There are several types of margarine, including vegan and non-vegan varieties. Vegan margarine is made of non-trans fats, while non-vegan margarine contains trans fats. Other healthier options include vegetable oil spreads and olive oil. Here’s what to look for in your vegan margarine.
Vegetable oil
The history of vegetable oil in margarine goes back to 1873. In that time, the spread was made from a mixture of vegetable oils. Large amounts of oleo oil were imported from the United States for margarine production. By 1908, this amount had increased to around 100,000 tons. This increase in demand for margarine led to an increase in the use of tropical oils, such as coconut and palm kernel oils. Although these two types of oils are not purely vegetable, they do have health benefits.
The price of margarine is largely driven by how much people spend on it. The US, UK, Netherlands, and USSR are the top five margarine producers worldwide. However, they are not the only countries affected by the price of margarine. Some southern European countries are unable to afford margarine.
Buttermilk
Although margarine and buttermilk are not technically vegan, they are both made from plant-based fats. Margarine was originally made with beef fat, but in the 19th century, people started using plant-based fats alongside animal fats. Then, Henry W. Bradley patented margarine made with plant oils. Even today, margarine comes in many different flavors and varieties. Most traditional brands contain buttermilk, while others contain whey and lactose.
Some margarines also contain whey, a milk-based protein. While this may be in trace amounts, it’s best to avoid margarine that contains whey. Fortunately, whey is not as common as some other ingredients and is usually not listed. Nevertheless, margarine with whey is still a big no-no for vegans. If you are unsure, check the label to make sure.
Canola
Canola margarine is a great choice for people who avoid dairy products. It is made without animal products and contains no milk. It has a neutral taste and is often labeled vegan. Its processing removes the odor, taste and color of the oil. This makes it ideal for vegan meals and cooking.
Many margarines used to be made with animal fats, such as tallow and suet. These contain animal products, such as vitamin D3 (which comes from sheep’s wool). But nowadays, many brands specify that their margarine is vegan. In order to ensure that you’re buying a vegan product, you should read the ingredients label.
Corn
If you are a vegan, you may be wondering if margarine made from corn is vegan. Corn oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the germ of the corn plant and goes through a complex refining process. This process removes many vitamins and minerals, making it an unsuitable choice for vegans. Also called maize oil, corn oil is primarily used for margarine, deep frying, and industrial applications.
To make sure you’re buying vegan margarine, look for a symbol or certificate. Vegan margarine is typically made with a blend of vegetable oils. Check for a vegan symbol, as well as ingredients that are allergen-free.
Smart Balance light margarine
While the ingredients in Smart Balance light margarine are all vegan, there are still a few ingredients that are not vegan-friendly. One of these ingredients is lactic acid, which is not derived from milk. Instead, it is produced in a lab. Another ingredient, vitamin A palmitate, isn’t even related to a palm tree. This ingredient is alson’t vegan-friendly, but it is still included in the spread.
The company has also made some changes to the product’s ingredients. Smart Balance Light contains less than half the amount of saturated fat that regular butter does. It also contains no vitamin D or other animal products. This is great news for strict vegans, who generally avoid products with unclear sources. In addition, Smart Balance contains palm oil, which does not contain any animal content.
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