Margarine
Most margarine is free from animal-derived ingredients. USDA defines margarine as an edible having no less than 80% fat and no more than 2% salt. It also says that margarine will be made with vegetable oils such as palm, canola, safflower, sunflower, corn, soybean, or peanut oil.
How to ensure that your Margarine is 100% Vegan?
Most store-bought margarine is vegan, but some may have animal-derived ingredients. So, it is always better to check the labels and ingredients before buying. Ensure that the margarine you buy is free from the following ingredients.
- Whey: It is derived from animal milk.
- Casein: It is also derived from animal milk during cheesemaking.
- Animal Fat: Traditional margarines were made with animal fat. You’ll rarely find this in modern margarines.
- Lactose: It is a type of sugar found in animal milk.
- Lecithin: It is fat derived from animal tissues and egg yolks.
- Vitamin D3: It is derived from sheep’s wool.
- Vitamin A Palmitate: It may or may not be animal-derived. Make sure you check the plant-based label on the box if it is listed as an ingredient.
- Marine Oil: Marine oil is derived from fish or other marine animals.
- Tallow: It is animal fat commonly derived from cattle and was used to make margarine initially.
- Suet: It is a fat found around the loins or kidneys of animals. It is too rarely present in margarines found in stores today.
If you find any other ingredient that isn’t on this list, don’t forget to look it up online. Some margarines may have natural and artificial flavors, so search for them too.
Moreover, most brands make vegan and non-vegan margarine using the same equipment. Such products always come with a cross-contamination warning for non-vegan ingredients.
Is Margarine Vegetarian?
Vegetarians eat animal-derived ingredients like milk, eggs, and honey. Most vegetarians are okay with margarine since most ingredients don’t involve killing animals. However, it is your decision as a vegetarian to go ahead with ingredients like animal fat, lecithin, Vitamin D3, and marine oil.
Is Palm Oil in Margarine Vegan?
You will find palm oil in many margarine varieties. Palm oil is technically vegan, but its farming has led to deforestation and damaged the natural habitat of animals like or orangutan, Sumatran elephants, and rhinos. It makes palm oil cruel to animals.
Vegans who follow veganism as a lifestyle don’t eat palm oil unless it is ethically and sustainably sourced. Veganism is not only about the food you consume; it is based on cruelty-free practices and justice for animals.
Is Vegan Margarine Healthy?
Margarine is 80% fat. Foods with such a high fat content aren’t always healthy. You must eat it in moderation and consult your dietician if you are on a controlled diet.
Where can I Buy Vegan Margarine?
You don’t have to “search” for vegan margarine. It is commonly available in stores and online. Earth Balance, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Country Crock, Miyoko’s Creamery, Park Butter, and Milkadamia make vegan spreads. These brands also make non-vegan margarine, so always check the ingredients before buying.
Go through the following links to find out if your favorite margarine is vegan!
