'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' Vegan Options
For those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle, the good news is that the 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' brand does offer certified vegan products.
The 'It's Vegan' spread
In 2017, the company introduced the 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Vegan Spread'. This product is specifically formulated without any animal-derived ingredients and is certified plant-based by the Plant Based Foods Association. The key ingredients in the vegan spread are purified water, soybean oil, palm and palm kernel oil, salt, soy lecithin, vinegar, natural flavors, beta carotene for color, and Vitamin A palmitate. It is also labeled as dairy-free and kosher.
Original spray version
The 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original Spray' is another product in the line that is vegan-friendly. The official website confirms that the spray version is dairy-free and suitable for vegans seeking a buttery flavor topping for dishes. Its ingredient list includes water, soybean oil, salt, soy lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, and color, notably without milk products.
Why some 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' products are not vegan
Confusion over the brand's vegan status comes from the fact that not all products in the lineup are created equal. The original and baking sticks are not vegan due to the inclusion of dairy ingredients.
Original spread (tub) ingredients
The standard 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original Spread' contains whey, a milk-derived ingredient. It is crucial for consumers, especially those with dairy allergies or following a vegan diet, to read the ingredients list carefully. The ingredients include soybean oil, palm oil, water, whey (from milk), salt, soy lecithin, natural flavors, and color. The presence of whey makes it unsuitable for vegans.
Baking sticks ingredients
Similarly, the 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Sticks' are not vegan. The ingredient list for the baking sticks also includes whey, which is a dairy component. These sticks are specifically formulated to bake and taste like butter, but the inclusion of whey makes them non-vegan and inappropriate for those avoiding animal products.
Reading labels is essential
With multiple products under the same brand name, the most critical step for a vegan is to read the label on the specific product they are purchasing. The vegan version is clearly marked with 'It's Vegan' on the front of the packaging and is certified plant-based. Relying solely on the brand name is a mistake that could lead to inadvertently consuming dairy.
How to identify a vegan product
- Look for the vegan certification: The 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Vegan Spread' features a certified plant-based logo on the packaging from the Plant Based Foods Association.
- Read the ingredient list: A quick scan of the ingredients will reveal if milk or whey is present. All vegan products will be free of dairy.
- Note the color of the tub: The vegan spread often comes in a distinctive green container, whereas the non-vegan products have different packaging. However, this can vary by region and should not be the sole determinant.
Comparison of key 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' products
| Feature | Vegan Spread | Original Spread | Baking Sticks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Yes | No | No |
| Dairy-Free | Yes | No (Contains Whey) | No (Contains Whey) |
| Best For | Spreading, Cooking, Topping | Spreading, Cooking, Topping | Baking |
| Key Ingredients | Water, Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Soy Lecithin | Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Water, Whey (Milk) | Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Water, Whey (Milk) |
| Certifications | Certified Plant-Based, Kosher | Heart-Healthy | None |
| Notes | Explicitly labeled 'It's Vegan' and dairy-free. | Contains milk derivatives. | Contains milk derivatives. |
Is 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' vegan? The definitive conclusion
To definitively answer the question, "Is 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' vegan?", one must specify the exact product. While the company offers an explicitly labeled 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Vegan Spread' and the Original Spray, which are both vegan, their standard Original Spread (tub) and Baking Sticks contain whey, a milk-derived ingredient, and are therefore not vegan. For those on a plant-based diet, reading the label is non-negotiable to ensure the correct, dairy-free version is selected. The product's clear labeling makes it easy to choose the right option, but awareness of the different formulations is key to avoiding dairy.
