Is Moxie Original Elixir Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing and straight at the chemistry. Moxie Original Elixir has a distinct formula that is generally free from obvious animal derivatives, but let's analyze the components that might raise an eyebrow.

First, the base ingredients: Carbonated Water and Pure Cane Sugar. Water is always vegan. However, Pure Cane Sugar is the primary flag here. In the United States, cane sugar is often processed with bone char—charred animal bones—to filter and whiten it. Unless the manufacturer explicitly states the sugar is organic or certified vegan, there is a high probability it is not.

Next, we have the flavor and color agents: Natural & Artificial Flavors, Caramel Color, and Gentian Root Extractives. Natural flavors are notoriously vague and can theoretically contain animal derivatives, though in a soda context, they are usually plant-derived. Caramel color is strictly plant-based. Gentian root is a flowering plant, making it perfectly vegan.

Finally, the preservatives and acidity regulators: Sodium Benzoate, Phosphoric Acid, Citric Acid, and Caffeine. All of these are synthesized from non-animal sources. Citric acid, for example, is produced through the fermentation of molasses or corn syrup by the fungus Aspergillus niger. Therefore, the only true hurdle is the sugar.

Nutritional Value

When discussing veganism, we often focus on ethics, but health is a parallel concern. A standard 12-ounce can of Moxie Original Elixir contains approximately 120 calories, all of which come from carbohydrates.

The sugar content sits at around 30 to 32 grams per serving. This is a significant amount, roughly equivalent to 7-8 teaspoons of sugar. While it fits within the diet of someone looking for an occasional treat, it is not a beverage designed for weight loss or metabolic health. The lack of fat and protein means it offers no satiety, potentially leading to sugar crashes despite the caffeine content (roughly 36mg per can).