Identifying whether or not Mrs. Butterworth’s is vegan can be a challenging task.
This difficulty often arises because manufacturers tend to obscure the nature and source of their ingredients.
However, this article aims to uncover the truth and support you, our young and passionate reader, in your commendable vegan lifestyle.
Is Mrs. Butterworth’s Maple Syrup Vegan?
Mrs. Butterworth’s is not strictly vegan.
The ingredient causing concern is mono- and diglycerides, which are often derived from animal fats.
Is Mrs. Butterworth’s Cruelty-Free?
It is unclear if Mrs. Butterworth’s is cruelty-free based solely on the ingredients list. This product contains a lot of synthetic substances, such as artificial flavors, which are typically tested on animals to ensure their safety for human consumption. For that reason, you should assume it’s not cruelty-free if a cruelty-free lifestyle is important to you.
What Is Mrs. Butterworth’s Made Of?
Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup is a blend of various ingredients, each serving its unique purpose to simulate a similar taste and texture to actual maple syrup, which it contains none of. Here’s a breakdown:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Cellulose gum
- Salt
- Cane syrup
- Caramel color
- Sodium hexametaphosphate
- Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (preservatives)
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Citric acid
- Molasses
- Lactic acid
- Mono- and diglycerides
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Derived from corn, this sweetener enhances the syrup’s sweetness. It’s vegan because it’s plant-based.
Corn Syrup
Another sweetener from corn, it gives the syrup its thick consistency. It’s vegan friendly.
Water
A universal solvent, water is naturally vegan and helps the product achieve its desired consistency.
Cellulose Gum
Derived from plant cell walls, it acts as a thickener. Cellulose gum is vegan.
Salt
Salt is a mineral that enhances flavor and is vegan.
Cane Syrup
A sweetener derived from sugarcane, cane syrup is plant based and vegan, but there’s a debate about sugar processed with bone char. This ingredient could be non-vegan.
Caramel Color
Caramel color is a coloring agent, usually vegan, but its source can vary.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Sodium hexametaphosphate is a food additive, often vegan, but its source should be verified.
Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are preservatives that are typically vegan.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
The sources of natural flavors can vary, making them potentially non-vegan. And artificial flavors are typically tested on animals.
Citric Acid
Derived from citrus fruits, citric acid is vegan.
Molasses
A by-product of sugar production, molasses is vegan as long as the sugar wasn’t processed with bone char..
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid can be derived from plants or animal sources. Without specific information, its vegan status is uncertain, though it usually comes from plants.
Mono and Diglycerides
Fatty acids that can be derived from plants or animals, but usually animals. You’ll notice that certified vegan products never contain this ingredient. Their presence makes the product potentially non-vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Mrs. Butterworth’s
If you’re looking for vegan maple syrup, you won’t have to look far. Maple syrup comes from trees and needs no additives to be delicious. It’s the highly processed products, like Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin maple syrup, that end up having sneaky animal ingredients. Here are some alternative brands to Mrs. Butterworth’s:
- Pure maple syrups: Trader Joe’s has a pure, wholesome maple syrup. Or try Kirkland Maple Syrup. from Costco is a popular vegan choice.
- Pancake syrup: If pure maple syrup is too much for you, try this Wholesome “maple” syrup.
- Agave syrup: Agave syrup is a frequent alternative to maple syrup. Try this organic agave syrup from In the Raw.
Remember, always check the label to ensure the product aligns with your vegan lifestyle.
Conclusion
While Mrs. Butterworth’s contains mostly plant-based ingredients, the presence of mono- and diglycerides raises concerns about its vegan status.
For those committed to a vegan lifestyle, it’s essential to research and opt for clear vegan food.
Your dedication to doing right by animals and the planet is commendable, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.