Is Hand Grilled Piquillo Pepper Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the source of ingredients, not just the name. The ingredient list for Hand Grilled Piquillo Peppers is relatively short: PIQUILLO PEPPERS, WATER, SUGAR, SALT, CITRIC ACID, and CALCIUM CHLORIDE.

The Piquillo Peppers are obviously plant-based. Water and Salt are non-issues. Citric Acid is derived from fermentation of sugars (usually corn or molasses) and is vegan. Calcium Chloride is a firming agent often used in pickling; it is mineral-based and vegan.

The flag comes from the SUGAR. In the United States, a significant portion of refined white sugar is processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to filter and whiten it. Unless the manufacturer specifies "Organic," "Raw," or "Beet Sugar," there is a high probability that the sugar in this product is not vegan. Therefore, strict vegans should consider this product non-vegan unless the specific brand confirms the source of their sugar.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these peppers are a low-calorie option. The base vegetable is high in Vitamin A and antioxidants. However, the addition of Sugar and Salt changes the profile slightly.

Because sugar is added, the carbohydrate count is slightly higher than plain roasted peppers, but it is still generally considered a healthy snack or side dish. The sodium content from the salt is moderate. If you are monitoring your sugar intake for weight loss or diabetic reasons, the added sugar is something to track, though the amount per serving is likely small.