Yes. Almond butter is vegan as long as it is free from animal-derived ingredients like dairy and honey. Some almond butter may be free from non-vegan ingredients but may have a cross-contamination warning. A cross-contamination warning means that vegan and non-vegan foods are made on the same equipment. You must also look for refined sugar (processed using bone char) and unsustainable palm oil as these are controversial ingredients for many vegans.
Almond Farming and Vegan Concerns about Bees
Almonds come from tree nuts, and their farming, production, and processing are free from animal-derived ingredients. However, almond production is pollinator intensive but a 100% natural process. It doesn’t involve animal exploitation, killing, or skinning them.
California is the biggest almond producer in the world, providing 100% of almonds used in the US and 80% worldwide. Many say that honey bees are transported cross-country for almond pollination, which may kill some bees during the process. Moreover, some beekeepers sell bees for this pollination.
The demand for almonds has exploded in the last couple of decades. It has led to increased water demand and more workload on bees. Some farms use antifungal sprays and pesticides to increase crop yield. These things are deadly to bees. It has also reduced the quality of honey these bees produce.
On the contrary, there are many who say that almonds are 100% vegan. Insects pollinate almost every commercial crop that isn’t pollinated by wind, for example, corn, apples, melons, pumpkins, cranberries, and so on. Everything with a visible flower is pollinated by a bird, insect, or animal.
Vegans will be left with a few foods if they put bee-pollinated items on a non-vegan list. Moreover, bees have been doing their job for eternity, with or without human interference.
Almonds, no, doubt, are a water-intensive crop like many other crops that vegans already eat. Extensive use of water has nothing to do with vegan beliefs.
Verdict: It is a vegan’s personal choice to eat almonds or not. No one but only you must decide what you eat. The popular belief is that almonds are vegan, and most vegans don’t have any issues eating them.
Is Almond Butter Dairy-Free?
Yes. Almond butter is usually dairy-free. However, some almond butter snacks may have animal milk in them. So, don’t forget to check the ingredients before buying.
Is Almond Butter Gluten-Free?
Almond butter is mostly gluten-free. Some manufacturers may add ingredients containing gluten to give almond butter a special taste or flavor. It is always better to check the ingredients.
Is Almond Butter Healthy? Which is better for your health: Almond Butter or Peanut Butter?
Almond butter is a little healthier than peanut butter but more costly than peanut butter. Almond butter is rich in vitamin E, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It is good for heart, bones, and blood sugar level control.
How can I avoid Non-Vegan Almond Butter?
- Check the brand; it must not be involved in animal cruelty or testing.
- Look for labels; check the vegan label on the packaging and see if there is any cross-contamination warning.
- Avoid these ingredients; milk, milk products, honey, whey, lactose, animal fat, and casein.
- Controversial ingredients; avoid sugar if it is not organic and palm oil if it is not sourced sustainably.
- Look online; search for any ingredient if you aren’t sure about it.
Is Raw Almond Butter Vegan?
Yes. Raw almond butter is vegan. Raw almond butter is made from almonds only. Some brands may add a little salt, but it is vegan too.
Is Maranatha Almond Butter Vegan?
Most Maranatha almond butter is vegan but contains palm oil and sugar. Maranatha has not specified the origin of these ingredients. You cannot be sure if the palm oil is sustainably sourced and if the sugar is organic (free from bone char).
Which of Justin’s Almond Butter is Vegan?
Although Justin’s says that none of its products are vegan, probably due to cross contaminations. The good part is that all of its almond butter is made with 100% organic and sustainable ingredients.
- Justin’s Hazelnut and Almond Butter: Vegan
- Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter: Vegan
- Justin’s Maple Almond Butter: Vegan
- Justin’s Classic Almond Butter: Vegan
- Justin’s Honey Almond Butter: Not Vegan
- Justin’s Cinnamon Almond Butter: Vegan
- Justin’s Coconut Almond Butter: Vegan
Please note that all the vegan varieties have a cross-contamination warning.
Similar Guide: Is Justin’s Peanut Butter Vegan? Peanut Butter Varieties and Ingredients
Is Kirkland Almond Butter Vegan?
Yes. It is vegan. It is made only with almonds and free from additional ingredients like palm oil & sugar, or preservatives.
Is Trader Joe’s Almond Butter Vegan?
Yes. Trader Joe’s almond butter is 100% vegan. The only ingredient in most of its almond butter is almonds. You can check it out here.
Is Pip and Nut Almond Butter Vegan?
Yes. Most Pip and Nut almond butter is vegan. However, Pip and Nut also uses animal-derived ingredients. So, there is a risk of cross-contamination in its products.
Here is what Pip and Nut says about its products being fit for vegans and vegetarians.
Is Peanut Butter Vegan?
Most peanut butter is vegan because it is made from peanuts and salt. Some brands add sugar and palm oil to give it flavor and texture. It is okay for vegans if the sugar is organic and palm oil is sustainable. You may also find peanut butter with honey; it is not vegan, as vegans don’t eat animal-derived things.
Is Shea Butter Vegan?
Yes. Shea butter is 100% vegan in its raw form. However, it is often used with non-vegan ingredients.
Is Cocoa Butter Vegan?
Yes. Cocoa butter is 100% vegan and free from animal-derived products as long as it is in raw form. Cocoa butter is a common ingredient in chocolates and is often used with milk.
