Navigating the world of pre-packaged foods can be a maze, particularly when it comes to identifying whether a product is truly vegan or not.
The difficulty often stems from manufacturers’ tendencies to conceal the true nature and source of their ingredients.
In this article, we will endeavour to unravel this mystery, shedding light on the ingredients of one particular product — Chicken Super Noodles — and supporting you in maintaining your admirable vegan lifestyle.
Are Chicken Super Noodles Vegan?
No, Chicken Super Noodles are not vegan. This fact stems from several ingredients within the product that are of non-vegan origin.
The problematic ingredients that prevent Chicken Super Noodles from being vegan-friendly include chicken flavour, chicken fat, and palm oil.
Despite the noodles themselves — made primarily from wheat flour — being potentially vegan friendly, these particular ingredients counteract the vegan claim.
Chicken flavour and chicken fat, as their names suggest, are derived from chickens, which goes against the vegan diet’s principle of not consuming any animal products.
Similarly, palm oil, while not derived from an animal, raises concerns due to its significant environmental impact, including deforestation and habitat destruction, which harm numerous animal species.
Are Chicken Super Noodles Cruelty-Free?
No, Chicken Super Noodles are not cruelty-free. The ingredients of concern in this case, which contribute to the product not being cruelty-free, include chicken flavour and chicken fat. The production of these ingredients involves the direct use of animals, and thus they cannot be considered cruelty-free under the tenets of the vegan lifestyle.
What Are Chicken Super Noodles Made Of?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make up Chicken Super Noodles. This will help us understand their sources, roles in the product, and why they are or aren’t vegan:
- Wheat flour
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Chicken flavour
- Chicken fat
- Yeast extract
- Flavour enhancers
- Soy sauce
- Citric acid
- Black pepper extract
- Ground turmeric
Wheat flour
Wheat flour is a staple in many types of noodles, including instant noodles and fresh noodles. It is vegan friendly because it is derived from wheat, a type of grain. It provides the base and structure for the super noodles.
Palm oil
Palm oil is a common ingredient in many processed foods, including chicken super noodles. It’s derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree. While technically vegan, since it doesn’t come from animals, its production often leads to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitats, which goes against the vegan ethos of causing no harm to animals.
Chicken flavour and chicken fat
Chicken flavour and chicken fat are derived from chickens, making them non-vegan. They are used to give the noodles their characteristic chicken taste.
Yeast extract
Yeast extract is a vegan-friendly ingredient. It is derived from yeast, a type of fungus. It is commonly used as a flavour enhancer in foods.
Flavour enhancers
Flavour enhancers used in chicken super noodles are usually synthetic or plant based, but it’s always good to check with the manufacturer to ensure they are vegan.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, wheat, water, and salt, making it a vegan ingredient. It enhances the overall flavour of the noodles.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits. It is often used as a preservative or flavour enhancer and is vegan.
Black pepper extract and ground turmeric
Black pepper extract and ground turmeric are both spices derived from plants, making them vegan ingredients. They add to the flavour profile of the noodles.
Vegan Alternatives to Chicken Super Noodles
Fortunately, for those adhering to a vegan diet or lifestyle, there are numerous vegan-friendly noodles available:
- Mild Curry Super Noodles
- Chow Mein Super Noodles
- Herb Super Noodles
- Various brands of vegan ramen noodles
Many types of instant noodles are certified vegan. Just read labels carefully because manufacturers can change their ingredients without notice.
Conclusion
While the beloved chicken super noodles brand may not be compatible with a vegan or cruelty-free lifestyle due to ingredients like chicken fat, chicken flavour, and palm oil, there’s no need to despair.
Numerous alternatives can satisfy your craving for a quick, tasty noodle dish without compromising your commitment to a vegan lifestyle.
As conscious consumers, continuing to scrutinise product ingredients is crucial to align our choices with our values. Happy vegan noodle hunting!