Vanessa Hudgens has broken her silence about her infamous drug photo scandal at Coachella in 2011, denying allegations she was taking cocaine at the California music festival.

The High School Musical star became embroiled in controversy after she was snapped licking a mystery substance off her fingers while at Coachella two years ago.

The actress has never addressed the speculation until now, and Hudgens insists it wasn't cocaine on her fingers, but white chocolate.

She tells America's Marie Claire magazine, "I couldn't do anything but laugh. It's amazing how people like to create something out of absolutely nothing.

"I am human like everyone else. I am aware that there are people who look up to me. When mistakes are made, they aren't intentional, and I constantly push myself to be a better person."

The 24 year old no longer lets rumours about her personal life bother her, adding, "I am so comfortable with myself - honing in on what I love and what makes me powerful. Things I've been doing lately, I'm super proud of. So I don't really care if someone doesn't like it, because I love it. You have a choice whether you want to be happy or not. I choose to be happy. And it's been working out pretty well."