Is Hazelnut Original Plant-Based Beverage Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is truly vegan, we have to look beyond the marketing claims and inspect the label. For this Hazelnut Original Plant-Based Beverage, the formulation is surprisingly clean and straightforward. Let's look at the key components.

The base of the drink consists of Roasted Hazelnut Base (water, ground roasted hazelnuts) and Brown Rice Sweetener (water, brown rice). These are the heavy lifters, providing the creamy texture and natural sweetness. Both are entirely plant-derived, making them perfect for a vegan diet.

For fortification and texture, the manufacturer uses Tricalcium Phosphate (a mineral calcium source), Gellan Gum, and Carrageenan. While some vegans debate the use of carrageenan due to processing methods, it is derived from red seaweed and is chemically vegan. It is not an animal product. Similarly, the vitamins added—Vitamin D2, Riboflavin (B2), and Vitamin A Palmitate—are plant-sourced or synthetic versions, not derived from animal tissues (like Vitamin D3 often is).

Finally, Sea Salt is the only seasoning used. There are no hidden flavor enhancers like casein or lactose. Based on this breakdown, the formulation is 100% plant-based.

Nutritional Value

While being vegan is the primary question, the nutritional profile is equally important. This beverage is designed to be a lighter alternative to dairy milk, but it behaves differently than other nut milks like almond or oat.

Because hazelnuts are naturally higher in fat than almonds, you can expect a richer mouthfeel. However, the addition of the Brown Rice Sweetener adds a touch of sugar. It is not a zero-calorie drink, nor is it a high-protein beverage. It fits best into a diet where you are looking for a creamy, flavorful liquid for coffee or cereal that doesn't rely on cow's milk, but you shouldn't rely on it as a primary protein source. It is low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol, which aligns with heart-healthy plant-based diets.