Is dream cake (original) Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the formulation of a product to understand its true nature. The dream cake (original) is essentially a sponge cake with a creamy filling, but the complexity lies in the specific oils and powders used. The primary reason this cake fails the vegan test is the sheer volume of lactose and milk powder found in almost every component.

Let's look at the Semi-Chocolate coating. It explicitly lists Lactose and Whole milk powder. Lactose is a sugar derived strictly from milk, making it a non-negotiable animal product. Furthermore, the Vegetable cream filling is a misnomer; while it uses vegetable oils, it is fortified with Skim milk powder and Whey permeate.

Perhaps the most significant red flag for strict vegans is the presence of Beef tallow in the Shortening II. While many assume shortening is purely vegetable-based, this formulation uses rendered beef fat to stabilize the texture. Additionally, the cake contains Whole egg liquid, which is a direct animal product. Finally, the Whey protein powder is a byproduct of cheese manufacturing, confirming the presence of dairy throughout the recipe.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the dream cake (original) is designed as an indulgent treat rather than a health food. The combination of sugar, corn starch syrup, and refined fats like palm kernel oil creates a high-calorie, high-glycemic index product. The presence of beef tallow contributes saturated fats that are generally advised to be limited in a heart-healthy diet.

Because it contains significant amounts of lactose and gluten (from Wheat flour), it is also unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease. While the diced peanuts and Almond powder offer a small amount of protein and fiber, they are overshadowed by the high sugar and fat content. This is a calorie-dense food, best enjoyed in moderation.