The Reality: Not a 100% Vegan Store
Despite its reputation as a haven for health-conscious consumers, Holland and Barrett is not a fully vegan company and does not exclusively sell vegan products. While they have made significant efforts to expand their plant-based offerings, the store's shelves still contain items with animal-derived ingredients such as cod liver oil tablets, whey protein powders, and gelatine capsules. Furthermore, as a retailer of a wide range of goods, they also sell items like honey, which is generally avoided by vegans due to concerns over bee welfare. This means that customers must always check individual product labels carefully to ensure suitability.
Holland and Barrett’s Growing Vegan Range
Holland and Barrett has actively grown its vegan-friendly range, introducing new products across multiple categories to meet rising demand. Shoppers can now find a diverse selection of plant-based options, both from their own brand and other specialist suppliers.
Vegan Foods and Snacks
Over the years, the retailer has introduced a variety of vegan food products, including chilled goods and pantry essentials.
- Vegan Cheeses: They have launched own-brand vegan cheeses, including options like 'vegan Bree'.
- Plant-Based Essentials: Other own-brand products include houmous, tempeh, and a wide array of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
- Snacks and Treats: Options range from vegan ice cream to protein bars and chocolate.
Vegan Vitamins and Supplements
One area where the store excels is in providing vegan alternatives for common supplements, which often contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatine.
- Omega 3: The retailer offers vegan-friendly Omega 3 derived from algae, a plant-based alternative to traditional fish oil supplements.
- Multivitamins: Holland and Barrett produces vegan-specific multivitamin supplements, such as the ABC to Z Vegan Multivitamin, which includes higher levels of nutrients crucial for a plant-based diet, like Vitamin B12.
- Vitamin D: Vegan Vitamin D supplements made from sources like mushroom powder are available, offering a plant-based alternative to versions derived from animal products.
Vegan Beauty and Skincare
The beauty section also caters to vegan shoppers, with many cruelty-free and vegan-friendly options. Holland and Barrett has made efforts to remove potentially harmful ingredients and has stocked a range of natural and plant-based cosmetics.
Important Considerations for Vegan Shoppers
When shopping for vegan products at Holland and Barrett, diligence is key. Here’s what you need to look out for:
- Check the Label: Never assume a product is vegan. Look for specific labels like the green 'Vgn' logo on Holland and Barrett's own products or certification from the Vegan Society.
- Beware of Non-Vegan Alternatives: Be aware that many products come in both vegan and non-vegan forms. For example, check that your supplements are the specifically labelled 'vegan' version, as non-vegan versions of multivitamins or Omega 3 are also available.
- Scrutinize Ingredients: Ingredients like gelatine (found in some capsules), cochineal (red food colouring), and milk derivatives in sweets or protein bars must be avoided.
Comparison of Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Products
To illustrate the need for careful checking, here is a comparison of common items available at Holland and Barrett:
| Product Category | Vegan Option (Example) | Non-Vegan Option (Example) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multivitamin | H&B Vegan ABC to Z | Standard H&B ABC to Z | The vegan version is formulated specifically for a vegan lifestyle with extra B12, and uses a plant-based Vitamin D source. |
| Omega 3 | H&B Vegan Omega 3 Oil | H&B Cod Liver Oil | The vegan option is sourced from algae, while the non-vegan version is from fish. |
| Protein Bars | Precision Engineered Plant Protein Bar | Precision Engineered Protein Bar (non-plant-based options exist) | Some protein bars contain whey protein (dairy), while others are plant-based. |
| Sweets | Vegan Jelly Crystals | Traditional Gummy Sweets | The vegan version uses plant-based gelling agents instead of animal-derived gelatine. |
Broader Ethical Considerations
Beyond individual product ingredients, conscious consumers might also consider the retailer's overall ethical practices. According to an Ethical Consumer report, Holland and Barrett's parent company has been linked to the fossil fuel industry through investment. Historically, the company has also faced scrutiny regarding its animal testing policy, though it now sells many cruelty-free products and features brands like DR.VEGAN. However, the report noted a poor environmental reporting rating and issues with supply chain transparency. On a positive note, the retailer offers a 10% discount to Vegan Society members.
Conclusion
In summary, Holland and Barrett is not a fully vegan store, but it is an increasingly vegan-friendly one. It provides a wide and diverse range of plant-based options for food, supplements, and beauty products, including specific formulations designed for a vegan diet. However, it is essential for shoppers to be vigilant, carefully checking product labels for vegan certification or specific vegan labelling. By doing so, you can confidently navigate the store and take full advantage of its growing vegan selection.
