In today’s world, identifying whether a product like Orbit Gum is vegan or not can be a challenging task.
This difficulty often arises from manufacturers who, intentionally or not, obscure the nature and source of their ingredients.
Fear not, dear reader, for this article aims to uncover the truth and support you in your commendable vegan lifestyle.
Is Orbit Gum Vegan?
No, Orbit Gum is not vegan. The primary concern arises from the ingredient “gum base,” which can sometimes contain animal-derived components. The non-vegan components often found in gum base include lanolin, glycerol esters, and certain resins.
Is Orbit Gum Cruelty-Free?
No, Orbit Gum is not cruelty-free. It contains several ingredients that are tested on animals, including aspartame, artificial flavors, and soy lecithin, as well as the color Blue 1.
What Is Orbit Gum Made Of?
Orbit Gum, a popular chewing gum in the food industry, consists of a variety of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sorbitol
- Gum base
- Glycerol
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate
- Aspartame
- Mannitol
- Acesulfame K
- Soy lecithin
- Xylitol
- Colors (Blue 1 Lake, beta-carotene)
- BHT
Sorbitol
A sugar alcohol derived from glucose, sorbitol provides sweetness without the calories. It’s considered vegan because it’s sourced from plants, but it’s probably GMO.
Gum Base
The foundation of any chewing gum, gum bases can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Without specific details, it’s hard to determine its vegan status. If you’re a strict vegan, it’s safest to assume this ingredient is not vegan — it’s often not.
Glycerol
Often used as a sweetener or moistener, glycerol can be sourced from both plants and animals. Its vegan status in Orbit Gum is uncertain.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
These flavors enhance the taste of the gum. While natural flavors are derived from plants or animals, artificial flavors are man-made and tested on animals. Their exact vegan status in Orbit Gum is unclear.
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
A sugar alcohol used for sweetness, it’s derived from starch and is considered vegan. It’s also probably GMO.
Aspartame, Mannitol, Acesulfame K, and Xylitol
These are artificial sweeteners, and they are generally considered vegan. Most of them are GMO and tested on animals.
Soy Lecithin
Derived from soybeans, this ingredient acts as an emulsifier and is vegan friendly. However, the vast majority of the world’s soybeans are GMO, and GMOs are tested on animals.
Colors (Blue 1 Lake, Beta-Carotene)
Artificial colors can be of concern for vegans. While beta-carotene is plant derived and vegan, Blue 1 Lake’s origin can vary, and artificial colors are tested on animals..
BHT
An antioxidant used to extend shelf life, BHT’s vegan status is ambiguous without further details. However, this product is often tested on animals.
Vegan Alternatives to Orbit Gum
For those seeking plant-based nutrition and vegan-friendly chewing gum options, there are several alternative brands available:
- Pure Gum: Made with natural flavors and entirely vegan
- Simply Gum: Uses natural ingredients and is vegan friendly
- Chewsy Gum: A natural and vegan gum without artificial flavors or colors
Conclusion
While Orbit Gum contains several vegan-friendly ingredients, the ambiguity surrounding some components, like the gum base and glycerol, means it cannot be definitively labeled as vegan.
For those deeply committed to vegan food and lifestyle, it might be best to opt for alternatives that explicitly state their vegan status.
Always remember, every small choice we make can have a significant impact on our planet and its inhabitants.