Is SmartBalance Vegan and Dairy-free?

The unmatched rise of veganism as a diet is rapidly grasping the mindsets of the millennials. Animal-friendly, cruelty-free, exploitation free, and plant friendly, veganism has undoubtedly been a topic of intrigue and inspiration. The major advancement of veganism has been from the replacement of dairy products.

Finding plant-based alternatives as a substitute for dairy has drawn the attention of many. Right from non-dairy milk to dairy-free ice-creams, veganism is slowly clasping everything under its radar. Some recent hits include vegan butter, vegan alternative cheese, dairy-free yogurts, and mock meats.

Speaking of butter, the regular butter is high in calories, saturated fats, and cholesterol. Furthermore, investing in regular butter tends to increase the risk of heart problems and diabetes. Laden with a high amount of calories and fats, it is better to go for vegan butter in place of regular butter since they act as a convenient substitute in terms of proper nutrition. Many brands are developing and strategizing vegan-friendly brands for consumers, and one such brand is SmartBalance.

About SmartBalance

SmartBalance is a company that expertise in manufacturing margarine substitutes, flavored microwave popcorn, and peanut butter (check vegan status). As their name suggests, SmartBalance aims to bridge the gap between nutrition and taste. They claim that their SmartBalance Butter spreads are the first and the only products to have 0 g trans-fat naturally.

Additionally, they have no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils and are devoid of unhealthy trans fats. They not only cater to vegans and lactose intolerant people, but also to people who are aiming to live guilt-free and fat-free. Their butter comes with a dose of nutrients such as omega-3s, vitamins, and calcium, which help in improving the ratio of “good” HDL cholesterol to “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Recommended: The Vegan Diet and Cholesterol | How Do They Relate?

Is SmartBalance Dairy-Free?

SmartBalance claims to be dairy-free by inhibiting lactose in every form. They have developed products that retain the same level of effectiveness as compared to regular butter in terms of bakery and professional needs, all in a while maintaining its taste and nutrition. If you are looking for options barring dairy products, SmartBalance tops the list of manufacturing plant-based products. All in all, SmartBalance products are 100% dairy-free / non-dairy in terms of ingredients and composition.

Potential Non-Vegan Ingredients in some SmartBalance Spreads:

Breaking down the ingredients of SmartBalance, we have a Vegetable oil blend (canola, palm, olive), water, salt, pea protein, natural and artificial flavors, sunflower lecithin, vitamin palmitate, beta-carotene, vitamin D, monoglycerides as emulsifiers (vegetable), potassium sorbate, lactic acid, and calcium disodium EDTA as preservatives and for adding freshness. Considering the 7 flavors of SmartBalance, some enlisted ingredients can be deemed as non-friendly among strict vegans.

• The vitamin D present in the Original SmartBalance cannot be fully vegan since its procurement cannot be vegan scientifically.
• The palm oil, which is used in the vegetable oil blend, is avoided by strict vegans since they claim it to be a result of severe animal exploitation and the environment.
• An ingredient such as lactic acid, made by the fermentation process of plants, can be deemed as a safe ingredient for vegans
• Natural and artificial flavors present in this buttery spread cannot be fully justified under the umbrella of being completely vegan; they can still be sourced from various animal products.

Also Read: Best Vegan Vitamin D Supplement

Conclusion

In essence, SmartBalance offers 7 flavors of buttery spreads such as Original Smart Balance, SmartBalance Light with flaxseed oil, SmartBalance Omega 3, SmartBalance Light with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, SmartBalance Low sodium, SmartBalance Organic, and SmartBalance Light Omega 3.

Their price varies from $2.99 to $3.99, and their nutritional values consist of 50 calories, 5g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, and 0g protein. Lastly, SmartBalance does create a buttery spread that’s worth giving a try. All thanks to its myriad flavor profiles and consumer-friendliness, they have garnered a place in the world of veganism and mindful, healthy choices.