Is AZO Cranberry Urinary Tract Health Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the formulation. When we analyze the label for AZO Cranberry Urinary Tract Health, we find two major red flags for vegans: the capsule material and the coloring agents.

The primary offender is gelatin. Gelatin is a translucent, flavorless substance derived from boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones of animals, typically pigs or cows. It is the standard material for softgels because it is cheap and effective at sealing in oils. However, it is strictly off-limits for vegans and often vegetarians as well.

Secondly, the product lists carmine (also known as cochineal). This is a vibrant red pigment obtained by crushing dried cochineal insects. While some vegetarians might debate the ethics of carmine, it is universally considered non-vegan. The product also contains yellow beeswax, which is a secretion from honeybees, further cementing its status as an animal-derived product.

Finally, the ingredient list includes soy and wheat. While these are plant-based, they are potential allergens. The inclusion of artificial flavors is also worth noting, as the source of these flavors is often proprietary and not always plant-derived, though in this context, the gelatin and carmine are the definitive deal-breakers.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, AZO Cranberry is relatively light. Each softgel is low in calories (typically under 5 calories per softgel) and contains negligible amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and sugar. The primary active ingredient is cranberry extract, which is rich in antioxidants and proanthocyanidins, believed to help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

Because the dosage is generally two softgels daily, the caloric impact on your diet is insignificant. It does not serve as a source of macronutrients but rather a targeted supplement. However, the presence of soybean oil and sunflower oil contributes a small amount of fat, which is necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble compounds but adds no real nutritional value to the product itself.