Are caramels vegan?

Hello all! 
Traditionally, caramels were not vegan. They contained milk, butter, and non-vegan sugar.

I'm unsure who is responsible for first creating caramels. Caramel syrup was thought to be made in Egypt back in 2000 BC but I can't remember that far back! In the 16th century, Europeans were making versions of caramel. Most people think of caramels as a French invention and that's what I'm going with since I'm of French lineage. So, let's go down the road of caramels in France...

Jean-Baptiste Rousseau was born in 1712, and was a pastry chef in Paris. At only 18, he invented a machine to produce caramels. Oh, how I wish I had that machine! Rousseau allegedly had many challenges in creating caramels, and I completely understand. When I set out to make vegan caramels I found out that it was a whole new world. The chemistry is tricky. The balance of plant milk, water, sugar, have to be just right. A humid day can ruin a batch. Temperature can blob a creation quicker than ice cream on a hot sidewalk.

In the 1800's caramel making really took off. Mass production came into play and unfortunately stabilizers and artificial ingredients started being used. Thankfully there are still artisanal caramel makers around the world, and now vegan caramel makers!

Check out "The Fascinating History of Caramel: Who Invented It?"