Is Original plain yogurt Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating whether a product fits a vegan lifestyle, we must look beyond the marketing and straight at the formulation. The ingredients list for this yogurt tells a clear story of animal origin. Let's analyze the specific components flagged in this investigation.

The primary ingredients listed are cultured pasteurized grade a milk & cream. This is the definitive factor. Both milk and cream are secretions from cows, making them strictly non-vegan. The presence of cream specifically indicates a higher fat content derived directly from animal agriculture.

We also see condensed skim milk included. This is essentially milk with the fat removed, concentrated to boost protein and texture. While it is lower in fat, it is still a direct dairy product. Finally, pectin is used as a thickening agent. Pectin itself is a plant-derived starch (usually from citrus fruits), so it is technically vegan. However, its presence here is merely to stabilize the dairy base.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this yogurt offers a solid profile for those who consume dairy. It provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. Because it is 'plain,' it generally avoids the excessive added sugars found in flavored varieties, though the natural sugars (lactose) from the milk remain.

The fat content will vary depending on whether you choose the non-fat or whole milk version, but the inclusion of cream in the ingredients suggests a rich texture. For a vegan, however, the nutritional benefits of the protein and calcium are negated by the ethical and dietary conflict of the dairy source. It fits a standard omnivorous diet well, but fails the vegan criteria entirely.