This section is a directory of food for vegans in South Africa which will help you understand just what's available and where to buy it. We also have some useful tips for persuading your local store to begin stocking these products.
I think it's fine for VSA to list this product as a dairy alternative but should perhaps just update it's description to include..."but it's not vegan" just to clarify it's position on the product. There are a lot of people who are looking for a diary free alternative who are not necessarily vegan but would still look to VSA to supply them with information so I wouldn't remove it altogether.
I am not comfortable with this item labeled as vegan. It contains a bacteria that was derived from milk. Which in my opinion means for this yogurt to be manufactured, the production of milk is essential so that this bacteria can be received to make this yogurt. It really just looses the point of being vegan; it's like saying I'm going to extract animal DNA and make a labbed liver.
VSA: Hi Satya. Thx for your comment. I don't think this product is labelled as vegan. Woolworths had thisto say about the labelling of their soya yoghurt in Dec 2008: "The newly upgraded Woolworths soya cultured products ('yoghurts') will have a 'vegetarian' logo on the packaging. This follows investigations about the origin of the starter culture and the Howaru probiotic culture.
Whilst the culture producer can supply a starter culture which does not originally come from milk, the alternative culture was found to be ineffective. And the probiotic culture could not be obtained which did not originally come from milk orgin.
We have therefore come to the conclusion that even though the product does not contain milk (milk is not used as the starter culture) or any other animal derived ingredient, but the cultures originate from milk, the product will NOT carry the Vegan logo, but Vegetarian."
I think the yoghurt should not be listed at all it is confusing. It is good that Woolworths tried but they must try to stick to the vegan guideline.
I'm really impressed by how thorough your listings are. Given the nature of this particular product's cultivation method, should it be listed on this site at all? Remember, Vegans are the primary users and rely on Vegan-friendly listings.
Thank you for a great site,
Richie
VSA: Hi Richie, thx for the comment. It's a debatable point. That's why we have explained the issue as part of the listing description so that consumers can make their own minds up.
I am so excited to try this product out, hope it meets my expectations.
If your business produces vegan foodstuffs (or you know of a business or brand that does) and you would like to be listed here, we'll gladly reward you with a free listing. Please contact us now to get your vegan-friendly business listed and help promote veganism in South Africa.
Contact
