Is Original Mediterranean Labne Kefir Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product fails the vegan test, we have to look closely at the label. As a food scientist, I look at the function of each ingredient to determine the source. In the case of Original Mediterranean Labne Kefir Cheese, the formulation is unapologetically dairy-centric.

The primary ingredients are Cultured pasteurized grade a milk and cream. This is the base of the product. Milk and cream are liquid dairy ingredients derived from cow's milk. They provide the fat content and the protein structure necessary to create the thick, spreadable consistency associated with labne. Without these, you simply do not have labne.

Next, we see condensed skim milk. This is essentially milk with the butterfat removed and the protein concentration increased. It is used to boost the protein content and thicken the product without adding extra fat. While it is a processing step, it remains a direct animal product.

The third flag is whey protein concentrate. Whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained during the cheese-making process. It is a byproduct of the dairy industry. While often used in supplements, its inclusion here likely aids in achieving a specific protein profile and mouthfeel.

Finally, we have pectin and salt. Pectin is a plant-derived thickener (usually from fruit), which is technically vegan. However, in this context, it is merely an additive to stabilize the dairy base. The presence of the previous three ingredients definitively classifies this product as non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Original Mediterranean Labne Kefir Cheese is a source of protein and calcium, owing to its high dairy content. However, because it is a concentrated dairy product, it is also relatively high in saturated fats compared to many vegan cheese alternatives. The presence of condensed skim milk and whey protein concentrate means the protein density is higher than standard yogurt.

Regarding sugar, labne is generally lower in sugar than standard flavored yogurts because it is strained, removing some of the lactose (milk sugar). However, it is not a low-calorie food. The fat content from the cream contributes to a rich calorie count. For those monitoring their intake of animal fats or lactose, this product would not fit the limits of a heart-healthy or lactose-free diet without caution.