Identifying whether or not a product like Pillsbury biscuits is vegan can be a challenging task.
The difficulty often arises because manufacturers are not transparent about the nature and source of their ingredients.
This article aims to uncover the truth and support you, our young eco-warrior, in your vegan lifestyle.
Are Pillsbury Biscuits Vegan?
No, Pillsbury biscuits are not vegan. The product contains whey, which is a milk ingredient, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. They also contain sugar, which may or may not be processed with bone char, the ground-up bones of animals.
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 Pillsbury Biscuits Cruelty-Free?
Pillsbury Biscuits are not considered cruelty-free.
The product contains palm oil. While palm oil is a plant-based ingredient, its production is often associated with deforestation and habitat destruction, indirectly impacting wildlife.
Therefore, despite not being tested on animals or directly harming live animals in its production, the product’s ingredients raise ethical concerns regarding its cruelty-free status.
What Are Pillsbury Biscuits Made Of?
Before we dive into vegan alternatives, let’s break down what exactly is in these buttermilk biscuits:
- Enriched flour bleached
- Water
- Soybean and palm oil
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated palm oil
- Baking powder
- Whey
Enriched Flour Bleached
This is wheat flour that has been enriched with nutrients like folic acid. It serves as the base for the biscuits. It is vegan.
Water
Water is, of course, vegan and serves to bind the ingredients together.
Soybean and Palm Oil
These oils are plant-based and vegan. However, palm oil is controversial due to its environmental impact.
Sugar
Sugar is used for sweetness. While it is plant-based, the sugar industry often uses bone char, making it a concern for some vegans.
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
This is palm oil that has been processed to be solid at room temperature. It’s plant-based but carries the same environmental concerns as regular palm oil.
Baking Powder
Comprising baking soda and sodium aluminum phosphate, this ingredient is vegan and helps the biscuits rise.
Whey
Whey is derived from milk and is the primary reason these biscuits are not vegan or cruelty-free.
Vegan Alternatives to Pillsbury Biscuits
If you’re looking to maintain your vegan lifestyle, there are plenty of alternatives to Pillsbury’s biscuits. Here are some specific products:
- Immaculate Organic Flaky Biscuits: The ingredients are all vegan, but there may be cross-contamination with milk ingredients processed in the same facility.
- Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits: Annie’s is a trusted vegan brand that offers a slew of delicious vegan products.
- Or make your own vegan biscuits! Here’s a recipe from the Minimalist Baker.
Conclusion
While Pillsbury biscuits may offer flaky layers and a buttery taste, they are neither vegan nor cruelty-free food due to the inclusion of whey.
However, there are ethical and delicious alternative brands out there for those committed to a vegan lifestyle.
So, you don’t have to compromise your values for taste. Keep fighting the good fight, eco-warrior!