Deciphering whether a product is truly vegan can often be a difficult task.
Manufacturers may cloud the nature and source of their ingredients, making it a challenge to maintain a steadfast vegan lifestyle.
This article aims to shine a light on the truth, equipping you, dear reader, with the knowledge to continue your cruelty-free, vegan journey with confidence.
Are Ice Breakers Mints Vegan?
Regrettably, Ice Breakers Mints are not vegan. A deep dive into the ingredients reveals the presence of elements which conflict with the tenets of a vegan diet.
Ice Breakers contain several ingredients that are derived from animals. Most notably, the presence of magnesium stearate is a cause for concern. This substance can be derived from animal fat, specifically from the connective tissue of pigs and cows.
Moreover, these mints use stearic acid, which can also have animal origins.
Are Ice Breakers Cruelty-Free?
No. Ice Breakers are not cruelty-free. They contain palm oil, an ingredient notorious for the destruction of local wildlife habitat in the parts of Southeast Asia where palm oil is harvested.
Furthermore, these mints contain several artificial ingredients that are almost assuredly tested on animals.
What Are Ice Breakers Made of?
Before we delve into vegan alternatives, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make up Ice Breakers:
- Sorbitol
- Malic acid
- Tartaric acid
- Citric acid
- Hydrogenated palm oil
- Gum acacia
- Gum base
- Magnesium stearate
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Artificial color
- Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol often used in sugar-free products, like Ice Breakers. It’s usually derived from corn syrup, so it’s plant based and vegan. It may, however, be GMO.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in various fruits. In Ice Breakers, it provides a tart flavor. It is synthesized for commercial use and is considered vegan.
Tartaric Acid
Like malic acid, tartaric acid provides tartness. It is generally derived from grapes or synthesized, and is therefore vegan.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, and it contributes to Ice Breakers’ tangy taste. It’s typically synthesized for commercial use, making it vegan.
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
This is a form of palm oil made solid through hydrogenation. Palm oil is plant based, but its production is highly controversial due to environmental concerns.
Gum Acacia
Gum acacia, also known as gum arabic, is a natural gum made of hardened sap from two species of acacia trees. It’s plant based and vegan.
Gum Base
Gum base can be made from a variety of materials, including synthetic polymers, waxes, and sometimes latex from the sapodilla tree. It’s typically vegan.
Magnesium Stearate
As noted earlier, magnesium stearate is often derived from animal fat, but it can also come from plant sources. Without specific clarification from the manufacturer, we can’t confirm it’s vegan.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
These flavors can come from both plant and animal sources, and the specific origins are often not disclosed by companies.
Artificial Color
Artificial colors are synthesized from coal tar or petroleum, making them technically vegan. However, they have a controversial past due to potential health risks and history of animal testing.
Aspartame
Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener. It is synthesized and is vegan, but it’s probably tested on animals.
Vegan Alternatives to Ice Breakers
For those looking for vegan alternatives to Ice Breakers, there are several options available:
These brands create vegan-friendly, aspartame-free, and sugar-free options that can be a part of your vegan diet.
Conclusion
Ice Breakers are not vegan or cruelty-free due to the potential animal origins of some of their ingredients, as well as animal testing of some of its synthetic ingredients, and the implications of palm oil harvesting.
It’s always crucial to scrutinize the ingredients list of any food product to ensure that it aligns with your ethical commitments.
Luckily, there are plenty of vegan-friendly alternatives to Ice Breakers, meaning you can keep your breath fresh without compromising your values.