Is Mountain High Original Style Plain Yogurt Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product fits a vegan lifestyle, we must look beyond the obvious. While the name "yogurt" implies dairy, let's analyze the specific components of Mountain High Original Style Plain Yogurt to understand exactly why it fails the vegan test.

The primary ingredient is Cultured Pasteurized Milk. This is the foundation of the product. Milk is an animal byproduct, specifically derived from cows, making it inherently non-vegan. The live and active cultures (like S. thermophilus and L. acidophilus) are bacteria used to ferment the milk, turning it into yogurt. While the bacteria themselves are microscopic organisms, the medium they feed on—animal milk—disqualifies the final product.

Another ingredient to scrutinize is Vitamin D3. This is a common fortification in dairy products, but its source is crucial for those avoiding animal products. Most commercially available Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is derived from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from sheep's wool. While some Vitamin D3 is synthesized from lichen, it is most often sourced from animals. Therefore, even if a product were hypothetically dairy-free, the addition of standard Vitamin D3 would render it non-vegan.

Finally, we see Fruit Pectin. This is a plant-derived thickening agent, often sourced from citrus peels or apples. This specific ingredient is vegan-friendly. However, it does not outweigh the animal-derived nature of the milk and vitamins used in the formulation.

Nutritional Value

While this yogurt is not suitable for a vegan diet, it is nutritionally dense for those who do consume dairy. A standard serving offers a robust profile of essential nutrients. It is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and satiety, and it provides a significant amount of calcium.

The inclusion of Vitamin A Acetate and Vitamin D3 boosts its nutritional value, supporting vision and bone health respectively. Because it is the "Original Style," it likely contains a moderate amount of fat (depending on the milk fat percentage used), which aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. For those monitoring their sugar intake, the plain version is generally a safer bet than flavored varieties, as it relies on the natural sugars found in milk (lactose) rather than added cane sugar.