Identifying whether or not Otter Pops are vegan can be a challenging task.
This difficulty often arises because manufacturers are not always transparent about the nature and source of their ingredients.
Fear not, this article aims to uncover the truth and guide you in maintaining a vegan lifestyle that aligns with your values.
Are Otter Pops Vegan?
No, we can’t guarantee that Otter Pops are vegan. While none of the ingredients are derived from animals, the sugar in Otter Pops may be processed with bone char. Fewer and fewer companies are using bone char to process sugar, now that there are other substances available to do so, such as activated carbon, but it’s still commonplace.
Less strict vegans may not mind that sugar is processed through ground-up animal bones, but we’re still not comfortable calling this vegan. If you want confirmation, we recommend reaching out to the company to find out if its sugar supplier uses bone char or a vegan substance for filtering.
Are Otter Pops Cruelty-Free?
No, Otter Pops are not cruelty-free. The artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6) are the culprits here — they are commonly tested on animals. Furthermore, a lot of sugar comes from GMO sugarcane. GMOs are not cruelty-free because they’re tested on animals.
What Are Otter Pops Made Of?
Before we explore vegan alternatives, let’s break down what Otter Pops are actually made of. Here’s a bulleted list of all the ingredients:
- Water
- Apple juice from concentrate
- Sugar
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Citric acid
- Sodium benzoate
- Potassium sorbate
- Red 40
- Blue 1
- Yellow 5
- Yellow 6
Water
Water is a universal solvent and is vegan friendly. It serves as the base for Otter Pops.
Apple Juice from Concentrate
This ingredient is derived from apples and is vegan. It adds fruit juice flavor to the icy treats.
Sugar
Sugar is plant based but can sometimes be processed using animal-derived ingredients. However, it’s generally considered vegan in this context.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
These flavors can be derived from both plant and animal sources. In Otter Pops, they are considered vegan friendly.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is usually plant based and is used to add tartness to the popsicles. It’s vegan.
Sodium Benzoate
This is a synthetic preservative and is considered vegan.
Potassium Sorbate
Another synthetic preservative, potassium sorbate is also vegan.
Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6
These artificial colors may be vegan but they are not cruelty-free because they are often tested on animals.
Vegan Alternatives to Otter Pops
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly popsicles to enjoy on hot summer days, there are plenty of alternative brands. Here are some categories and specific examples:
- Jonny Pops Frozen Fruit Bars: Just avoid the creamy ones, which have dairy.
- GoodPop Freezer Pops: These organic and vegan-friendly frozen treats have no added sugar.
- Make your own popsicles: Make your own pops at home using plant-based ingredients. Try this recipe for vegan yogurt popsicles from Plant Based on a Budget.
Conclusion
Otter Pops might not be as vegan as you’d like, nor can they claim a cruelty-free status due to the artificial colors and GMOs food ingredients used in their ingredients.
However, there are plenty of alternatives available that align with a lifestyle committed to not harming animals or the planet.
Always read the ingredient label carefully to make informed choices. And remember: Your choices have the power to change the world.