Is Non-dairy Strawberry Cheezecake Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

At first glance, this Non-dairy Strawberry Cheezecake looks like a vegan dream. The base is built on OAT MILK and plant-based thickeners like GUAR DV GUM and LOCUST BEAN GUM. The creamy texture usually associated with dairy comes from a blend of COCONUT OIL, CANOLA OIL, and SOYBEAN OIL. Even the protein structure is plant-derived, utilizing PEA PROTEIN and FAVA BEAN PROTEIN. However, the devil is in the details.

The first major hurdle is the LIQUID SUGAR. While sugar is a plant, it is frequently processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to bleach it white. Unless the manufacturer specifies 'organic' or 'unrefined' sugar, there is a high probability this ingredient is not vegan. The second red flag is the NATURAL FLAVOR. This vague term can legally hide animal-derived compounds used to enhance the strawberry profile, such as castoreum (from beavers), though it is rare. Finally, the presence of WHEAT - FLOUR and GRAHAM FLOUR makes this a gluten issue, though not a vegan one.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this dessert is high in empty calories and sugar. With ingredients like LIQUID SUGAR and CORN SYR SUGAR listed near the top, the glycemic load is significant. The fat content is driven primarily by COCONUT OIL and CANOLA OIL, contributing to a dense calorie count without offering substantial micronutrients. While the OAT MILK and PEA PROTEIN offer a small amount of fiber and protein, the ratio is heavily skewed toward sugar and fat. It fits a 'treat' diet occasionally, but it is not a health food.