Is Almonds peanuts & sea salt with coco drizzle Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing buzzwords to the actual composition of a product. When analyzing Almonds peanuts & sea salt with coco drizzle, the primary conflict with veganism lies in two specific ingredients: whole milk powder and honey.

The inclusion of whole milk powder is the most obvious red flag. This ingredient is derived from cow's milk and is used to provide a creamy mouthfeel and sweetness to the cocoa drizzle. It contains lactose and casein, which strictly exclude the product from being vegan. Additionally, the presence of honey is a disqualifier for many vegans. While some vegetarians consume honey, the vegan philosophy generally rejects the exploitation of bees and therefore avoids all bee-derived products, including honey and bee pollen.

Furthermore, the cocoa powder is listed as "processed with alkali." This process, known as Dutching, reduces the natural bitterness of cocoa but does not impact the vegan status. However, the palm kernel oil raises ethical concerns for some vegans due to the environmental impact of palm oil production, though it is technically a plant-based fat. The presence of soy lecithin is perfectly vegan-friendly, acting as an emulsifier to keep the oils and sugars blended.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is energy-dense. The combination of almonds, peanuts, and walnuts provides a solid foundation of healthy monounsaturated fats and plant-based protein. However, the sugar and rice syrup content significantly elevates the calorie count without adding nutritional value.

The use of palm kernel oil contributes to the saturated fat content. While not inherently harmful in moderation, it is something to monitor if you are watching your heart health. The calcium carbonate is a fortification agent, likely added to boost calcium levels, which is a nice touch. Overall, this is a high-calorie treat that should be eaten in moderation, particularly due to the added sugars which can spike blood glucose levels.