Is POM Vegan? A Food Scientist's Ingredient Breakdown

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is vegan, we look beyond the marketing and dive straight into the label. For POM, the ingredient list is remarkably short and transparent. Let's look at the two specific ingredients listed.

The primary ingredient is POMEGRANATE ARILS. These are the edible seeds of the pomegranate fruit. They are botanically classified as a fruit and contain no animal products. They are the source of the product's texture and tart sweetness.

The second ingredient is MUSHROOM EXTRACT. This is used specifically to protect quality. In the food industry, this is a common plant-based antioxidant. It prevents the pomegranate seeds from oxidizing (turning brown) and maintains freshness. It is a vegan alternative to preservatives that might be derived from animal sources.

Nutritional Value

POM is a nutrient-dense food, primarily because it is a whole fruit without added fillers. The nutritional profile is driven by the pomegranate arils, which are packed with fiber and vitamins.

In terms of macronutrients, POM is relatively low in calories but contains natural sugars. A serving typically contains around 12-14 grams of sugar, which comes entirely from the fruit itself. It is also low in fat and provides a modest amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar spikes. Because it is a whole food, it fits well into most diet limits, including paleo and whole-food plant-based diets.