Many individuals follow vegan diets for various reasons, including ethical, health, and environmental concerns. If you are vegan or considering adopting a vegan lifestyle, you might be wondering if Hershey’s syrup is suitable for your dietary needs. Let’s explore whether Hershey’s syrup is vegan or not.
1. Ingredients
One way to determine whether Hershey’s syrup is vegan-friendly is by examining its ingredients list. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients found in Hershey’s syrup:
- Corn Syrup
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Water
- Cocoa
- Sugar
- Contains 2% or Less of: Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Salt
- Mono- and Diglycerides
- Xanthan Gum
- Polysorbate 60
- Vanillin (Artificial Flavor)
2% or Less of the ingredients mentioned above can be non-vegan, which could potentially make Hershey’s syrup non-vegan overall.
2. Mono- and Diglycerides
One ingredient in Hershey’s syrup that may concern vegans is mono- and diglycerides. These are emulsifiers commonly derived from animal sources, such as pork or beef. However, they can also be derived from plant-based sources, such as soybean oil or sunflower oil. The source of mono- and diglycerides in Hershey’s syrup is not explicitly mentioned, making it uncertain whether they are vegan or not.
3. Polysorbate 60
Polysorbate 60 is another ingredient present in Hershey’s syrup. It is an emulsifier that helps maintain the texture and consistency of the syrup. While the origin of Polysorbate 60 can vary, it can be derived from either plant or animal sources. Unfortunately, the source of Polysorbate 60 in Hershey’s syrup is not specified, making it unclear if it adheres to vegan standards.
4. Artificial Flavor
The ingredient list of Hershey’s syrup mentions the inclusion of vanillin, an artificial flavor. Artificial flavors can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Without specific information on the source of the artificial flavor used in Hershey’s syrup, it is challenging to determine its vegan status.
5. Concluding Thoughts
Based on the available information, determining whether Hershey’s syrup is vegan or not is difficult due to the lack of explicit details regarding certain ingredients. Vegans who wish to be more cautious might decide to avoid Hershey’s syrup until further information becomes available.
If you are specifically looking for vegan-friendly chocolate syrups, it’s advisable to explore alternative brands that explicitly state their vegan status or use plant-based ingredients.
Remember, making informed choices and reading ingredient labels is essential when following a vegan dietary lifestyle.