Is Go Veggie Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Veg-tastic Truth

May 25, 2023

Figuring out whether Go Veggie is vegan friendly can be challenging.

Cheesemakers often hide their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural flavors,” and even when they do provide a full list of ingredients, it can be tough to determine whether a particular product is vegan.

To make sure that you’re only eating food that aligns with your vegan lifestyle and diet, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production process of Go Veggie.

Here’s what I found out.

Is Go Veggie Vegan?

Yes! Go Veggie is vegan.

Go Veggie is a cheese alternative brand made with vegetable oils and plant-based ingredients made by Galaxy Nutritional Foods. Go Veggie is popular for its many cheese-like products that are dairy free, gluten free, and vegan.

Go Veggie has two (2) varieties: Plant-Based cheese and Lactose-Free cheese. The Plant-Based variety is vegan, while the Lactose-Free variety is not because it contains casein, a milk protein.

So, if you’re looking for a vegan cheese alternative, make sure to grab the Plant-Based variety of Go Veggie. Always double-check the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to be sure.

Is Go Veggie Cruelty Free?

Yes! Go Veggie is cruelty free.

Go Veggie is not tested on animals at any stage of production. This means that no animals are harmed in the making of its products. They also do not contain ingredients, such as artificial colors, that are commonly tested on animals.

Animal testing is a gruesome and outdated practice that causes immense suffering to innocent animals who are forced to undergo painful and often deadly procedures. There are alternative ways to test products that don’t involve animals and are even more accurate.

Companies don’t really have any reason to test on animals anymore, so it’s great to see that Go Veggie is committed to being cruelty free.

What Is Go Veggie Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Go Veggie Plant-Based Cheddar Shreds:

  • Filtered water
  • Modified potato starch
  • Canola oil
  • Vegetable glycerine
  • Tricalcium phosphate
  • Pea protein
  • Sea salt
  • Natural vegan flavors
  • Lactic acid (non-dairy)
  • Sunflower lecithin
  • Annatto extract (color)
  • Powdered cellulose added to prevent caking

Let’s break down each ingredient of Go Veggie:

Filtered water

Filtered water is water that has been passed through a filter to remove impurities. It is used to dissolve other ingredients or to thin out a product. Filtered water is vegan friendly.

Modified potato starch

Modified potato starch is potato starch that has been treated to change its properties. It is often used as a thickener or emulsifier in food products. Modified potato starch is vegan friendly.

Canola oil

Canola oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of the canola plant. It is commonly used in food products such as cooking oil or shortening. Canola oil is vegan friendly.

Vegetable glycerine

Vegetable glycerine is a glycerine that is derived from plants. It is often used as a sweetener or humectant in food products. Vegetable glycerine is vegan friendly.

Tricalcium phosphate

Tricalcium phosphate is a calcium salt that is often used as a dietary supplement or food additive. It is vegan friendly.

Pea protein

Pea protein is a protein that is derived from peas. It is a common ingredient in vegan and vegetarian products as it is a good source of plant-based protein.

Sea salt

Sea salt is derived from the evaporation of seawater. It is often used as a flavor enhancer or food additive. Sea salt is vegan friendly.

Natural vegan flavors

Natural vegan flavors are plant-based flavors that are used to flavor food products. They are vegan friendly.

Lactic acid (non-dairy)

Lactic acid is a type of organic acid that is derived from plants. It is often used as a preservative or flavor enhancer in food products. Lactic acid is vegan friendly.

Sunflower lecithin

Sunflower lecithin is a type of phospholipid that is derived from sunflowers. It is often used as an emulsifier or lubricant in food products. Sunflower lecithin is vegan friendly.

Annatto extract

Annatto extract is a type of natural food coloring that is derived from the seeds of the annatto plant. It is vegan friendly.

Powdered cellulose

Powdered cellulose is a type of plant-based fiber that is often used as a food additive or thickener. In Go Veggie it is used to prevent caking. Powdered cellulose is vegan friendly.

Why Is Go Veggie Vegan?

Go Veggie is vegan because it is made from plant-based ingredients and does not contain any animal products or derivatives. The majority of its products are vegan, with a few exceptions that contain casein, a milk protein.

So you need to be careful when reading the labels on its products. If you see the Lactose-Free cheese slices, this product contains casein and is not vegan. But overall, Go Veggie cheese is a vegan-friendly brand.

Are Go Veggie Lactose-Free Mozzarella Singles Vegan?

No. Go Veggie Lactose-Free Mozzarella Singles contains casein, milk, modified cheese enzyme, cream, dairy cheese culture, and milk fat.

This cheese is not safe for vegan consumption.

Are Go Veggie Plant-Based Chives & Garlic Cream Cheese Vegan?

Yes! Go Veggie Plant-Based Chives & Garlic Cream Cheese do not contain animal-derived ingredients such as milk.

This cheese is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Go Veggie Plant-Based Parmesan Grated Topping Vegan?

Yes! Go Veggie Plant-Based Parmesan Cheese Grated Topping only contains plant-based ingredients.

This cheese is safe for vegan consumption.

Are Go Veggie Plant-Based Mexican Shreds Vegan?

Yes! Go Veggie Plant-Based Mexican Shreds do not contain animal-derived ingredients such as milk.

This cheese is safe for vegan consumption.

Are Go Veggie Vegan Chive & Garlic Spread & Dip Minis Vegan?

Yes! Go Veggie Vegan Chive & Garlic Spread & Dip Minis only contain plant-based ingredients.

This cheese is safe for vegan consumption.

Final Words

So, there you have it! Go Veggie is vegan. You can enjoy Go Veggie vegan shreds, spreads & dips, and grated toppings without worry. However, its Lactose-Free Go Veggie slices are not vegan because they contain casein, milk, and other dairy-based ingredients. 

Be sure to check the labels on all Go Veggie products to make sure they are vegan before purchasing or consuming them.