Ever scratched your head in the grocery aisle, wondering if Mrs. Cubbison’s stuffing aligns with your vegan values?
You’re not alone! Manufacturers often play a game of hide-and-seek with their ingredients, making it a maze to navigate for those committed to ethical living.
But guess what? We’ve cracked the code! This article is your ultimate guide to uncovering the truth and supporting your compassionate, vegan lifestyle.
Is Mrs. Cubbison’s Stuffing Vegan?
Mrs. Cubbison’s Stuffing mix is not vegan. It doesn’t contain any animal ingredients or animal by-products, but it does contain sugar that might be processed with bone char. That goes for the Traditional flavor as well as the Herb Seasoned Cube Stuffing and the Corn Bread Stuffing.
Furthermore, the Seasoned Corn Bread Stuffing contains enzymes, which are often sourced from animals. Unless you can get a guarantee from Mrs. Cubbison’s that the enzymes come from plants, you may want to avoid that variety.
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.
Is Mrs. Cubbison’s Stuffing Cruelty-Free?
While the stuffing is vegan in terms of its ingredients, it’s not necessarily cruelty-free.
The use of palm oil is of concern due to its association with deforestation and the resulting harm to animal habitats, as well as the exploitation of migrant workers. Some palm oil is sustainably sourced, but it doesn’t look like Mrs. Cubbison’s makes any claim of sustainably sourcing its palm oil.
What Is Mrs. Cubbison’s Stuffing Made Of?
Let’s dissect what goes into this traditional stuffing:
- Wheat flour
- Malted barley flour
- Niacin
- Reduced iron
- Thiamin mononitrate
- Riboflavin
- Folic acid
- Yeast
- Sea salt
- Sugar
- Wheat gluten
- Palm oil
- Spices
- Onion powder
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is a plant-based ingredient and serves as the backbone of many stuffing mixes. It’s vegan and provides the product’s primary structure.
Malted Barley Flour
Another plant-based ingredient, malted barley flour adds a unique flavor and is also vegan.
Niacin
Niacin is a form of Vitamin B3, usually sourced from plants. It’s vegan and is added for nutritional value.
Reduced Iron
Reduced iron is a mineral supplement and is vegan. It’s added to fortify the product.
Thiamin Mononitrate
This is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 and is vegan. It’s added for its nutritional benefits.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is another B vitamin and is vegan. It’s included for its nutritional value.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 and is vegan. It’s added for nutritional fortification.
Yeast
Yeast is a fungus and is considered vegan. It helps the stuffing rise.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is a mineral and is vegan. It’s used for seasoning.
Sugar
Sugar is plant derived and vegan. It’s used to add a touch of sweetness. However, strict vegans should watch out. Some sugar is processed with bone char, but there’s no way to tell which manufacturers use sugar processed with bone char, although “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined” sugar is typically safe.
Wheat Gluten
Wheat gluten is plant based and is used to improve the texture. It’s vegan.
Palm Oil
While palm oil is plant based, its production is often linked to deforestation and harm to wildlife, making it a contentious ingredient for those committed to a cruelty-free, vegan lifestyle.
Spices
Spices are plant derived and vegan. They add flavor to the stuffing.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is made from onions and is vegan. It’s used for flavoring.
Vegan Alternatives to Mrs. Cubbison’s Stuffing
If you’re on the hunt for food stuffing that aligns more closely with your ethical values, consider these options:
- Vegan stuffing mix: Try vegan stuffing brands like Whole Foods Market or Arrowhead
- Homemade stuffing: With vegetable broth and vegan butter, you can make your own vegan stuffing at home. Here’s a recipe from the Minimalist Baker.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! While Mrs. Cubbison’s stuffing may pass the initial vegan test, further examination shows that it’s likely not vegan because of the sugar, which may be processed with bone char. It also stumbles when it comes to being 100% cruelty-free due to the use of palm oil.
The palm oil issue is a big red flag for those of us committed to protecting our planet and its inhabitants.
But don’t fret! There are plenty of vegan stuffing options out there that tick all the ethical boxes. So go ahead, make your holiday feast both delicious and kind to all beings! 🌳🐾