed animal gelatine and later completed the switch to a fully vegan range. Instead of gelatine, they use pectin and other plant‑based gelling agents.

Are Candy Kittens gluten free?

According to Katjes International, Candy Kittens are gluten‑free. The brand labels its products accordingly, and no gluten‑containing ingredients are used. However, whether all production facilities are dedicated gluten‑free is not always disclosed on packaging.

Does Candy Kittens use palm oil?

Multiple sources confirm that Candy Kittens does not use palm oil. The brand removed palm oil from all products, a change that was completed by 2021. This is stated on the Candy Kittens official website and echoed in reviews and reports.

Where to buy Candy Kittens?

Candy Kittens are widely available across the UK. The brand’s official website sells the full range, and major retailers stock them in stores and online.

Is Candy Kittens in Tesco?

Yes, Tesco is a key retail partner. A 140g bag typically costs between £2.50 and £3.00, though prices vary by location and promotions. The Tesco product page lists dietary flags such as vegan and gluten‑free.

Is Candy Kittens available in the US?

As of 2024/2025, Candy Kittens are not officially available in US retail stores. They can be imported via online marketplaces such as Amazon UK, which ships internationally. The brand has not announced any direct US retail partnerships.

How much are Candy Kittens at Tesco?

Typically £2.50 to £3.00 per 140g pack. Prices may vary by location and any active promotions. The same product on Amazon UK may be priced slightly higher due to shipping.

What are all the Candy Kittens flavours?

The core range includes Wild Strawberry, Peach Fizz, Tropical Mango, Sour Watermelon, Blueberry Bliss, and Eton Mess. Sour Watermelon is the brand’s best‑selling flavour. The Eton Mess flavour was the last to be reformulated to become vegan.

The brand occasionally introduces seasonal or limited‑edition flavours. The exact flavour rotation schedule is not publicly documented, so new releases are typically announced on social media and the official website.

What is the history of Candy Kittens?

1. 2012 – Jamie Laing founds Candy Kittens with a mission to create gourmet sweets without gelatine.
2. 2014 – First products launch online; brand identity built around “No Nasties” philosophy.
3. 2018 – Listed in Tesco stores across the UK; major retail expansion.
4. 2021 – M&S exclusive range released; palm oil removed from all products.
5. 2023 – Sour Watermelon becomes #1 best‑seller; new seasonal flavours introduced.
6. 2024 – Continuous growth in UK retail; increased interest for US expansion (not yet official).

What is known and not known about Candy Kittens?

Why Candy Kittens stand out in the vegan confectionary market

Candy Kittens is a pioneer in premium plant‑based gummy sweets without gelatine. The strong founder personality of Jamie Laing adds brand trust and media visibility. The brand aligns with the clean‑label trend (no palm oil, no gelatine, gluten‑free) and has a strong presence in top UK grocery chains such as Tesco and M&S.

Its higher price point compared to standard gummy sweets signals quality, and product innovation focuses on tart and sour fruit profiles like Watermelon, Strawberry, and Cola. The combination of celebrity backing, clear dietary claims, and wide retail availability has helped Candy Kittens carve out a distinct niche.

What are the key sources for Candy Kittens information?

“We make sweets the New Fashioned® way – plants, not gelatine, for a better bite.”

– Candy Kittens Official Tagline

Primary sources include the Candy Kittens official website for product and ingredient details, the Tesco product page for pricing and dietary flags, the Amazon UK storefront for marketplace availability, and Trustpilot reviews for customer feedback. The M&S launch announcement also provides information on the exclusive range.

For more on vegan sweets, see our full list of vegan certified sweets. You can also explore other plant‑based confectionery brands.

What is the future of Candy Kittens?

The brand is likely to focus on expansion into the US market, based on growing demand and top question signals. New seasonal or limited‑edition flavour drops are expected to continue, and there is increasing emphasis on e‑commerce direct‑to‑consumer (DTC) with subscription models. Greater transparency around supply chain and production facility certifications (gluten‑free, vegan cross‑contamination) may also be on the horizon. Possible partnerships with major US retailers could emerge if import/distribution agreements are signed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Kittens