Veganism is on the rise, and so are plant-based alternatives to animal products. Just Egg is one such product that has garnered attention, particularly among those looking for a vegan egg replacement. In this article, we’ll explore whether Just Egg can be considered truly vegan.
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Understanding Just Egg
Just Egg is an innovative plant-based egg substitute designed to mimic the taste and texture of real eggs. It achieves this through a combination of turmeric and mung bean protein, providing a convincing egg-like experience, especially when scrambled.
The ingredients in Just Egg include:
- Water
- Mung bean protein isolate
- Expeller-pressed canola oil
- Corn starch
- Baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate)
- Dehydrated garlic
- Dehydrated onion
- Natural carrot extractives (color)
- Natural turmeric extractives (color)
- Salt
- Transglutaminase
Crucially, there are no animal-derived ingredients in Just Egg. However, despite this absence, the company does not label its product as “vegan.”
Just Egg’s Plant-Based Label
The interesting aspect of Just Egg is that it refrains from using the term “vegan” to describe its product, even though it doesn’t contain any animal ingredients. This decision has raised questions about whether Just Egg can be classified as vegan.
Upon closer examination, it appears that Just Egg avoids the “vegan” label due to its history of testing on animals. While this fact may seem contradictory to vegan principles, it’s essential to understand the context.
According to a response from the company to a Reddit user’s inquiry, Just Egg states:
“While our products are made with plant-based ingredients and suitable for a plant-based diet, they are not certified vegan. Our mission is to bring better-for-you, more sustainable foods to as many people as possible. We feel that by not labeling the product as ‘vegan,’ we have a better chance of accomplishing our goal.”
The company conducted tests on animals, including rats, to ensure the safety of its mung bean protein, a primary ingredient in Just Egg. These tests were conducted in compliance with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations.
The Dilemma of Animal Testing
The dilemma arises from the necessity of animal testing to meet FDA requirements for food safety. Just Egg’s decision to conduct these tests was not unique, as it allowed them to gain certification for their mung bean protein isolate. Without this certification, other companies would have been forced to conduct their own animal testing for similar products.
While animal testing may seem at odds with vegan principles, it is currently a requirement within the food industry, as dictated by regulatory authorities.
Verdict: Is Just Egg Vegan?
In conclusion, Just Egg can be considered a technically vegan product based on the absence of animal ingredients in its formulation. Despite the company’s animal testing history, the product itself does not contain any animal-derived components. Just Egg’s testing was conducted to comply with FDA regulations, and they assert that no animals were harmed during or after the experiments.
As the plant-based food industry continues to grow, the issue of animal testing may persist due to regulatory requirements. It’s essential to acknowledge the complexities of such situations and focus on encouraging innovation in the vegan industry while advocating for alternatives to animal testing.
For more information on ethical food choices and products, you can visit Crooked Beverage Co.
FAQs
Is Just Egg Gluten-Free? Yes, Just Egg is entirely gluten-free and does not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye.
Is Just Egg Soy-Free? No, Just Egg’s primary ingredient is mung bean protein isolate, which is derived from soy.
Is Just Egg Available In The UK? Unfortunately, Just Egg is not yet available in the UK, but it is expected to reach the European market soon.
Is Just Egg Available In Australia? Just Egg is not widely distributed in Australia, but it may be available in select niche stores.
Is Just Egg Available In Canada? Yes, Just Egg is available in various retail stores in Canada, including Loblaws, Walmart, and more.