Identifying whether or not Impossible Sausage is vegan can be quite the challenge.
Manufacturers often shroud the nature and source of their ingredients in mystery, making it difficult for consumers to discern what exactly they are consuming. But fear not, dear reader!
This article is here to unearth the truth and support you in your commendable vegan lifestyle.
Is Impossible Sausage Vegan?
Yes, Impossible Sausage is vegan. The product does not contain any animal ingredients or animal derived ingredients. It is made from plants, designed to mimic the savory taste and texture of real pork sausage, providing a delectable option for meat lovers and vegans alike.
The main ingredients of Impossible Sausage that could potentially raise questions are soy leghemoglobin and coconut oil.
While coconut oil is sometimes criticized for its high saturated fat content, it is indeed vegan. Soy leghemoglobin, which gives Impossible foods their meaty flavor, is a protein derived from soy plants, not animals, and thus is vegan friendly.
Is Impossible Sausage Cruelty-Free?
Impossible Sausage is also cruelty-free. Because it contains no animal-derived ingredients, no animals are harmed in its production.
This is a significant point of difference from traditional pork sausage, the production of which is linked with significant animal suffering and negative environmental impacts, including high greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture.
What Is Impossible Sausage Made Of?
Let’s dissect the Impossible Sausage and uncover its ingredients. Below is a bulleted list of the key ingredients:
- Water
- Soy protein concentrate
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
- Natural flavors
- Soy leghemoglobin
- Yeast extract
Water
Water is a basic ingredient in many food products, acting as a medium for the mixing of other ingredients. It’s vegan and comes from nature’s hydration system: the water cycle!
Soy protein concentrate
This is a high-quality plant-based protein source derived from soybeans. It is used to provide the protein content that meat lovers expect from their sausage, and to provide a meaty texture. This ingredient is entirely vegan.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is used to provide a rich, fatty flavor similar to that of animal-based counterpart sausage. This oil comes from coconuts, making it a completely vegan ingredient.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil, extracted from sunflower seeds, is used to further enhance the product’s fatty content and mouthfeel. As a plant-based oil, it is vegan friendly.
Natural flavors
The term “natural flavors” can be a little vague, but in the context of Impossible Foods products, they are derived from plants, not animals, making them vegan.
Soy leghemoglobin
Soy leghemoglobin is the magic ingredient that gives Impossible foods their unique meaty flavor. It’s made using a yeast engineered to produce this soy protein. Despite the complex process, it’s made from plants and hence, it’s vegan.
Yeast extract
Yeast extract adds a savory umami flavor to foods. Since it’s derived from yeast, a type of fungi, it is completely vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Impossible Sausage
While Impossible Sausage is a great vegan alternative to pork sausage, there are other plant-based sausages on the market. Here are some other brands that make vegan sausage options:
These products, like Impossible Sausage, are made from plants and free from animal ingredients, offering a great variety for your breakfast sandwich or meatball subs recipes.
And if you’re ready to venture beyond plant-based sausage, check out Impossible Chicken Nuggets and the well-known Impossible Burger, even available at some fast-food locations.
Conclusion
Impossible Sausage is a plant-based sausage that ticks the vegan and cruelty-free boxes. Its ingredients, including soy protein and coconut oil, are plant derived, making it a suitable choice for anyone seeking to minimize their impact on animals and the environment.
With other vegan alternatives available, consumers have a variety of options to satisfy their savory cravings without compromising their values.
So, you can confidently order an Impossible breakfast sandwich at restaurants and grocery stores near you — just make sure other elements of the sandwich are vegan as well. Enjoy the deliciousness and savor the knowledge that your food choices are contributing to a more compassionate and sustainable world.