Is Cereal Vegan? Decoding Ingredients for a Plant-Based Diet
Cereal is a staple breakfast food enjoyed by millions worldwide. But if you follow a plant-based diet, you may wonder: Is cereal vegan? The answer isn’t always straightforward. While many cereals seem vegan-friendly at first glance, hidden animal-derived ingredients can make them unsuitable for vegans. Let’s break down what to watch out for and how to choose the best vegan cereals. Common Non-Vegan Ingredients in Cereal Many cereals contain ingredients that aren’t vegan, even if they appear plant-based. Here are some common culprits: Milk and Dairy Derivatives — Some cereals contain milk powder, whey, or casein, which are derived from dairy and not vegan. Honey — Often used as a natural sweetener, honey is an animal product and is avoided by strict vegans. Vitamin D3 — Many fortified cereals contain Vitamin D3, which is usually derived from lanolin (a substance found in sheep’s wool). Look for cereals fortified with Vitamin D2 instead, as it is pla...