Identifying whether a product like Kellogg’s Raisin Bran is vegan can often be difficult.
This difficulty arises because manufacturers conceal the true nature and source of their ingredients.
However, this article aims to uncover the truth and provide you, the reader, with valuable information to support your compassionate, vegan lifestyle.
Is Raisin Bran Vegan?
No, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran is not entirely vegan.
The main concern in Raisin Bran that prevents it from being entirely vegan is the inclusion of sugar and brown sugar syrup. While these ingredients themselves aren’t derived from animals, the processing method for many sugars, especially non-organic ones, often involves bone char, a product derived from animal bones.
And just in case you were wondering, Post Raisin Bran isn’t vegan either. It also contains sugar that may be processed with bone char.
We are not comfortable calling these cereals vegan without knowing that the sugar is not processed with bone char. Luckily, the practice is waning in favor of sugar filtered through activated charcoal instead, but further reporting is necessary in the meantime.
Is Raisin Bran Cruelty-Free?
No, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran is not cruelty-free. Raisin Bran contains sugar that comes from genetically modified organisms, which are routinely tested on animals to ensure they are safe for human consumption.
What Is Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Made Of?
Raisin Bran is a popular breakfast cereal, known for its mix of wheat flakes and juicy raisins. Here’s a breakdown of its components:
- Whole grain wheat
- Raisins
- Wheat bran
- Sugar
- Brown sugar syrup
- Malt flavor (less than 2%)
- Salt (less than 2%)
Whole grain wheat
Whole grain wheat is the main ingredient in Raisin Bran and offers the crunch in the cereal. It comes from the wheat plant and is entirely plant based, making it vegan.
Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes and are naturally vegan. They add sweetness and a chewy texture to the cereal.
Wheat bran
Wheat bran comes from the outer layer of the wheat kernel. It’s a vegan ingredient, known for its fiber content that aids digestion.
Sugar
Sugar is derived from sugarcane or sugar beets. However, the concern arises from the potential use of bone char in its processing, which is not vegan, as well as the fact that sugar from both sugarcane and sugar beets is often GMO.
Brown sugar syrup
Brown sugar syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from sugar. Like granulated sugar, it can be processed with bone char, posing a concern for strict vegans.
Malt flavor
Malt flavor is derived from barley and provides a distinct taste to cereals like Raisin Bran. It is vegan.
Salt
Salt is a mineral and is naturally vegan.
Is Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Crunch Cereal Vegan?
No, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Crunch cereal is not vegan because it contains honey.
Is Kellogg’s Raisin Bran With Cranberries Cereal Vegan?
No, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran with Cranberries cereal contains sugar that may be processed with bone char.
Vegan Alternatives to Raisin Bran
For those looking to indulge in a similar breakfast experience without compromising their vegan values, there are several vegan-friendly brands out there:
- Nature’s Path Organic Flax Plus Raisin Bran Cereal: Organic and non-GMO
- Cascadian Farm Organic Raisin Bran: With organic sugar you know is vegan
- Make your own: You can always opt for plain organic bran flakes and add natural sweetness with fruits, ensuring no non-vegan sugars are involved.
Conclusion
While Raisin Bran might seem like a harmless breakfast option at first glance, the inclusion of potentially non-vegan sugar and brown sugar syrup raises concerns.
However, with the rise of vegan cereals, finding a compassionate alternative is easier than ever.
As consumers, it’s crucial to stay informed and choose food that aligns with our values, ensuring a healthier planet and a cruelty-free lifestyle.