Identifying whether or not Mott’s Fruit Flavored Snacks are vegan can be a challenging task.
This difficulty often arises because manufacturers tend to hide the nature and source of their ingredients.
Fear not, dear reader, for this article aims to uncover the truth and support you in your noble vegan lifestyle.
Are Mott’s Fruit Snacks Vegan?
No, Mott’s Fruit Snacks are not vegan. We’re not comfortable saying Mott’s Fruit Snacks are vegan because of the presence of sugar. Refined sugar is often processed with bone char, and the parent company of Mott’s, Keurig Dr. Pepper, makes no claim that its sugar is not processed with bone char, that we can find.
Usually, when a manufacturer chooses to use sugar not processed with bone char, it makes a point of publicizing the fact. A manufacturer that doesn’t disclose the source of its sugar gives strict vegans no choice but to avoid its products.
Are Mott’s Cruelty-Free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, Mott’s fruit snacks are cruelty-free. None of the listed ingredients are known to involve animal testing.
What Are Mott’s Fruit Snacks Made Of?
Mott’s fruit snacks are made of a variety of ingredients, each playing a unique role in the product’s taste, texture, and appearance. Here’s a breakdown:
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Modified cornstarch
- Pear juice concentrate
- Apple juice concentrate
- Carrot juice concentrate
- Citric acid
- Vitamin c (ascorbic acid)
- Sodium citrate
- Fruit pectin
- Malic acid
- Color (vegetable juice, fruit juice, annatto extract)
- Sunflower oil
- Natural flavor
- Carnauba wax
Sugar
A sweetening agent, sugar can sometimes be processed using bone char. However, without specific details from the manufacturer, we can’t confirm its source. Therefore, we can’t guarantee it’s vegan, and strict vegans should simply assume it’s not.
Modified Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a thickening agent derived from corn. It’s vegan and helps give the fruit snacks their unique texture.
Pear Juice Concentrate
Derived from pears, pear concentrate adds flavor and sweetness. It’s vegan.
Apple Juice Concentrate
Sourced from apples, this ingredient contributes to the fruit snack’s flavor. It’s vegan.
Carrot Juice Concentrate
Extracted from carrots, carrot juice concentrate is vegan and adds both color and flavor.
Citric Acid
A natural acid found in citrus fruits, citric acid is vegan and used to add a tangy flavor.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A vitamin sourced from fruits and vegetables, vitamin C is vegan and added for nutritional value.
Sodium Citrate
Derived from citric acid, sodium citrate vegan and used to regulate the snack’s acidity.
Fruit Pectin
A vegan ingredient derived from fruits, fruit pectin helps in gelling the fruit snacks.
Malic Acid
Found in many fruits, malic acid vegan and adds a tart flavor.
Color (Vegetable Juice, Fruit Juice, Annatto Extract)
The colors in these fruit snacks are all vegan.
Sunflower Oil
Extracted from sunflower seeds, sunflower oil is vegan and prevents the snacks from sticking together.
Natural Flavor
Derived from plant sources, these natural flavors are vegan and enhance the snack’s taste.
Carnauba Wax
Sourced from the leaves of the carnauba palm, carnauba wax is vegan and gives the snacks a shiny appearance.
Corn Syrup
Derived from corn, this syrup acts as a sweetener. It’s vegan friendly and is commonly used in many foods and fruit snacks.
Vegan Alternatives to Mott’s
If you’re looking for more vegan-friendly snacks, there are plenty of options out there:
- Fruit leathers: Try these organic strips from Good & Gather.
- Vegan gummies: Brands like Annie’s offer vegan fruit snacks.
- Dried fruits: Try simple and natural dried fruit, like raisins or apricots.
Conclusion
Mott’s Fruit Snacks, based on the provided ingredients, are not vegan but they are cruelty-free. You’ve got to watch out for added sugar because it’s hard to know when it’s been processed with bone char.
For those committed to a vegan lifestyle, it’s always essential to read ingredient lists carefully and, when in doubt, reach out to manufacturers for clarity.
There are also many vegan alternative brands available for those looking to diversify their snack options. Stay informed, stay vegan, and keep doing right by our planet and its inhabitants!