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Is Airborne Vegan?

If you are strictly vegan, the short answer is no: Airborne is not vegan. While it markets itself as an immune support supplement packed with vitamins and herbal extracts, a closer look at the label reveals a key ingredient that makes it unsuitable for a plant-based lifestyle. Here is the detailed breakdown of why Airborne fails the vegan test and what you should look for instead.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look past the marketing claims on the front of the bottle and go straight to the ingredient list on the back. Airborne is marketed as a "gluten-free" and "doctor-developed" formula, but for vegans, the formulation presents a specific hurdle.

The primary reason Airborne is not vegan is the presence of gelatin. Gelatin is a translucent, colorless brittle substance derived from the collagen inside animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. In the context of a dietary supplement like Airborne, which usually comes in chewable tablet or gummy form, gelatin is used as a gelling agent to give the product its texture and structure. Because it is almost exclusively sourced from pigs or cows, it is strictly off-limits for vegans and often vegetarians as well.

It is also important to note the presence of sugar and corn syrup. While these are plant-derived, strict vegans sometimes avoid refined white sugar because of the bone char filtration process used in its production. However, the gelatin is the definitive disqualifier here.

Finally, we see natural flavor and elderberry juice concentrate. The term "natural flavor" can be a gray area in veganism, as it can technically contain animal derivatives depending on the source, though it is usually plant-based. However, given the confirmed presence of gelatin, you don't need to worry about the nuances of the flavoring—the product is already non-vegan.

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gelatin

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Airborne is designed as an immune booster rather than a meal replacement, so it is low in calories. However, the sugar and corn syrup content is notable. In many of the gummy or chewable versions, sugar acts as a primary filler.

If you are monitoring your glycemic index or trying to reduce empty calories, relying on these supplements daily can add up. While the product delivers a high dose of Vitamin C and Zinc, it does so alongside sweeteners that might not fit into a strict low-sugar or whole-food diet. It is a concentrated dose of vitamins, but it is not a "health food" in the sense of providing macronutrients like protein or fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Airborne contain dairy or gluten?

Airborne is generally labeled as gluten-free and does not contain dairy ingredients like milk or whey. However, the gelatin content makes it non-vegan.

Is Airborne good for weight loss?

No, Airborne is not a weight loss product. It is low in calories but contains sugar and corn syrup, which are empty calories.

Where can I buy Airborne?

Airborne is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and online through Amazon.

Is Airborne safe for kids?

Airborne is formulated for adults. Some versions are marketed for teens, but it is generally not recommended for young children due to high vitamin dosages and sugar content. Always consult a pediatrician.
Airborne

Airborne

Vegan Analysis

The Verdict
Not Vegan
Find Alternative

We recommend searching for certified Vegan alternatives.

Pro Tip

Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!