Understanding the vegan status of classic kitchen staple items makes life much easier for anyone following a plant-based diet. This time, we’re talking about olive oil. Is olive oil vegan?
This article aims to educate anyone on the vegan status of olive oil and the big dilemma surrounding it.
Before we discuss olive oil’s vegan status, it’s necessary to understand what veganism means. Simply put, veganism is a lifestyle and an ethical philosophy that avoids using animal products. A plant-based diet means not consuming animals in any shape or form and focusing on whole foods derived from plants. However, a plant-based diet does not equal veganism, as veganism goes beyond diet and calls for compassion in all areas of life.
Table of Contents
Olive oil – types and uses
You’ve probably familiar with the many possibilities that olive oil offers as it’s a classic kitchen staple in most households. Olive oil works for different cooking methods, such as frying, roasting, sauteing, baking, and even dressings. Here’s a list of different types of olive oils and their uses.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed and highest quality olive oil. It is made through the first pressing of olive pulp and is best in its raw form. It works great as a salad dressing!
- Virgin olive oil – Virgin olive oil is also made from the first pressing of olive pulp but has a higher acidity. Virgin olive oil is perfect for cooking at medium heat.
- Refined olive oil – Additional processing is essential for refined olive oils – these oils go through filtering and refining to neutralize flavors and remove impurities. Great for high-heat cooking!
Is olive oil vegan – debunking common misconceptions
It is essential to know how olive oil is made to understand whether it’s vegan. The production of olive oil involves the pressing of olives – this extracts the oil from the olives. The process does not call for any animal-based ingredients. The same goes for refining the oil – even refined oils are generally plant-based! So, to put it simply, olive oil is safe for vegans to consume!
But as with everything, there are some exceptions to every rule. It’s good to look for certified vegan labels from reputable organizations.
When Olive Oil is not vegan
While the production of olive oil is plant-based, there are some concerns (just like in the case of palm oil) that people have about its vegan status.
Refined olive oil can contain animal-based additives or processing agents on rare occasions. That is why it’s crucial to read the ingredient lists and labels!
Another possible issue for some vegans is the risk of cross-contamination – this can happen in factories during the processing or packaging of the oil.
The environmental aspect of olive oil
Some vegans don’t consume olive oil even though the oil is free from animal-derived ingredients. Why is that?
The industry has a huge environmental impact and therefore raises some ethical concerns. The production of olive oil can be rather unsustainable, as it can lead to deforestation and use up loads of water. Another issue is wild animals losing their homes through the harvesting process.
It isn’t necessary to stop consuming olive oil to stop supporting those unsustainable practices. Instead, you can support brands that practice organic farming, water conservation, and biodiversity protection. Certifications like Fair Trade, USDA Organic, and EU Organic can help you make more conscious decisions.
Tips for choosing olive oil as a vegan
As already mentioned, olive oil, in its simplest form, is always vegan as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, there are some practical tips for avoiding accidentally buying olive oil enriched with unnecessary animal-based additives.
As always, read the ingredients! That is the easiest way to tell whether a product is plant-based. You may want to avoid olive oils that feature terms such as ¨creamy¨or ¨buttery¨ – they often contain dairy or animal fats.
Another good tip is to keep your eyes open for vegan-certified labels. Sticking to vegan-certified products can save you from a headache.
Olive Oil alternatives
If you’d like to boycott olive oil for whatever reason, there are plenty of alternatives to substitute the oil with. Here are the best ones.
- Avocado oil – Avocado oil has a rich buttery flavor and has many uses. It’s great for grilling, roasting, and even dressing.
- Nut oils – Nut oils come in different varieties, such as walnut, peanut, and almond oil. While the flavor profiles differ depending on the specific nut oil you’re using, these oils generally have a rich nutty flavor.
- Coconut oil – Coconut oil is a brilliant alternative to olive oil in baking. It’s also great for high-heat cooking methods, as it has a high smoke point. The coconut flavor isn’t generally overpowering, making it suitable for most dishes.
- Flaxseed oil – Don’t use flaxseed oil for cooking, as it burns easily. However, it’s delicious as a salad dressing! Flaxseed oil is full of omega-3 fats, making it beneficial for heart health.
Conclusion
Olive oil is a vegan-friendly kitchen staple and can be a valuable component of a vegan lifestyle. The reason behind some vegans boycotting olive oil is not its use of animal-derived ingredients, but rather environmental concerns.
At the end of the day, make choices that align with your preferences and ethics. A good tip is to read ingredient lists and labels and educate yourself on the background of the brands you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is extra virgin olive oil vegan?
Extra virgin refers to the least processed and highest quality olive oil. It is made from olives and is suitable for people following a vegan diet.
Is olive oil butter vegan?
No, most olive oil-flavored butter on the market is not vegan. Those spreads typically contain dairy products just as butter traditionally does.
Is olive oil mayo vegan?
That depends on the specific brand and product. However, mayonnaise traditionally contains eggs, making it non-vegan.
Is olive oil spread vegan?
Some olive oil spreads are vegan-friendly, while others are not. Always check the ingredients!
Is all olive oil vegan?
Yes, all olive oil is vegan in the definition of containing no animal-derived products. Some vegans choose to avoid it due to environmental concerns.
Is Becel olive oil vegan?
Becel’s classic olive oil spread is not vegan, as it contains milk. However, they have a vegan version of the olive oil spread too!
