Is Smart Balance Vegan?

Smart Balance is not vegan, but there are two types of Smart Balance that are. One is called Smart Balance Light with Flaxseed Oil, and the other is called Smart Balance Organic. You might think that Smart Balance is safe because it helps lower cholesterol, but it isn’t actually vegan.

Above mentioned types of smart balance are considered vegan by some people, but you’ll notice that they still list palm oil in their ingredient lists. Palm oil is used in many food products, including margarine, salad dressings, mayonnaise, cookies, crackers, chips, cereals, snack foods, frozen desserts, ice cream, yogurt, bread, cakes, pies, etc.

Vitamin D is also present as part of the product, along with natural flavors. The sources of these natural flavors are unclear whether plant-based or animal-based. You should avoid using any kind of buttery spread containing palm oil, especially if you are trying to eat healthier.

About Smart Balance

Smart Balance is a great choice if you’re trying to eat healthier. It’s made with natural fats instead of artificial ones, and it tastes delicious. Plus, it’s free of trans fats, which are bad for your heart health.

You’ll find several varieties of Smart Balance products at most grocery stores. There are original Smart Balance, Smart Balance organic, Smart Balance light with flax seed, peanut butter spread, and others.

Ingredients

Smart Balance buttery spread does not contain any animal products, but there are still some controversial ingredients including artificial flavors, Vitamin D, and vegetable oil blend. Some vegans believe that using these ingredients is unethical, and others think that they should be removed from the product altogether.

There are two main reasons why vegans might object to these ingredients. First, they may feel that using these ingredients is unfair to animals. Second, they may believe that these ingredients are unhealthy for humans.

You’ll find that most recipes containing these ingredients are very similar. You may find that some of the ingredients list themselves as being vegan-friendly, meaning that they are safe for non-vegan and vegan communities alike.

• For example, water potassium sorbate is used to preserve freshness.
• Calcium disodium EDTA is used as an additive.
• Salt is used to enhance flavors.
• Monoglycerides are used as additives.
• Palmitate is a vitamin A compound replacement.
• Beta carotene is a natural form of Vitamin A.
• Pea protein is a plant-based alternative to meat proteins.
• Lactose is a dairy product substitute.
• Lecithin is used as an emulsifying agent.

Which Flavors Of Smart Balance Are Vegan?

Smart Balance Butters come in several flavors, including original, light with flaxseed oil, and dark chocolate. All of these flavors are vegan, but only the original flavor is truly transparent with its source.

All of the Smart Balance Butters are made using plant-based ingredients, but there are still some hidden sources. Palm oil is used in the production process, but it doesn’t mean that it comes from animals. However, the production process itself is against the morals of strict vegans.

Strict vegans avoid products that contain any animal product, including palm oil. Therefore, if you are a strict vegan, you should avoid the original flavor of Smart Balance Butter.

Smart Balance Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to smart balance:

Miyokos Creamery Butter

Miyoko’s Creamery Butter is a great alternative to regular butter. It tastes amazing and is made without any animal products. It’s also completely vegan and gluten-free. This product comes in two varieties: Original and Vegan. Both are delicious and taste great on bread, pancakes, waffles, muffins, etc.

Miyoko uses organic cultured cashew milk, and the natural flavors come straight from oregano, making it safe for those with allergies. Tree nuts and peanuts are not used in their manufacturing process, so there are no concerns regarding food safety.

Milkadamia Salted Buttery Spread

Milkadamia Salted Buttery Spread is made with coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, canola oil, and sea salt. It’s 100% vegan and kosher, making it a great alternative to dairy products.

For this Kosher diet, Smart Balance uses pure salt and, for additional flavor, sunflower lecithin vitamin E too. This makes it completely vegan-friendly.

You can feel confident knowing that this product is free of any animal or dairy ingredients, including seafood, chicken eggs, or honey.

Kevala Organic Coconut Butter

For those who avoid dairy-free butter substitutes, there’s no reason to feel left out. There are plenty of options available if you prefer non-dairy milk substitutes. One of the most common choices is kevala coconut butter.

Kevala coconut butter is made from dried coconut meat that is ground down until it becomes a smooth paste. It’s typically used as a spread for toast, pancakes, waffles, muffins, etc., but it can also be added to baked goods.

Kevala Organic Coconut butter is certified organic, kosher, gluten-free, and nut-free. It’s manufactured in a peanut-safe facility and is free of palm oil. All common ingredients are plant-based and are great to use in baking or cooking.

Conclusion

Smart Balance is not vegan. However, if you are a vegan, there are plenty of great options out there. You should definitely try to find a brand that is made without animal products.

There are several brands of vegan butter out there, including Earth Balance dairy-free butter. These products are delicious and healthy, and they won’t compromise your morals or beliefs.