Is Italian Dressing with Garlic and Asiago Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this dressing fails the vegan test, we have to look past the oil and vinegar. The base of the product is a standard emulsion of Canola oil, water, and distilled vinegar. These are all vegan-friendly. The trouble starts when we reach the flavor enhancers listed in the "contains less than 2%" section.

The primary culprits are Asiago cheese and Romano cheese. The Asiago is listed as containing pasteurized part-skim cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. Similarly, the Romano cheese is made from cultured milk. Both of these ingredients are direct animal by-products, making the dressing unsuitable for vegans. Even though they appear in small quantities, their presence is definitive.

There is also a secondary concern for strict vegans regarding the preservative Sodium Benzoate. While chemically synthetic and not an animal product, Sodium Benzoate is sometimes processed using benzyl chloride, which can be derived from toluene (a petroleum derivative). However, in the context of this dressing, the presence of actual dairy cheese is the undeniable dealbreaker.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this dressing is high in fat and sodium, which is typical for creamy salad dressings. The primary fat sources are Canola oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. While olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, the overall calorie count can add up quickly if you are heavy-handed with your pour.

The sugar content is relatively low compared to sweet vinaigrettes, but the sodium levels are significant due to the cheeses, salt, and preservatives like sodium benzoate. For those monitoring blood pressure or sodium intake, this dressing should be used sparingly. It fits into a standard diet but is not a "health food" by any stretch of the imagination.