Navigating the yogurt aisle to identify whether or not a product like Oui by Yoplait is vegan can be a daunting task.
The difficulty often arises from manufacturers who are less than transparent about the nature and source of their ingredients.
Fear not, this article is here to uncover the truth and support you in your ethical, vegan lifestyle.
Is Oui Yogurt Vegan?
No, Oui by Yoplait Dairy is not vegan. The product contains Pasteurized Grade A Milk, which is an animal-derived ingredient. Therefore, it fails to meet the criteria for a dairy-free or vegan product.
Furthermore, this yogurt contains sugar, the source of which is not disclosed by Oui the People. Sugar in the US is often filtered through bone char, the ground-up bones of animals, to further refine it. Not only is this process unnecessary, it’s also gross.
Thankfully, many companies are giving it up, but not fast enough for sugar to be considered an automatically vegan ingredient unless it’s “organic,” “unrefined,” or “raw.”
Is Oui Yogurt Cruelty-Free?
Yes. Oui the People is a cruelty-free yogurt brand. The company does not test any of its products on animals.
Some people may argue that it’s not cruelty-free because it contains animal ingredients, but cruelty-free strictly refers to the production processed, not the ingredients.
What Is Oui Yogurt Made Of?
Before our recipe begins, let’s delve into the individual glass pots of Oui French Style Yogurt to understand its simple ingredients:
- Pasteurized grade A milk
- Cane sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Yogurt cultures (L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus)
- Natural flavor
Pasteurized Grade A Milk
This is milk that has been heat-treated to kill bacteria. It comes from cows and is the primary reason why this product is not vegan or dairy-free.
Cane Sugar
Cane sugar is a plant-based sweetener derived from sugarcane. It adds sweetness to the yogurt but is vegan.
Vanilla Extract
This is made from vanilla beans and alcohol. It adds flavor to the yogurt and is vegan.
Yogurt Cultures (L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus)
These are bacteria used to ferment the milk. They are generally considered vegan but are used here to ferment an animal product.
Natural Flavor
The source of natural flavor can vary, but in this context, it is used to enhance the yogurt’s taste. Since the product is not vegan, the natural flavor’s source is less relevant.
Vegan Alternatives to Oui Yogurt
If you’re looking for dairy-free yogurts that align with your vegan lifestyle, you’re in luck! Here are some categories and specific examples:
- Coconut-based yogurts: Products like So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Yogurt use coconut cream as a base.
- Almond-based yogurts: Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt is a great alternative.
- Soy-based yogurts: Silk Dairy-Free Soy Yogurt is another option.
Conclusion
While Oui by Yoplait offers a range of traditional French yogurts with unparalleled texture, it is neither vegan nor cruelty-free due to the inclusion of milk.
However, there are various vegan and dairy-free yogurt alternatives available from different food brands that are just as delicious and align with ethical choices.
So the next time you’re in the yogurt aisle or browsing through food brands, opt for a product that respects all beings and our beautiful planet.