Is Creamy Almond Mango yogurt Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is vegan, we need to look closely at the base. The primary ingredient is an Organic Cashew Base, which consists of filtered water and organic cashews. Unlike traditional yogurt, which relies on the lactose in milk to feed bacteria, this product uses the natural starches and fats from cashews to create a thick, creamy texture.

For thickening, the manufacturer uses Organic Tapioca Starch, Organic Locust Bean Gum, and Pectin. These are all plant-derived stabilizers commonly used in vegan products to mimic the mouthfeel of dairy. There are no gelatin or animal-based thickeners here.

The flavor profile comes from Mango Puree Concentrate and Lemon Juice Concentrate, which provide the necessary acidity and sweetness. Finally, the yogurt is inoculated with Live Active Cultures (including Streptococcus Thermophilus and Lactobacillus Bulgaricus). While these bacteria strains are traditionally grown in dairy environments, they are entirely vegan-friendly once harvested, as the bacteria themselves are not animal products.

Nutritional Value

Because this yogurt is plant-based, the nutritional profile differs from dairy yogurt. It is generally higher in healthy fats due to the cashews and coconut, which contributes to its satiating nature. You can expect a moderate calorie count per serving, likely derived from the natural sugars in the mango and the carbohydrates in the tapioca starch.

For those monitoring sugar intake, it is important to note that while the ingredients are organic, the mango concentrate adds natural sugar. However, it fits well within a whole-food, plant-based diet as it provides a creamy treat without the cholesterol or hormones associated with dairy products.