Is Pepsi Wild Cherry Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

Pepsi Wild Cherry is a fan favorite, but for those following a plant-based diet, the label requires a closer look. While the majority of the ingredients are synthetic or plant-derived, there are two key culprits that cause concern.

The first is Sugar. In the United States, a significant portion of white sugar is processed using bone char—ground-up animal bones—to filter and bleach the sugar crystals. Because PepsiCo does not disclose the source of their sugar, it is impossible to confirm if it is strictly vegan. The High Fructose Corn Syrup is generally considered vegan as it is derived entirely from corn starch.

The second flag is Natural Flavor. This is the most mysterious ingredient on the label. While the flavor profile is cherry, the specific compounds used to create it are proprietary. In the food industry, natural flavors can sometimes be derived from animal sources (such as castoreum from beavers, though this is rare), making it a gray area for strict vegans.

Fortunately, the Caramel Color used in this soda is plant-derived and vegan-friendly, unlike some caramel colors in other foods that use dairy.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Pepsi Wild Cherry is a high-calorie, high-sugar beverage. A standard 12-ounce can contains approximately 150 calories and 41 grams of sugar. This amount of sugar is nearly equivalent to the recommended daily limit for an adult woman and exceeds the limit for children.

There are no fats, proteins, or vitamins in this beverage. It provides 'empty calories' meaning it offers energy but no nutritional benefit. For those monitoring their sugar intake for weight loss or diabetes management, this drink is not recommended.