Is Plant-Based Scramble (Liquid) Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight into the formulation. When we deconstruct this liquid scramble, we find a base of water and mung bean protein isolate, which provides the egg-like texture and protein punch. The fat source is expeller-pressed canola oil, a plant-derived fat that mimics the richness of egg yolks.

However, the controversy begins with the additives. The ingredient list includes transglutaminase. Often called 'meat glue,' this enzyme is frequently derived from animal sources (specifically blood plasma), though it can be produced via microbial fermentation. Without a specific 'non-animal' claim on the packaging, its origin is ambiguous. Furthermore, the inclusion of sugar is a significant flag for strict vegans. While sugar itself is a plant product, the refining process often involves bone char—charred animal bones—to bleach and filter it. Unless the sugar is certified organic or explicitly labeled 'unrefined,' it is highly likely processed with bone char, making it non-vegan in the strictest sense.

Finally, we see nisin, a natural preservative. Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by the fermentation of milk by the bacterium Lactococcus lactis. Because it is a byproduct of milk fermentation, it is technically an animal-derived ingredient, placing another hurdle in front of the strict vegan definition.

Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, this product is designed to compete with real eggs. It is relatively low in calories, with the fat content coming primarily from the expeller-pressed canola oil. This makes it a heart-healthy option compared to the saturated fats found in animal eggs. The mung bean protein isolate offers a complete amino acid profile, making it a solid protein source for muscle maintenance and satiety.

Regarding the 'bad' ingredients, the sugar content is usually negligible (often less than 1 gram per serving), so it won't spike your blood sugar significantly. However, for those on a strict whole-food plant-based diet, the presence of potassium citrate (a synthetic mineral salt) and tetrasodium pyrophosphate (a texture enhancer) moves this from a 'clean' food to a processed one. It fits well within a low-cholesterol diet but is heavily processed.