Is Ovaltine Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

August 30, 2023

Identifying whether or not Ovaltine is vegan can be a challenging task.

This difficulty often arises because manufacturers sometimes obscure the nature and source of their ingredients.

However, this article aims to uncover the truth and support you, our young and passionate reader, in your commendable vegan lifestyle.

Is Ovaltine Vegan?

No, Ovaltine is not vegan.

The reason for this is the inclusion of condensed milk permeate in its ingredients. Milk, as we know, is an animal-derived product, which means that any product containing it cannot be considered vegan.

Is Ovaltine Cruelty-Free?

It’s unclear from the ingredients list alone whether Ovaltine practices animal testing or not. The company that makes Ovaltine, Associated British Foods, claims that it does not support or condone animal testing except where required by the government.

Therefore, it’s difficult to determine whether this product or any of its ingredients are tested on animals, although if I had to guess, I’d say they’re not.

What Is Ovaltine Made Of?

Ovaltine is a popular drink, often associated with British foods, that many people enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of its ingredients:

  • Barley malt extract
  • Condensed milk permeate
  • Fat-reduced cocoa powder
  • Minerals (calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, ferric pyrophosphate, zinc sulfate)
  • Sugar
  • Rapeseed oil
  • Vitamins (E, C, Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folic acid, B12, biotin, pantothenic acid)

Barley Malt Extract

This is derived from barley, a type of grain. It gives Ovaltine its malty flavor. Barley malt extract is vegan as it’s plant-based.

Condensed Milk Permeate

This is a by-product of milk, which is animal-derived. It’s used to give Ovaltine a creamy texture and taste. This ingredient is not vegan.

Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder

Derived from the cocoa bean, this powder gives Ovaltine its chocolatey flavor. Cocoa powder is vegan, and this particular brand is Rainforest Alliance Certified, which is a good step towards sustainability.

Minerals and Vitamins

These are added to enhance the nutritional value of Ovaltine. While most are synthetically derived and vegan, it’s always good to check with the manufacturer about their sources.

Sugar

Used for sweetness, sugar can be vegan, but sometimes it’s processed using bone char. It’s unclear in this case, but organic cane sugar is a vegan-friendly alternative. Because this is a European product produced in Europe, it’s unlikely that the sugar is processed with bone char.

Rapeseed Oil

Derived from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, this oil is vegan.

Vegan Alternatives to Ovaltine

If you’re looking for vegan alternatives to Ovaltine, you’re in luck! There are numerous options available:

  • Plant-based milk powders: Such as soy milk powder or almond milk powder.
  • Organic cocoa powders: These ensure that the cocoa is sourced sustainably and without animal exploitation.
  • Malt powders: Ensure they don’t contain any dairy or animal-derived additives.
  • Homemade Ovaltine: You can make a vegan version at home using organic dark chocolate, malt powder, and plant-based milk.

Conclusion

While Ovaltine has a rich taste that many adore, it’s not suitable for vegans due to the inclusion of condensed milk permeate.

However, the journey to a vegan-friendly and dairy-free lifestyle is filled with delicious alternative foods.

By choosing brands that align with our values, we not only support our health but also take a stand for the planet and its inhabitants.