Is puree organic ginger Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is vegan, we have to look beyond the main ingredient and inspect the stabilizers and preservatives. For this puree organic ginger, the ingredient list is remarkably clean and plant-centric.

The base is, unsurprisingly, organic ginger. This is the root of the Zingiber officinale plant and is inherently vegan. To prevent the ginger from drying out or separating, the manufacturer uses a blend of organic sunflower oil and organic extra virgin olive oil. Both of these are extracted from plants and are safe for a vegan diet.

For acidity and flavor stability, organic lemon juice concentrate is added. This provides a bright, acidic note that complements the spicy ginger, and like the oils, it is strictly plant-derived. The unrefined mediterranean sea salt is simply a mineral, which is naturally vegan.

The final two ingredients are xanthan gum and guar gum. These are common thickeners often found in sauces and purees. Xanthan gum is produced by fermenting sugar with a specific bacteria (Xanthomonas campestris), and guar gum comes from the seeds of the guar plant. Neither involves animal products. Therefore, this product passes the vegan test with flying colors.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this ginger puree is a low-calorie flavor enhancer rather than a significant meal source. Because it is a concentrated form of ginger, a small amount goes a long way in terms of flavor, which helps keep the calorie count down.

The added organic sunflower oil and organic extra virgin olive oil contribute a small amount of fat. However, these are healthy, unsaturated fats. If you are strictly monitoring your fat intake, you should be aware that these oils are present, but the serving size is likely small enough that it won't impact your daily limits significantly.

The product contains no added refined sugars, which is a major plus. The carbohydrates present come naturally from the ginger root and the lemon juice concentrate. This makes it a great addition to dressings or marinades for those on low-sugar or whole-food plant-based diets.