Figuring out whether Fruity Pebbles cereal is safe for vegans to consume can be challenging.
Makers of breakfast cereals often mask their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural and artificial flavors,” and even when they do give you a full list of ingredients, it can be hard to determine which ones are vegan.
To make sure that you’re only eating food that aligns with your vegan lifestyle, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production processes of Fruity Pebbles.
Here’s what I found out.
Are Fruity Pebbles Vegan?
No. Fruity Pebbles are not vegan.
Fruity Pebbles is a popular breakfast cereal made by Post Consumer Brands, which also makes Raisin Bran, Honeycomb, and Great Grains cereals, to name a few. The cereal consists of small, brightly colored crispy corn and rice with fruity flavors. Sadly, Fruity Pebbles are not vegan because they contain vitamin D3 and refined sugar.
Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and can also be produced synthetically in a lab. However, vitamin D3 is usually sourced from sheep’s wool, so vegans should be wary of consuming it.
As for sugar, many vegans avoid it because it is often processed with bone char, which is made from the charred bones of animals. Unless it is specifically labeled as “raw,” “organic,” or “unrefined,” sugar is likely not vegan.
So, while Fruity Pebbles might be a delicious cereal, it’s not one that vegans can enjoy.
Are Fruity Pebbles Cruelty-Free?
No. Fruity Pebbles are not cruelty-free.
Fruity Pebbles are not tested on animals at any point in their production. However, they contain artificial colors Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Blue 2, all of which are routinely tested on animals.
Animal testing is an outdated and cruel practice that should be stopped. These tests involve feeding animals large amounts of the chemical to observe any adverse effects. And that’s just the most mild treatment. Animal testing leaves innocent animals disfigured, sick, and often dead.
There are many alternatives to animal testing that are more effective and humane so there’s no excuse for brands to continue using this barbaric practice.
What Are Fruity Pebbles Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Fruity Pebbles:
- Rice
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated vegetable oil (coconut and palm oil)
- Salt
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Red 40
- Yellow 6
- Turmeric oleoresin (color)
- Blue 1
- Yellow 5
- Blue 2
- BHA (to help protect flavor)
- Sodium ascorbate (source of vitamin C)
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- Niacinamide
- Reduced iron
- Zinc oxide (source of zinc)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin A palmitate
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1)
- Folic acid
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D3
Let’s break down each ingredient of Fruity Pebbles:
Rice
Rice is a type of grain that is commonly used in cereal. It can be white, brown, or black. It is used as a cereal because it is a good source of complex carbohydrates. Rice is a vegan ingredient.
Sugar
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is used to sweeten food. It can be made from sugarcane or sugar beets. Refined sugar is often processed with bone char, which is made from the charred bones of animals, making it unsuitable for vegans.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil (coconut and palm kernel oils)
Hydrogenated vegetable oil is a type of oil that has been treated with hydrogen gas. These oils are often used in cereal because they help to prevent the cereal from going stale. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are vegan ingredients.
Salt
Salt is a type of mineral that is used to add flavor to food. It is also used as a preservative. Salt is a vegan ingredient.
Natural and artificial flavor
Natural and artificial flavors are added to food to enhance the flavor. Natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources, while artificial flavors are created in a lab. Natural and artificial flavors are always hidden ingredients, so it is difficult to determine if they are vegan.
Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Blue 2
These colors are added to food to enhance its appearance. They are usually made from synthetic sources, such as petroleum. Artificial colors are vegan friendly.
Turmeric oleoresin (color)
Turmeric oleoresin is a type of color that is derived from the spice turmeric. Turmeric oleoresin is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
BHA (to help protect flavor)
BHA is a type of preservative that is used to prevent food from going rancid. BHA is usually made from synthetic sources, making it vegan friendly.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are a type of nutrient that is essential for human health. They can be found in or added to food. The vitamins and minerals in Fruity Pebbles are sodium ascorbate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), niacinamide, reduced iron, zinc oxide, vitamin B6, vitamin A palmitate, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1), folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3.
These vitamins and minerals are all synthetic and vegan except for vitamin D3, which is often derived from lanolin, a type of oil that is secreted by sheep. Vitamin D3 is not vegan.
Why Aren’t Fruity Pebbles Vegan?
Fruity Pebbles are not vegan because they contain vitamin D3 and refined sugar. Vitamin D3 is usually derived from sheep’s wool and refined sugar is often processed through bone char, an animal by-product. These ingredients make Fruity Pebbles unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Are Magic Fruity Pebbles Vegan?
No. Magic Fruity Pebbles Cereals contain refined sugar and vitamin D3.
This Fruity Pebbles cereal is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Marshmallow Cocoa Pebbles Vegan?
No. Marshmallow Cocoa Pebbles cereal contains refined sugar, gelatin, and vitamin D3.
This Cocoa Pebbles cereal is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Cocoa Pebbles Vegan?
No. Cocoa Pebbles cereal contains refined sugar and vitamin D3.
This cereal is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Marshmallow Fruity Pebbles Vegan?
No. Marshmallow Fruity Pebbles cereal contains refined sugar, gelatin, and vitamin D3.
This Fruity Pebbles cereal is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Fruity Pebbles Treats Vegan?
No. Magic Fruity Pebbles Treats cereal bars contain sugar, gelatin, whey powder, milk, and vitamin D3.
These cereal bars are not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Post Raisin Bran Vegan?
No. Post Raisin Bran cereal contains refined sugar and vitamin D3.
This breakfast cereal is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches Vegan?
No. Honey Bunches of Oats contain honey, refined sugar, and vitamin D3.
Honey Bunches of Oats are not safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Fruity Pebbles
If you’re in the mood for some cereal with fruit flavors but don’t want to consume animal products, there are plenty of vegan-friendly cereals on the market. Here are some of my favorite alternatives to Fruity Pebbles:
- Annie’s Organic Fruity Bunnies & Blossoms Cereal
- Catalina Crunch Fruity Cereal
- Cascadian Farm Organic Fruitful O’s Cereal
- Kashi Breakfast Cereal, Blueberry Clusters
- Love Grown Sea Stars, Fruity Toasted Rice & Bean Cereal
These fruity cereals are all vegan friendly and contain no animal products or by-products. They provide you with the same great taste without the guilt. So be sure to try one of these vegan cereals the next time you’re in the mood for a bowl of cereal.
Final Words
So, are Fruity Pebbles vegan? No. Sadly, Fruity Pebbles are not vegan. The good news is that there are many other vegan kinds of cereal that you can enjoy. Be sure to try one of these delicious vegan cereals today, but always check the ingredients list to make sure they didn’t change their recipe. Have fun!