Is Squeez Yogurtz Variety Pack Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight to the formulation. The vegan status of any product is determined by the absence of animal-derived ingredients. When we analyze the label of the Squeez Yogurtz Variety Pack, two major flags immediately disqualify it from being vegan.

The first and most obvious hurdle is the base of the product: CULTURED REDUCED FAT MILK. This is the standard starting point for traditional yogurt. It is derived from cow's milk and involves the fermentation of lactose by bacterial cultures. Regardless of how much fruit puree is added, a product built on a dairy foundation cannot be considered vegan.

The second, more nuanced issue lies in the fortification. The label lists VITAMIN D3 (cholecalciferol). In the food industry, the vast majority of Vitamin D3 used for fortification is synthesized from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from sheep's wool. While Vitamin D3 is chemically identical regardless of the source, strict vegans typically avoid this form in favor of Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which is derived from fungi or yeast. Therefore, even if this product were hypothetically dairy-free, the inclusion of standard Vitamin D3 would still present a conflict for strict ethical vegans.

Nutritional Value

While this product does not fit a vegan diet, it is worth understanding its nutritional profile for those who can consume dairy. The product is marketed as a convenient, squeezable snack, often targeting children or active adults. The inclusion of CANE SUGAR and fruit concentrates provides energy, but also adds to the total sugar content.

Because it is made with reduced fat milk, it likely offers a moderate amount of protein and calcium, which are essential for muscle repair and bone health. However, consumers watching their sugar intake should be mindful of the added sugars listed. The texture is stabilized by PECTIN and TAPIOCA STARCH, which are plant-derived thickeners commonly used to achieve that smooth, gel-like consistency without adding significant calories from fat.