Is Raspberry fruit spread Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a product like Raspberry fruit spread, the vegan status usually comes down to the sourcing of the sweetener. Let's look at the specific ingredients found in this spread:

Raspberries: These are the primary ingredient and are unequivocally vegan. They provide the tartness and the bulk of the fruit content.

Sugar: This is the critical flag. While sugar itself is a plant product, many refined sugars are processed using bone char—charred animal bones—to bleach the sugar crystals and remove impurities. Unless the label specifies 'Organic,' 'Unrefined,' or 'Beet Sugar,' strict vegans often avoid this ingredient.

Pectin and Xanthan Gum: Both of these are used as gelling agents and thickeners. Pectin is derived from fruit cell walls, and xanthan gum is produced by fermentation of sugar. Both are 100% plant-based and vegan-friendly.

Citric Acid: This is used to balance the acidity and preserve the spread. It is commercially produced through the fermentation of molasses or corn syrup, usually by the fungus Aspergillus niger, making it vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Raspberry fruit spread is high in carbohydrates due to the combination of fruit and added sugar. A typical serving contains a significant amount of calories derived almost entirely from sugars.

Because of the high sugar content, this spread is not considered a 'health food' in the context of low-carb or diabetic diets. However, it does provide a quick energy boost. If you are monitoring your sugar intake, this product should be consumed in moderation, regardless of its vegan status.