Is Propel immune support lemon blackberry Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed beverage like Propel is vegan, we have to look past the marketing and into the chemistry of the ingredients list. For the Lemon Blackberry flavor, the vast majority of the ingredients are clearly plant-derived or synthetic, which is good news for those avoiding animal products.

Let's look at the clear winners. Ingredients like water, citric acid, and sucralose are universally considered vegan. Citric acid is typically derived from the fermentation of molasses or corn syrup (by fungi like Aspergillus niger), and sucralose is a synthetic sweetener. The preservatives potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are also synthetic or mineral-derived.

The vitamins added for immune support—niacinamide (B3), pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), and vitamin E acetate—are generally vegan. While Vitamin E can sometimes be derived from animal sources (like lanolin from sheep's wool), the form used in mass-market supplements like Propel is almost exclusively synthetic or derived from vegetable oils.

However, the main flag for strict vegans is natural flavor. This is a broad regulatory term that allows manufacturers to use complex compounds derived from both plant and animal sources to create a specific taste profile. In a fruit-flavored drink, natural flavors are often plant-based. But they can also contain animal-derived 'hides' or 'bones' processed to create flavor enhancers. Because the manufacturer is not required to disclose the source of these natural flavors, we cannot guarantee this product is 100% vegan.

Nutritional Value

Propel immune support is designed as a low-calorie hydration enhancer rather than a meal replacement or heavy supplement. The base of the drink is water, so the caloric impact is minimal. The sweetness comes entirely from artificial sweeteners: sucralose and acesulfame potassium. This keeps the sugar content at zero grams, which is beneficial for those monitoring blood sugar levels or looking to reduce sugar intake.

In terms of micronutrients, the product packs a punch regarding the B-vitamins and Vitamin E. These are water-soluble (B-vitamins) or fat-soluble (E) vitamins that play roles in energy metabolism and immune defense. Because there are no fats or carbohydrates in the drink, it serves as a 'clean' vehicle for these vitamins. However, the lack of calories also means it provides no satiety or energy fueling on its own.