Is Organic cranberry pomegranate Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product like Organic cranberry pomegranate, the first step is to look at the label. The ingredients list—FILTERED WATER, ORGANIC APPLE JUICE CONCENTRATE, ORGANIC CRANBERRY JUICE CONCENTRATE, ORGANIC POMEGRANATE JUICE CONCENTRATE—is impressive. These are all whole-food, plant-derived ingredients. However, the final ingredient, ORGANIC NATURAL FLAVOR, is where the investigation gets complicated.

The term 'natural flavor' is chemically indistinguishable from the food source it mimics, but the source material itself can be either plant or animal. While the base juices here are clearly vegan, natural flavors are often used to enhance the 'berry' profile. In the food industry, some natural flavors are derived from animal sources to round out the taste. Without specific disclosure from the manufacturer, we cannot guarantee that the flavoring agents are strictly plant-derived.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Organic cranberry pomegranate offers the antioxidants and vitamins inherent in its fruit components. Cranberries are known for urinary tract health, while pomegranates are rich in polyphenols. However, because this product uses ORGANIC APPLE JUICE CONCENTRATE as a sweetener, the sugar content is significant. It fits the diet limits of someone looking for a flavorful beverage, but it should be consumed in moderation due to the natural sugars. It is naturally fat-free and low in sodium, making it a heart-healthy choice provided the sugar intake is managed.