Is Creamed Smoked Fish Roe Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is non-vegan, we must look at the composition. The primary ingredient is Smoked sugar salted fish roe, which makes up over half of the product by weight. This consists of the eggs (roe) from cod and pollock, cured with salt and smoke. In dietary terms, roe is considered an animal product, making it incompatible with veganism.

The texture is achieved using rapeseed oil and potato flakes. While rapeseed oil is plant-based, the potato flakes act as a thickener. The flavor profile is deepened with tomato paste and additional sugar. It is worth noting that the sugar used in processed foods can sometimes be processed with bone char (an animal product), though this is not explicitly stated on the label.

For preservation, the product utilizes potassium sorbate and ascorbic acid. Both of these are synthetic or derived from non-animal sources and are generally considered vegan-friendly. However, the presence of the fish roe is the definitive factor that classifies this product as non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

Despite being non-vegan, Creamed Smoked Fish Roe is nutrient-dense. It is high in protein due to the fish eggs, which are a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids. It also provides healthy fats, specifically Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.

However, consumers should be mindful of the sodium content. As a salted and smoked product, it is likely very high in salt, which can impact blood pressure. Additionally, the inclusion of added sugar and rapeseed oil increases the calorie count. While it fits well into a high-protein or Keto diet, it may not be suitable for those on a strict low-sodium or low-calorie weight loss plan.