Identifying whether or not a product like Lily’s Chocolate is vegan can prove to be quite a task.
The difficulty often lies in the ability of manufacturers to effectively mask the true nature and source of their ingredients.
Nevertheless, we’re here to uncover the truth and provide you, our esteemed reader, with the knowledge you need to live out your vegan lifestyle confidently.
Is Lily’s Chocolate Vegan?
Unfortunately, not all Lily’s Chocolate products are vegan. While Lily’s offers a range of chocolate styles including milk chocolate style, dark chocolate chips, and extra dark chocolate, some of these products contain ingredients like whole milk powder and milk fat, which are derived from animals. Thus, it’s crucial to examine the ingredient list closely.
Is Lily’s Chocolate Cruelty-Free?
While not all Lily’s Chocolate products are vegan, the company is committed to being cruelty-free. They adhere to fair trade standards which ensure that producers in developing countries are treated fairly. This means no animal testing is involved in the creation of Lily’s Chocolate products.
What Is Lily’s Chocolate Made Of?
Lily’s Chocolate is a well-renowned, low-sugar brand that uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients to craft their delicious chocolate bars. The ingredients they use contribute not just to the taste but also to the healthy nature of their chocolates. This delectable product is made up of:
- Unsweetened cocoa
- Erythritol
- Inulin
- Organic soy lecithin
- Vanilla extract
- Stevia extract
Unsweetened cocoa
Unsweetened cocoa is a critical ingredient in Lily’s Chocolate. It gives the chocolate its signature bitter, chocolaty taste. Unsweetened cocoa is usually derived from the beans of the cacao tree, which are fermented, dried, roasted, and then processed. It is vegan because it comes directly from a plant source.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in Lily’s Chocolate, helping to give it a pleasant sweetness without the added calories or blood sugar spike that regular sugar would induce.
Erythritol is usually produced from glucose derived from corn or wheat starch through a fermentation process. It is vegan friendly because it’s synthesized from plant sources and doesn’t involve any animal products or by-products.
Inulin
Inulin is a type of dietary fiber used in Lily’s Chocolate. It’s extracted from chicory root and contributes to the smooth texture of the chocolate. Besides, it provides some health benefits like promoting gut health. Because it’s plant-derived, it is considered vegan.
Organic soy lecithin
Organic soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier in Lily’s Chocolate. It helps mix fat and water components for a smoother, unified texture. Soy lecithin is derived from soybeans, a plant source, making it a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is used in Lily’s Chocolate for its sweet, aromatic flavor, which complements the chocolate. It is derived from the beans of the vanilla orchid through an extraction process. Because it’s made from a plant source, it’s vegan.
Stevia extract
Stevia extract is another sweetener used in Lily’s Chocolate. It’s derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and is much sweeter than regular sugar, but without the calories. It contributes to the sweet taste of the chocolate without adding sugar. Because it’s derived from a plant, it is also vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Lily’s Chocolate
While some of Lily’s Chocolate products may not be vegan, there are plenty of other vegan chocolate chips and chocolate bars available in grocery stores. Some vegan-friendly alternatives include:
- Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Baking Chips: These are dairy-free, gluten-free, and free from 14 common allergens.
- Theo Organic Dark Chocolate: This is made with fair trade cocoa and is also gluten-free.
- Hu Kitchen Chocolate Bars: These are dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with organic, fair-trade ingredients.
Conclusion
Though Lily’s Chocolate uses some of the finest ingredients, not all of their food products are suitable for vegans due to the inclusion of animal products such as whole milk powder and milk fat.
However, the brand is committed to ethical practices, which is evident in their use of fair trade cocoa and their cruelty-free status.
For those adhering to strict dietary restrictions, there are plenty of vegan alternatives available that still offer the indulgence of quality chocolate. Always remember to check ingredient lists and certifications to ensure your choices align with your lifestyle and values.