Identifying whether a product like International Delight is vegan or not can be an uphill battle.
This difficulty often stems from manufacturers cleverly masking the true nature and source of their ingredients.
This article is here to dispel the confusion, unveil the truth, and guide you in maintaining your compassionate, vegan lifestyle.
Is International Delight Vegan?
No, International Delight is not vegan. The key factor here is the presence of a non-vegan ingredient known as sodium caseinate, which is a milk derivative.
This ingredient categorizes International Delight among non-vegan products. While this coffee creamer tantalizes the taste buds with its creamy goodness, the presence of this milk derivative makes it unsuitable for those looking for vegan creamers.
Furthermore other potentially non-vegan ingredients, including mono and diglycerides, natural flavors, and sugar potentially processed through animal bone char, further disqualify this product from vegan status.
Is International Delight Cruelty-Free?
Unfortunately, International Delight is not cruelty-free. The presence of palm oil oil and artificial flavors disqualify the product from being cruelty-free.
The harvesting of palm oil destroys wildlife habitats and displaces animals, in addition to a number of other concerns about the palm oil industry. And artificial flavors are, in all likelihood, tested on animals to ensure their safety for human consumption.
Additionally, it’s hard to call anything from the dairy industry cruelty-free. It’s been accused of disturbing and widespread acts of cruelty against cows and their babies.
What Is International Delight Made Of?
Let’s delve into the intricacies of French Vanilla International Delight’s ingredients:
- Water
- Cane sugar
- Palm oil
- Sodium caseinate
- Dipotassium phosphate
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Mono and diglycerides
- Sodium stearoyl lactylate
- Polysorbate 60
- Carrageenan
- Salt
Water
Water forms the base of this creamer, and it is, of course, vegan.
Cane Sugar
Cane sugar is derived from the sugarcane plant. However, it might not always be vegan due to the refining process that sometimes involves bone char.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is plant derived, making it vegan. However, it carries significant environmental concerns due to its role in deforestation and habitat loss.
Sodium Caseinate
As we’ve noted, sodium caseinate is a milk derivative, disqualifying International Delight from being vegan or cruelty-free.
Dipotassium Phosphate, Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Polysorbate 60
These ingredients act as emulsifiers and stabilizers in the creamer, contributing to its smooth texture. They can be derived from both plant and animal sources, making their vegan status uncertain without further information from the manufacturer.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a plant-based ingredient derived from red seaweed, making it a vegan-friendly addition.
Salt
Salt is a mineral and it is, as I’m sure you know, completely vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to International Delight
While International Delight may not be suitable for vegans, that doesn’t mean you have to forfeit that creamy goodness in your morning cup of coffee. Here are some vegan coffee creamers, including almond milk creamers as well as oat milk, coconut milk, and soy milk options:
- Almond Milk Creamers: Products like Califia Farms Almondmilk Creamer and Silk Almond Creamer are dairy-free and bring a rich flavor to your coffee.
- Coconut Milk Creamers: So Delicious Dairy Free Coconutmilk Creamer and Nutpods Dairy-Free Creamer are popular choices.
- Oat Milk Creamers: Companies like Chobani and Silk offer delightful oat milk creamers that are smooth, creamy, and vegan-friendly.
- Soy Milk Creamers: Soy milk creamers, such as those offered by Silk, can also be a delicious, vegan-friendly addition to your coffee.
Is Zero Sugar Pumpkin Spice International Delight Vegan?
No, Zero Sugar Pumpkin Spice is not vegan. It may be sugar-free, but it contains sodium caseinate, a non-vegan milk protein. In fact, none of the seasonal flavors from this creamer brand are vegan.
Is Caramel Macchiato International Delight Vegan?
No, Caramel Macchiato is not vegan. It contains sodium caseinate, a non-vegan milk protein.
Is Almond Joy International Delight Vegan?
No, don’t be misled by the use of “almond” here. Almond Joy coffee creamer is not vegan. It contains sodium caseinate, a non-vegan milk protein.
Conclusion
The verdict is clear: International Delight, with its inclusion of sodium caseinate, a milk derivative, is not a vegan or cruelty-free product.
However, you need not sacrifice your coffee’s creamy delight, as there are several vegan alternative brands available.
We hope this article has been helpful in supporting your vegan food journey and enhancing your coffee taste while honoring your commitment to the planet and its inhabitants.