Is Yogurt Coated Blueberries Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I often see confusion regarding 'yogurt coatings.' It is crucial to understand that these coatings rarely contain actual active yogurt cultures. Instead, they are a confection designed to mimic the tangy flavor of yogurt while relying on shelf-stable fats and powders. When we analyze the specific ingredients provided for Yogurt Coated Blueberries, the vegan status becomes immediately clear.

The primary issue lies in the yogurt flavored coating. The ingredient list explicitly includes whey powder and skim milk powder. Whey is a liquid byproduct separated from milk curds during cheese making, while skim milk powder is milk with the fat removed. Both are direct animal-derived ingredients. Even if the coating used palm kernel oil (a plant fat) as its base, the inclusion of these milk solids makes the product strictly non-vegan.

Furthermore, the dried cultivated blueberries themselves are processed with sunflower oil to prevent clumping, which is fine for vegans, but the overall product is compromised by the coating. We also see confectioners glaze listed, which is often derived from the secretions of the lac bug (insect-derived). While this is a separate issue from dairy, strict vegans typically avoid this ingredient as well.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these treats are best viewed as an indulgence rather than a health food. The combination of sugar, corn syrup, and maltodextrin in the ingredients indicates a high glycemic load. The coating is essentially a candy shell, meaning the calorie count is significantly higher than that of plain dried blueberries.

While blueberries themselves offer antioxidants and fiber, the processing and added sugars dilute these benefits. The presence of palm kernel oil contributes to the saturated fat content. If you are monitoring your sugar intake or looking for a nutrient-dense snack, this product does not fit the criteria for a 'health food' despite the fruit component.