Is Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Fruit Juice Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating canned fruit for a vegan diet, the devil is often in the details—specifically the sweeteners and processing aids used. However, the ingredient list for Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Fruit Juice is surprisingly straightforward and free of red flags.

The primary ingredients are PEACHES and WATER, which are unequivocally plant-based. The sweetness comes from PEAR JUICE CONCENTRATE and additional PEACH PULP AND JUICE. Unlike refined white sugar, which can sometimes be processed using bone char (animal bone ash), fruit juice concentrates are generally considered vegan-friendly as they are derived directly from fruit evaporation.

The only additive listed is ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C). This is a standard antioxidant used to prevent the peaches from browning or oxidizing. Ascorbic acid is synthetically produced or derived from plant sources (like corn), making it perfectly safe for vegans. There are no gelatin thickeners, honey, or dairy-based creamers involved in this recipe.

Nutritional Value

While these peaches are vegan, it is important to consider their nutritional profile, particularly regarding sugar content. Because the fruit is packed in a fruit juice concentrate syrup, the sugar density is higher than fresh fruit or water-packed varieties.

A standard serving contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, primarily from natural sugars found in the peaches, pear juice, and peach juice. However, this product remains a low-fat option and contains no cholesterol. It fits well into a whole-food, plant-based diet as a source of quick energy, though those monitoring their glycemic index or sugar intake should consume it in moderation.