Figuring out whether Country Crock Original is vegan can be a bit tough.
The makers of spreads often mask their ingredients under super vague terms, such as “natural flavors,” and even if they provide you with a full list, it can be hard to determine whether an ingredient is derived from animals or not.
To ensure that you’re only eating food that aligns with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production process of Country Crock Original.
Here’s what I found.
Is Country Crock Original Vegan?
No. Country Crock Original is not vegan.
Country Crock Original does not have any obvious animal-derived ingredients,but it does contain vitamin D3, which is not vegan.
Because vitamin D3 is commonly extracted from lanolin, also known as wool yolk, wool wax, or wool grease, which is a wax released by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals, it is not vegan.
So, if you are looking for a vegan buttery spread, Country Crock Original is not for you. However, Country Crock does have completely plant-based spreads that are vegan-friendly.
Is Country Crock Original Cruelty Free?
Yes! Country Crock Original is cruelty free.
Although Country Crock Original contains animal products, it is never tested on animals at any point during the production process. There are no animal-tested additives in it, such as artificial colors or flavors.
Animal testing is a cruel and outmoded practice that frequently causes deformity, agony, or death in helpless animals. There are various food flavorings and colorings on the market that do not require animal testing, thus there is no reason for any firms to continue doing so.
Country Crock, thankfully, does not contribute to such horrible animal abuse and is helping to put an end to it.
What Is Country Crock Original Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Country Crock Original:
- Purified water
- Soybean oil
- Palm kernel
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Lecithin (soy)
- Vinegar
- Natural flavors
- Vitamin A palmitate
- Beta carotene (color)
- Vitamin D3
Let’s break down each ingredient of Country Crock Original:
Purified water
Purified water is water that has been filtered and treated to remove impurities. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Soybean oil
Soybean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant. It is commonly used in cooking and baking. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Palm kernel
The palm kernel is the edible seed of the palm fruit. It is often used in cooking and baking. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Palm oil
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the palm tree. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Salt
Salt is a mineral composed of sodium and chloride. It is used to add flavor to food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Lecithin (soy)
Lecithin is a fatty substance that is found in all plants and animals. It is used as an emulsifier in food. Lecithin can be derived from both soybeans and eggs. However, the lecithin in Country Crock Original is derived from soybeans, making it a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a liquid composed of acetic acid and water. It is used as a condiment or preservative. Vinegar is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Natural flavors
Natural flavors are flavors that are derived from plants or animals. The natural flavors in Country Crock Original are likely not derived from animals.
Vitamin A palmitate
Vitamin A palmitate is a vitamin A derivative. It is used as a dietary supplement and as an ingredient in some cosmetics. Vitamin A palmitate is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Beta carotene (color)
Beta carotene is a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their orange color. It is often used as a food coloring. Beta carotene is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is a vitamin D derivative. It is used as a dietary supplement. Vitamin D3 is derived from animals, making it an animal product. As such, it is not vegan-friendly.
Why Isn’t Country Crock Vegan?
Country Crock Original is not vegan because it contains vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is extracted from lanolin. Lanolin, also known as wool yolk, wool wax, or wool grease, is a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals.
Is Country Crock Light Spread Vegan?
No. Country Crock Light Spread is not vegan. This spread contains mono- and diglycerides, as well as vitamin D3, which are ingredients vegans actively avoid. Mono- and diglycerides can be plant or animal derived but are more commonly of animal origin, and vitamin D3 is derived from sheep wool.
This spread is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Country Crock Churn Style Spread Vegan?
No. Country Crock Churn Style Spread is not vegan. It contains vitamin D3, which is derived from animals.
This spread is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Country Crock Calcium With 8% Daily Value Per Tbsp Vegan?
No. Country Crock Calcium with 8% Daily Value Per Tbsp is not vegan. This spread contains mono- and diglycerides, as well as vitamin D3, which are non-vegan. Mono- and diglycerides can be plant- or animal-derived but are more commonly of animal origin, and vitamin D3 is derived from sheep wool.
This Country Crock spread is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Country Crock Salted Baking Sticks Vegan?
No. Country Crock Salted Baking Sticks are not vegan. This product contains whey, which is a milk derivative.
This Country Crock product is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks With Almond Oil Vegan?
Yes! Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks with Almond Oil are vegan. These plant butter sticks are plant based, free of dairy products, and gluten free.
This Country Crock vegan product is totally safe for vegans.
Are Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks With Avocado Oil Vegan?
Yes! Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks with Avocado Oil are vegan. These plant butter sticks are plant based, free of dairy products, and gluten free.
This Country Crock vegan product is totally safe for vegans to consume.
Are Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks With Olive Oil Vegan?
Yes! Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks with Olive Oil are vegan. These plant butter sticks are plant based, free of dairy products, and gluten free.
This plant butter product is safe for vegan consumption.
Is Country Crock Plant Cream Vegan?
No. Country Crock Plant Cream is not vegan because it contains sugar. Sugar is often processed with bone char, which is not vegan. Also, it does contain mono and diglycerides. Mono- and diglycerides can be plant- or animal-derived but are more often of animal origin.
This cream is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Country Crock Plant Butter Tub With Avocado Oil Vegan?
Yes! Country Crock Plant Butter Tub with Avocado Oil is vegan. It is plant based, dairy free, and gluten free.
This plant butter spread is safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Country Crock Original
If you enjoy Country Crock Original but are seeking a vegan alternative, there are a few brands that provide similar products. Here are some of my favorites:
- Melt Organic Butter
- Miyoko’s European-Style Cultured Vegan Butter
- Wildbrine Cultured & Plant Based Wild Creamery European Style Butter Alternative
- Wayfare Foods Dairy-Free Salted Whipped Butter
Final Words
So there you have it! The answer to the question “Is Country Crock Original vegan?” is no. Country Crock Original buttery spread is not vegan because it contains vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is derived from animals, making it an animal by-product. As such, it is not vegan.
However, there are plenty of plant-based butter spreads on the market that provide a similar taste and texture. So if you’re in the market for a vegan spread, be sure to check out some of the alternatives mentioned above. Go grab yourself a tub of vegan butter and enjoy!