Is Prego sauces tomato onion & garlic Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the label for Prego Tomato Onion & Garlic, the vast majority of ingredients are straightforward plant-derived foods. The base consists of tomato puree (water and tomato paste), diced tomatoes, and onions. These provide the bulk of the flavor and texture. The savory depth comes from garlic, supported by garlic extract and onion extract for consistency. These are all unequivocally vegan.

Where the analysis gets tricky is with the sweetener. The ingredient list includes sugar. In the United States, most commercial sugar is processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to bleach it white. While the sugar itself contains no animal DNA, the processing method is not vegan-friendly. Additionally, the sauce contains citric acid and spices. While usually vegan, citric acid can sometimes be derived from mold fed on molasses derived from animal bone char, though this is rare. The canola oil is a plant-based fat and is safe for vegans.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Prego Tomato Onion & Garlic is relatively moderate. A half-cup serving typically contains around 50 calories, with 0.5 grams of fat. The primary nutritional watch-out is the sugar content, which contributes roughly 6 grams per serving. While not excessively high, it adds empty calories to the diet. It is low in protein and fiber, so it should be paired with whole grains and vegetables to create a balanced meal. It fits well within a standard diet but should be consumed in moderation if you are monitoring sugar intake.