Figuring out whether this innovative new product is vegan can be a real head-scratcher.
The difficulty often stems from manufacturers who are adept at concealing the true nature and source of their ingredients. Many will even market a product as vegan when it’s not actually vegan at all.
But fear not! This article is designed to unveil the truth and support you in your ethical, vegan journey.
Are Nuggs Vegan?
Nuggs cannot be definitively labeled as vegan due to the inclusion of sugar in the ingredients list.
While most of the ingredients are plant-based, the sugar used could potentially be processed with bone char, a non-vegan substance made from the ground-up bones of animals. Unfortunately, the information regarding the processing method of the sugar is not disclosed.
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 Nuggs Cruelty-Free?
Yes, Nuggs are confirmed to be cruelty-free. The product has not been tested on animals, and no live animals were harmed in the process of making the product.
What Are Nuggs Made Of?
This new meat substitute from Simulate is shrouded in secrecy, but we can tell you a bit. Curious to know what’s inside these plant-based chicken nuggets? Let’s break it down:
- Water
- Soybean oil
- Textured wheat protein
- Soy protein concentrate
- Breadcrumbs
- Wheat flour
- Corn flour
- Wheat protein isolate
- Yeast extract
- Modified food starch
- Cornstarch
- Tapioca dextrin
- Sunflower oil
- Potato starch
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Methylcellulose
- Sea salt
- Sodium acid pyrophosphate
- Baking soda
- Calcium chloride
- Black pepper
- Red pepper
- Paprika
- Dextrose
- Natural flavors
Water
Water is just that — water. It serves as the base of the product and is vegan.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil comes from soybeans, a plant source. It’s used for frying and is vegan.
Textured Wheat Protein
Textured wheat protein is derived from wheat, a plant. It provides the “meaty” texture and is vegan.
Soy Protein Concentrate
Soy protein concentrate comes from soybeans. It’s used to enhance the protein content and is vegan.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are made from wheat flour. They’re used for texture and are vegan.
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour comes from wheat grains. It’s used for structure and is vegan.
Corn Flour
Corn flour is made from corn, a plant. It’s used for texture and is vegan.
Wheat Protein Isolate
Wheat protein isolate is a form of protein derived from wheat. It’s used for texture and is vegan.
Yeast Extract
Yeast extract is derived from yeast, a fungus. It’s used for flavor and is vegan.
Modified Food Starch
Modified food starch is derived from plant sources like corn or wheat. It’s used as a thickener and is vegan.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch comes from corn. It’s used as a thickener and is vegan.
Tapioca Dextrin
Tapioca dextrin is derived from the cassava plant. It’s used as a thickener and is vegan.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil comes from sunflower seeds. It’s used for frying and is vegan.
Potato Starch
Potato starch is derived from potatoes. It’s used as a thickener and is vegan.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is made from onions. It’s used for flavor and is vegan.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is made from garlic. It’s used for flavor and is vegan.
Methylcellulose
Methylcellulose is a synthetic compound. It’s used as a binder and is vegan.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is sourced from the sea. It’s used for flavor and is vegan.
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate
Sodium acid pyrophosphate is a synthetic compound. It’s used as a leavening agent and is vegan.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mineral compound. It’s used as a leavening agent and is vegan.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is a synthetic compound. It’s used as a firming agent and is vegan.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is sourced from the pepper plant. It’s used for flavor and is vegan.
Red Pepper
Red pepper is sourced from the pepper plant. It’s used for flavor and is vegan.
Paprika
Paprika is made from bell peppers. It’s used for color and flavor and is vegan.
Dextrose
Dextrose is a sugar derived from corn. It’s used for sweetness and is vegan.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors can be derived from both plant and animal sources. However, based on the overall ingredient list, we are assuming that they are plant based in this product.
Vegan Alternatives to Nuggs
If you’re looking for more vegan options, consider these:
- Plant-based chicken nuggets: Brands like MorningStar Farms and Gardein offer vegan options.
- Tofu nuggets: Homemade or store-bought, these are a great alternative.
Conclusion
Nuggs appear to be a vegan and cruelty-free option based on their ingredients list.
While the term “natural flavors” can be a gray area, the overall composition of the product supports a vegan lifestyle.
For those committed to ethical living, Nuggs and other plant-based alternative brands offer a way to enjoy familiar tastes without compromising your values.
Keep being awesome and making food choices that are kind to all beings and our planet!