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Is Soda Vegan? See the 4 Amazing Factors of Fizzy Drinks
- Written By: Saman Shoaib
- Last Updated: July 1, 2023
Soda, fizzy drinks, or carbonated beverages, have been popular drinks for decades. But is soda vegan? The answer is not as simple and straightforward as you might think.
In recent years, there has been an increasing concern about the ingredients used in soda and their impact on our health and the environment. Basically, it’s a carbonated beverage that is typically made with water, sugar or artificial sweeteners, and various flavorings. As more people adopt a vegan lifestyle, there is also a growing question about whether soda is vegan or not.
Don’t take it to your head because, in this guide, you will explore the ingredients used in soda and their vegan status. So, Let’s move on…
A brief Intro about Vegans
Let’s define what a vegan lifestyle is. Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
Vegans typically do not consume any animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or any other food derived from animals. They also avoid products made from animal-derived materials, such as leather, wool, or silk. In fact, they are considered as vegetarians.
What is SODA?
Soda is a sweet, bubbly beverage containing carbonated water, a sweetening agent, and natural or artificial flavors make a fuzzy drink.
The sweetener is often cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juices, or sugar substitutes like aspartame or stevia. Usually, a soft drink also contains some caffeine for a bit of a jolt, artificial and natural coloring agents, preservatives, and more.
We usually enjoy soda over ice or straight from the can or bottle at fast-food chains, movie theaters, and restaurants, though plenty of us drink soda at home too.
Is Soda Vegan or Not? Let’s clear this mystery!
Carbonated water is simply water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles and gives the drink its characteristic fizz. Carbonated water is vegan and generally considered safe to consume, although it can cause some digestive discomfort in some people.
But the concerns of vegan related to carbonated beverages is still there. So, they maybe vegan or maybe not. All is depend on their ingredients and some particular factors. Now, it’s inevitably important to highlights these both aspects to clear out is soda vegan or not.
The Key Factors of Soda that Make it Vegan or Not-Vegan
Among a huge number of carbonated drinks, many big names come into account as non-vegan. Whereas, several are claimed to be vegan. Well! It is possible to find plant-based fizzy drinks that are suitable for vegans. Some of the key factors that can let you know whether a soda is vegan or not include;
👉 Ingredients
Many sodas contain ingredients that are not vegan. For example, some soda brands use gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, to help create a foamy texture. Others may use honey as a sweetener, which is not considered vegan due to its exploitation of bees.
So, check the ingredient list to ensure that there are no animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin or honey. Instead, look for plant-based alternatives like corn syrup or plant-based sweeteners.
👉 Processing
Some sodas may be processed using animal-derived products. For example, some manufacturers may use animal-derived enzymes to clarify the sugar used in their sodas.
So, look for sodas that are processed using vegan-friendly methods. For example, some manufacturers use activated charcoal or plant-based enzymes to clarify their sugar.
👉 Testing
In order to see; is soda vegan or not, test it. Some sodas may be tested on animals to ensure their safety or efficacy. This is often the case with new food additives and preservatives. So, always look for sodas that are labeled as cruelty-free or not tested on animals.
👉 Brand Affiliations
Some soda brands are affiliated with companies that are known for testing on animals or engaging in other unethical practices. So, research the brand and its affiliations to ensure that they align with your values.
See the Ingredients of Soda that can Make it Vegan
Apart from above-mentioned factors that can mark a soda is vegan or not-vegan, some particular ingredients that need to described here. So, take a look over them and get to know how they can make a fizzy drink vegan. For instance;
Sugar
Sugar is a more complicated ingredient. While sugar itself is vegan, some sugar is processed using bone char, which is made from the bones of cattle. Bone char is used to remove impurities from sugar, giving it a white color.
However, not all sugar is processed using bone char, and some sugar manufacturers use other methods to refine sugar, such as activated charcoal or ion exchange resins. If you are a vegan and want to ensure that the sugar used in your soda is vegan, you should look for products that use sugar that is certified vegan or organic.
Flavorings
They can also be a source of concern for vegans. Some flavorings are made from animal-derived products, such as gelatin, which is made from collagen extracted from animal bones and skin.
However, most soda companies use synthetic flavorings that are made from chemicals and are vegan. If you are unsure about the source of the flavorings used in your soda, you can contact the manufacturer to ask for clarification.
Caffeine
It’s another ingredient that may raise questions for vegans. Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound that is found in many plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. While caffeine itself is vegan, some sources of caffeine are not.
For example, some companies use caffeine that is derived from the seeds of the yerba mate plant, which is traditionally harvested using animal bones to crush the leaves. However, most caffeine used in soda is derived from synthetic sources and is therefore vegan.
Artificial colors & Preservatives
They are also sometimes used in soda. Some of these ingredients are made from animal-derived products, such as carmine, which is made from crushed cochineal insects.
However, most artificial colors and preservatives used in soda are synthetic and are vegan. Again, if you are unsure about the source of these ingredients, you can contact the manufacturer to ask for clarification.
Popular Vegan Soda Brands
Apart from the discussion; is soda vegan or not, you must have to consider the popular beverage brands. There are several popular vegan soda brands available in the market. Some of these include:
Coca-Cola
While Coca-Cola is not completely vegan due to its use of animal-derived sugar, they have recently launched a plant-based alternative called Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.
Pepsi
Like Coca-Cola, Pepsi is not completely vegan, but they have recently launched a plant-based alternative called Pepsi Max.
Fentimans
Fentimans is a UK-based company that offers a range of vegan-friendly sodas made with plant-based ingredients.
Jones Soda
Jones Soda is a US-based company that offers a range of vegan-friendly sodas made with natural ingredients.
Virgil’s
Virgil’s is a US-based company that offers a range of vegan-friendly sodas made with natural ingredients and sweetened with cane sugar.
Conclusion
If you think about is soda vegan or not, then hopefully, this guide has sorted this mystery out. Although not all sodas are vegan, it is possible to find plant-based fizzy drinks that are suitable for vegans. By checking the ingredient list, processing methods, testing policies, and brand affiliations, you can ensure that the soda you are drinking aligns with your values. With the availability of vegan-friendly soda brands, there is no reason why vegans cannot enjoy a refreshing and tasty fizzy drink.