McVitie's plain digestives are now officially vegan
For many years, the classic McVitie's Digestive contained skimmed milk, a dairy-derived ingredient that made it unsuitable for a vegan diet. However, following a recipe overhaul in 2019, the company removed this ingredient, shifting the biscuit's status to a vegan-friendly product. This change was widely celebrated by the vegan community and was confirmed by sources such as Vegan Food UK and Plant Based News.
The recipe for the original biscuit now includes Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Vegetable Oil (Palm), Wholemeal Wheat Flour, Sugar, Partially Inverted Sugar Syrup, Raising Agents (Sodium Bicarbonate, Malic Acid, Ammonium Bicarbonate), and Salt. While the original biscuit is vegan, it is crucial to remember that this does not apply to other varieties of McVitie's biscuits. The chocolate-covered versions, for instance, still contain milk or butter oil, making them non-vegan.
The importance of reading the label
Although the recipe change was made several years ago, it is always a good practice to check the packaging before purchasing. Stores may occasionally have older stock on their shelves, or different regions may have slightly different formulations. Look for the 'Suitable for Vegans' label on the packaging to be completely certain. The packaging also includes a disclaimer that the product "May also contain Milk," which is a cross-contamination warning and not an indication of a deliberate dairy ingredient. This is standard practice in food manufacturing and typically safe for most vegans, though individuals with severe dairy allergies should exercise caution.
A note on palm oil and vegan ethics
One ingredient that sometimes raises ethical concerns within the vegan community is palm oil. While it is a plant-derived ingredient and technically vegan, its production has been linked to significant environmental and animal welfare issues, such as deforestation and habitat destruction. McVitie's uses palm oil that is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). However, whether or not to consume products containing palm oil remains a personal ethical decision for many vegans. The issue is complex, with some arguing that supporting sustainable palm oil is the best course of action, while others prefer to avoid it entirely.
Accidentally vegan biscuit alternatives
For those looking to expand their vegan biscuit selection beyond McVitie's plain digestives, there are numerous other "accidentally vegan" options available in UK supermarkets. Here is a comparison of some popular choices:
| Biscuit Type | Key Vegan Ingredients | Non-Vegan Risk Factor |
|---|---|---|
| McVitie's Original Digestives | Flour, Palm Oil, Sugar, Syrup | None, but check label for 'Suitable for Vegans'. |
| McVitie's Hobnobs (Plain) | Rolled Oats, Flour, Palm Oil | None; plain version is vegan. |
| Tesco's Dark Chocolate Digestives | Dark Chocolate, Flour, Vegetable Oil | Dark chocolate version is vegan, milk chocolate is not. |
| Oreo Original | Flour, Sugar, Cocoa, Vegetable Oil | Milk contamination warning for severe allergies, no dairy ingredients. |
| Fox's Party Rings | Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Flour | None; plain version is vegan. |
| Bourbon Creams | Flour, Sugar, Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Powder | Generally vegan, but always check the label. |
| Jacob's Hovis Digestives | Wholemeal Flour, Vegetable Oil | Contains dried whey (milk), so not vegan. |
Frequently asked questions about vegan biscuits
- Which McVitie's biscuits are vegan? While the Original Digestives are now vegan, most chocolate-covered varieties (milk and dark) contain milk ingredients and are not. Other accidentally vegan options include McVitie's plain Hobnobs and Ginger Nuts.
- What ingredients in biscuits are not vegan? The most common non-vegan ingredients in biscuits include milk, butter oil, dried whey, and sometimes eggs. Gelatine can also be found in some marshmallow-style products.
- Is the palm oil in McVitie's Digestives an ethical concern for vegans? Palm oil is technically vegan as it is plant-derived. However, its production methods can raise ethical concerns regarding deforestation and wildlife harm. McVitie's uses RSPO-certified palm oil, but the decision to consume it is a personal one.
- Can I use McVitie's plain digestives for a vegan cheesecake base? Yes, the now-vegan McVitie's Original Digestives are a popular and convenient choice for making a vegan cheesecake base. Simply crush the biscuits and mix with a vegan butter alternative.
- Did McVitie's always make vegan biscuits? No, the Original Digestives recipe was changed in 2019 to remove skimmed milk, making them vegan-friendly. Before this, they were not considered vegan.
- Are there any other accidentally vegan products by McVitie's? Yes, in addition to the Original Digestives, plain Hobnobs and Ginger Nuts from McVitie's are also known to be accidentally vegan.
- Are chocolate digestives vegan? No, most chocolate digestives, including McVitie's, contain milk products in the chocolate coating. However, some supermarket own-brand dark chocolate digestives might be vegan, so always check the label.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the good news for vegan biscuit lovers is that McVitie's Original Digestives are now officially vegan following a recipe update in 2019. The removal of skimmed milk brought this iconic biscuit into the fold of plant-based snacks, joining other 'accidentally vegan' favourites. While the plain version is safe, it's vital to be vigilant with chocolate-covered varieties and to always double-check the 'Suitable for Vegans' label on the packaging, especially given the ethical considerations surrounding ingredients like palm oil. This shift by a major brand highlights the increasing consumer demand for plant-based options and has made it easier for vegans to enjoy a classic British treat.
