Fiona is the editor of Plantpuree. With over two decades of experience in the wellness and fashion sectors, plus a degree in philosophy, she brings a unique perspective to her editorial role at Plantpuree. Whether it’s discussing ethical issues around veganism or pushing for eco-friendly fashion choices, her thoughtful and analytical approach ensures that readers are empowered with accessible, reliable information and knowledge they can trust. She delights in unearthing exciting facts and figures that surprise even the most seasoned experts!
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Strawberry Cheerios is a deliciously sweet cereal that kids and adults love. At first glance, the ingredients in Strawberry Cheerios appear to be vegan. Oats are a plant and strawberry is fruit – right? So what’s the problem? Are Strawberry Cheerios vegan or not? Let’s take a closer look at this popular cereal to find out.
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Table of Contents
Are Strawberry Cheerios Vegan?
Unfortunately, Strawberry Cheerios are not vegan. This is because they include animal-derived components such as lanolin and bone char within their ingredients. For vegan alternatives that include strawberries try Made Good Strawberry Granola or Nature’s Bakery Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble.
Strawberry Cheerios Ingredients
Strawberry Cheerio Calories per 39g Serving: 140kcal (1)
| MAIN INGREDIENTS | VITAMINS AND MINERALS |
| Whole grain oats Whole grain corn Sugar Corn starch Whole Grain Rice Corn bran Dried Strawberries Whole grain sorghum Whole grain millet Corn syrup Salt Trisodium phosphate Color Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) added to preserve freshness. | Calcium carbonate, vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), iron and zinc, A B vitamin(niacinamide), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin A (palmitate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), A B vitamin (folic acid), vitamin B12, vitamin D3. |
Non-Vegan Ingredients In Strawberry Cheerios
There are two non-vegan ingredients in Strawberry Cheerios: Vitamin D and refined sugar.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is important for bone health. It can be found in fortified foods or supplements, and it can also be produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is commercially made from lanolin. Lanolin is a waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool. Given vitamin D is derived from an animal source, this means that breakfast cereals fortified with this are not vegan, however, they are suitable for vegetarians. (2)
Sugar
The problem with sugar is not the actual ingredient itself, but the way it is processed. Sugar cane is processed using bone char, which is made from animal bones that are heated at high temperatures. Bone char is used to filter and whiten sugar. Even though sugar doesn’t have any bone fragments in it, the number of animals used to produce bone char is a big issue. (3)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Canadian Celiac Association recommends those with gluten sensitivities avoid Cheerios, even though General Mills labels the cereal as gluten-free. The danger of cross-contamination during processing is too high. (4)
Cheerios are low in fat and calories, as well as vitamins and minerals. However, they do have high sugar levels in some varieties. Nutritional experts recommend the Multigrain option, which contains more protein. (5)
Related Guides
Are Morrisons Bran Flakes Vegan?
Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Multigrain Shapes Vegan?
Sources
(2) https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/