Is Fiber Vegan? An Investigative Look at the Ingredients

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look past the marketing claims and straight to the ingredient label. When analyzing this specific formulation of Fiber, there is one definitive red flag that makes it unsuitable for a vegan diet.

The primary issue is the inclusion of gelatin. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs. In a fiber supplement, gelatin is often used as a binding agent or to create a specific texture in gummy or liquid formulations. Because it is an animal byproduct, its presence immediately disqualifies the product from being vegan.

Additionally, the ingredient list mentions a blend of oils (coconut and/or palm) with beeswax. While coconut oil is plant-based, beeswax is a secretion produced by worker bees. Strict vegans typically avoid beeswax as it is an animal-derived product. The inclusion of sucralose is also worth noting; while it is a synthetic sweetener and technically vegan, some health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners entirely.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, this product is designed to be a low-calorie supplement. The inclusion of sorbitol and polydextrose contributes to its fiber content and sweetness without adding significant calories from sugar. However, the presence of sucralose indicates a reliance on artificial sweeteners to improve taste.

For those monitoring their intake, the product is relatively low in fat and calories, largely due to the water content and the specific type of fiber used. However, the use of sorbitol—a sugar alcohol—can cause digestive distress, such as bloating and gas, in sensitive individuals, especially at higher doses. The product contains tree nuts (coconut), making it unsuitable for those with nut allergies.