After 8s are a popular type of mint chocolate thins that are often enjoyed as an after-dinner treat. Many people wonder whether After 8s are suitable for vegans. In this article, we will delve into the ingredients of After 8s to determine their vegan status and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
1. Ingredients Overview
Before delving into specific ingredients, it’s important to understand that the recipe and ingredients used in After 8s may vary depending on the country and brand. However, the general composition remains relatively consistent. Here is an overview of the typical ingredients found in After 8s:
- Dark Chocolate Coating (Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Butterfat (from Milk), Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Natural Flavorings)
- Fondant Cream (Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Stabiliser (Invertase))
- Peppermint Flavoring
- Color (Copper Complexes of Chlorophyllins)
Based on these ingredients, it is clear that After 8s contain both dairy and soy-derived ingredients. This inherently makes them unsuitable for a strict vegan diet.
2. Dairy Content
After 8s contain butterfat derived from milk. Butterfat is a dairy ingredient, meaning that After 8s cannot be considered vegan. Dairy products are derived from animals and involve the exploitation of animals in their production.
3. Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is an emulsifier commonly derived from soybeans. It is used in After 8s to create a smooth texture and prevent the separation of ingredients. While soy lecithin itself is vegan, its inclusion in After 8s doesn’t make the overall product suitable for vegans due to the presence of other non-vegan ingredients.
4. Invertase as a Stabilizer
After 8s contain invertase as a stabilizing agent. Invertase is an enzyme derived from yeast that helps prevent crystallization in fondant creams. While invertase is generally considered vegan-friendly as it is derived from microorganisms, its presence in After 8s doesn’t render the product suitable for vegans due to the other non-vegan ingredients.
5. Natural Flavorings and Color
The natural flavorings and color used in After 8s may vary depending on the brand. It’s important to note that while these ingredients are typically vegan, their inclusion in a product that contains other non-vegan ingredients makes the overall product unsuitable for vegans.
In conclusion, After 8s cannot be considered a vegan-friendly treat due to the presence of dairy-derived ingredients such as butterfat and non-vegan emulsifiers. People following a strict vegan lifestyle should seek alternatives that are specifically labeled as vegan to ensure they align with their dietary choices. However, those who are vegetarian or have a less strict dietary approach can continue to enjoy After 8s as part of their indulgent treats.
