Is Squeeze A Little Chili Pesto Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the label of Squeeze A Little Chili Pesto, the vegan status becomes clear almost immediately. The primary culprit is Pecorino Romano PDO Cheese. This is a protected designation of origin cheese made from sheep's milk, which is an animal product. It is a core component of the pesto's savory profile, providing saltiness and umami that cannot be replicated with plant-based ingredients alone.

Furthermore, the label lists Lactic Acid. While lactic acid can sometimes be derived from plant fermentation, in the context of a product containing cheese, it is highly likely derived from dairy sources or used as a byproduct of the dairy industry. Additionally, the presence of Modified Corn Starch and Vegetable Fiber are generally vegan-friendly additives used for texture and stability, but they do not offset the dairy content.

It is also worth noting that while the product is not vegan, it is technically vegetarian (lacto-vegetarian) as it contains no meat or gelatin. However, strict vegans must avoid this specific pesto variety due to the sheep's milk cheese.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this pesto is a calorie-dense condiment due to the Sunflower Seed Oil and cheese content. A standard serving contains a significant amount of fat, though much of it comes from the oil rather than saturated animal fat exclusively. The Sugar listed in the ingredients is a minor component but adds a slight sweetness to balance the heat of the Dried Chili Pepper Pieces.

Because of the cheese and oil, this product fits into a 'moderation' diet rather than a low-calorie one. It provides energy and flavor, but those monitoring their sodium intake should be aware that Pecorino Romano is naturally high in salt. It does not offer significant fiber or protein compared to the fat content.