The Vegan Transition of MorningStar Farms
In a significant move for the plant-based industry, MorningStar Farms announced in 2019 its commitment to convert its entire product portfolio to be 100% vegan by the end of 2021. This pledge was part of a larger initiative to increase the accessibility of plant-based foods and reduce the company's environmental footprint. At the time, roughly half of their products were already vegan, and the company began actively reformulating its remaining vegetarian products to be free of egg and milk ingredients.
While the company has successfully transitioned a large portion of its offerings, the process wasn't completed for every item. Some long-standing vegetarian products proved harder to convert while maintaining their original taste and texture, leading to a mixed portfolio of both vegan and vegetarian items in the current market.
Reading the Labels: Your Guide to Finding Vegan Patties
To ensure you're choosing a vegan product, a quick inspection of the packaging is essential. MorningStar Farms makes this easy by including clear labeling on their products.
- Look for the "VEGAN" wordmark: Packages that have been successfully reformulated to be 100% plant-based prominently display the word "VEGAN" on the front.
- Find the "Certified Plant-Based" logo: Many vegan items will also feature a green logo from the Plant Based Foods Association.
- Scan the ingredients list: If you are in doubt, a quick check of the ingredients list will reveal any remaining animal products. Key ingredients to watch out for include egg whites, whey, and calcium caseinate.
Which MorningStar Veggie Patties Are Vegan?
Following their reformulation efforts, many of MorningStar Farms' most popular veggie patties are now proudly vegan. These include:
- Garden Veggie Burgers: A classic patty made with a blend of vegetables like carrots, onions, and mushrooms. This item has been successfully converted to a 100% vegan formula.
- Steakhouse Style Burgers: Designed to offer a meat-like experience, this savory burger is another fully vegan option in their lineup.
- Original Chik'n Patties: For those looking for a chicken alternative, these crispy patties are now 100% vegan.
Still Vegetarian, Not Vegan: The Remaining Exceptions
As of May 2024, certain products still contained animal-derived ingredients, according to a Kellanova customer service response. These include:
- Grillers Original Burgers: This patty still includes egg whites and calcium caseinate.
- Spicy Black Bean Burgers: While many black bean patties are vegan, this version still contained vegetarian ingredients as of the latest update.
- Bacon Strips: The veggie bacon product is another item that contains egg whites and nonfat milk.
Vegan vs. Vegetarian: What’s the Difference for MorningStar?
It's important to understand the distinction when purchasing MorningStar products. The brand has historically produced vegetarian products that contained dairy and egg ingredients. The recent push has been to eliminate these non-vegan elements, making a large portion of their line suitable for a vegan diet.
- Vegetarian products from MorningStar will contain ingredients like eggs and milk derivatives (e.g., egg whites, whey, calcium caseinate).
- Vegan products are completely free of all animal-derived ingredients.
The company's goal was to make plant-based eating more accessible, but the retention of some vegetarian products means consumers must be diligent.
Comparison Table of MorningStar Burger Patties
| Patty Name | Vegan Status | Key Non-Vegan Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Veggie Burgers | Vegan | None | Made with a blend of vegetables and soy protein. |
| Steakhouse Style Burgers | Vegan | None | Designed for a meat-like texture and flavor. |
| Original Chik'n Patties | Vegan | None | A crispy, crunchy chicken alternative. |
| Grillers Original Burgers | Vegetarian | Egg whites, calcium caseinate | A legacy recipe that has not been converted to vegan. |
| Spicy Black Bean Burgers | Vegetarian | Egg ingredients | A favorite among vegetarians, not yet vegan. |
The Verdict: How to Be Sure Your Patty is Vegan
The simplest way to be certain is to always check the front of the package for the word "VEGAN" and/or the "Certified Plant-Based" logo. For items that pre-date the 2019 commitment, like the Grillers Original or Spicy Black Bean burgers, double-checking the ingredient list is a reliable practice. The company has been transparent about the status of its products, but consumer confusion persists due to the gradual nature of the transition. For more information on the company's commitment to plant-based food, refer to sources like The Good Food Institute.
Conclusion
In summary, while many of MorningStar Farms' products are now vegan, including popular veggie patties like the Garden Veggie and Steakhouse Style burgers, not every item has made the full transition. The company's website and clear package labeling are your best resources for confirmation. By looking for the specific "VEGAN" designation, consumers can confidently navigate the product line and find suitable plant-based options.
