Understanding whether or not I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter is vegan can be quite the task.
The challenge lies in manufacturers sometimes obscuring the origins and nature of their ingredients.
Nevertheless, this article aims to unveil the truth and support you, dear reader, in your admirable vegan lifestyle.
Is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Vegan?
No, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter is not fully vegan. The primary reason for this is the inclusion of buttermilk, an ingredient that is animal-derived. This directly contradicts the fundamental principles of veganism, which exclude the consumption of all animal-derived ingredients.
Is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Cruelty-Free?
No, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter is not cruelty-free. The inclusion of Sweet Cream Buttermilk again is the deciding factor, as this ingredient is derived from dairy cows, which are often subjected to questionable farming practices.
What Is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Made Of?
Here is a rundown of all the ingredients in I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter:
- Water
- Soybean oil
- Palm kernel oil
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Soy lecithin
- Vinegar
- Natural flavor
- Vitamin A palmitate
- Beta carotene
- Sweet cream buttermilk
Water
Water is a universal ingredient and is vegan, as it doesn’t originate from any animal source.
Soybean oil
Soybean oil is plant-based and thus is vegan. It’s primarily used as a source of fat in the spread.
Palm kernel oil
Palm kernel oil is derived from the seeds of the oil palm tree, making it a vegan vegetable oil. However, its controversial production and harvesting often involves deforestation and harm to wildlife, which might concern some vegans.
Palm oil
Like palm kernel oil, palm oil is plant derived and vegan. Yet, its production often involves significant environmental damage, posing ethical concerns for eco-conscious individuals.
Salt
Salt is a mineral and is entirely vegan.
Soy lecithin
Soy lecithin is a plant-based emulsifier derived from soybeans. It helps to blend the water and oils together in the product, and it’s vegan.
Vinegar
Vinegar is made through the fermentation of ethanol by bacteria, and it’s vegan.
Natural flavor
Natural flavors can be derived from both plant and animal sources, and manufacturers are not required to disclose their origin. However, in the case of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, the natural flavors are reported to be vegan.
Vitamin A palmitate
Vitamin A palmitate is a form of vitamin A. It can be derived synthetically or from animal sources. In this product, it is reported to be vegan.
Beta carotene
Beta carotene is a plant-derived compound used for coloring and is vegan.
Sweet cream buttermilk
Buttermilk is derived from dairy and is not vegan, making I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter a non-vegan product.
Vegan Alternatives to I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
If you’re looking for vegan, dairy-free butter substitutes, you’ll be glad to know there are many options available:
- Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread
- Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter
- Pure Blends Plant-Based Butter
These products are certified plant-based by the Plant Based Foods Association and are vegan action certified. They are free from animal-derived ingredients and provide the same delicious buttery spread without compromising your vegan principles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter is not fully vegan due to the inclusion of buttermilk, a dairy-derived ingredient.
This, unfortunately, makes it non-vegan brand and not cruelty-free.
However, vegan options like Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread and others provide excellent alternatives without compromising on taste or ethics.