Trying to work out if Jacob’s Twiglets is vegan is a tough task.
Brands like to be vague about their ingredients and their production, using terms such as ‘natural colours and flavours’.
To make sure you only eat foods that align with your ethical values, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production methods of Jacob’s Twiglets. Here’s what I found.
Are Twiglets Vegan?
Yes. Twiglets are vegan because they do not contain any animal-derived products. The primary ingredient in Twiglets is wheat gluten, which is a protein made from wheat that does not contain any animal derivatives. Other ingredients in Twiglets include vegetable oil, salt, and vegetable extracts.
While some vegans may choose to avoid Twiglets because of the warning label that says ‘may contain milk or egg’, these ingredients are not present in the actual product. The warning is included because Twiglets are manufactured in a facility that also processes milk and egg products. Cross contamination is possible, but the chance of this happening is very low.
The warning is there for people who are extremely allergic to even trace amounts of milk or egg. For the average vegan, Twiglets are a perfectly safe snack to enjoy.
Are Twiglets Cruelty Free?
In addition to being vegan, Twiglets are also cruelty free. The company that makes Twiglets, Jacob’s, does not test their products on animals.
Palm oil is a controversial ingredient in the vegan community because of the way it is produced, though. The production of palm oil can result in the deforestation of rainforests, the displacement of indigenous people, and the destruction of wildlife habitats. However, United Biscuits, the company that owns Jacob’s, has committed to sourcing palm oil from sustainable sources.
This means that the palm oil used in Twiglets is not contributing to the destruction of rainforests or the displacement of animals that live there.
So, if you’re looking for a vegan AND cruelty-free snack, Twiglets are a great option! Enjoy them guilt free knowing that no animals are harmed in the making of this delicious snack.
What Are Twiglets Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Twiglets:
- Whole wheat flour
- Flavouring (yeast extract [Barley], salt, vegetable extract [carrot])
- Vegetable oils (sunflower, palm)
- Salt
- White pepper
Let’s break down each ingredient of Twiglets:
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is made by grinding whole wheat kernels into a fine powder. It is a type of unbleached flour, which means that the wheat has not been treated with chemicals to whiten it.
Whole Wheat flour is a good source of fibre and vitamins, and it can be used in many different recipes, from bread to cakes. This ingredient does not contain any animal derivatives.
Flavouring (Yeast Extract [Barley], Salt, Veggie Extract [Carrot])
The flavouring of Twiglets comes from a combination of yeast extract, salt, and vegetable extract. Yeast is a common flavour enhancer and can be found in many savoury foods, such as potato chips and pretzels. It is completely vegan friendly.
The salt and veggie extract are also vegan-friendly ingredients. The extract is usually made from carrots, but it can also be made from other vegetables. This ingredient adds flavour and colour to food.
Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Palm)
The vegetable oils in Twiglets are sunflower oil and palm oil. Sunflower oil is made from the seeds of sunflowers. It is a good source of vitamin E and can be used in cooking or baking. This ingredient does not contain any animal derivatives and is not processed using animal products.
Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil that is made from the fruit of palm trees. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods, such as cookies and crackers.
Palm oil has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its environmental impact and the subsequent potential for animal cruelty. However, the company that manufactures Twiglets is known for sourcing sustainable palm oil, which means that the palm oil used in Twiglets has been sourced in a way that does not harm the environment or animals.
Salt
Salt is used to add flavour and it can also be used as a preservative. This is a vegan-friendly ingredient that does not contain any animal derivatives or undergo any animal-based processing.
White Pepper
White pepper is made from the dried, unripe berries of the pepper plant. It is a common ingredient in many savoury dishes, such as Twiglets. This ingredient is not processed with animal derivatives.
Why Are Twiglets Vegan?
All the ingredients in Twiglets are vegan friendly. This means that Twiglets are a safe snack for vegans to enjoy. The only potential issue with Twiglets is the cross contamination that could occur during manufacturing, but this is unlikely to happen.
Most machines that process food items are cleaned thoroughly between batches. This means that there is a very low chance of cross contamination occurring.
Are Jacob’s Cracker Crisps Salt & Vinegar Vegan?
Yes, Jacob’s Cracker Crisps Salt & Vinegar are vegan. There are no animal derivatives in this product and it does not go through any processes that use animal products.
Jacob’s includes a warning on their packages that states that their products may contain traces of milk, but this is due to possible (albeit unlikely) cross contamination from equipment that also handles milk-based products and not because the product itself contains milk.
Are Jacob’s Cracker Crisps Sour Cream & Chive Vegan?
No. Jacob’s Cracker Crisps Sour Cream & Chive are not vegan. This product contains several milk products, such as sour cream, dried whey, lactose, and dried cream. These ingredients are not vegan friendly, so these snacks are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Jacob’s Cream Crackers High Fibre Vegan?
Yes. Jacob’s Cream Crackers High Fibre is vegan. All ingredients in this product are plant based and there are no animal products or derivatives used in its manufacture. These snacks are safe for vegan consumption.
Are Jacob’s Savours Salt & Black Pepper Crackers Vegan?
Yes. Jacob’s Savours Salt & Black Pepper Crackers are vegan. All ingredients in this product are plant based. These crackers are safe for vegan consumption.
Are Jacob’s Savours Cheese Thins Crackers Vegan?
No. This product is not suitable for vegans. The cheese in the name is a dead giveaway, but in case you were wondering, the ingredients list also contains milk derivatives such as whey powder and dried cheese powder. These ingredients are not safe for vegan consumption.
Final Words
Jacob’s Twiglets are vegan and cruelty free. All the ingredients in your favourite vegan crisps are plant based and there is no animal exploitation involved in their manufacturing. However, as with all processed foods, there is a slight risk of cross contamination during manufacturing. But overall, Twiglets are a safe snack for vegans to enjoy.
As usual, you should always check the ingredients list to check if a food is vegan. Or check out my article on popular vegan food brands.