As more and more people adopt a vegan lifestyle, it is essential to be aware of the ingredients present in the foods and products we consume. Wilton Fondant is a popular choice among bakers, but is it suitable for vegans? In this article, we will explore the ingredients in Wilton Fondant and whether or not it is vegan.
Introduction
Fondant is a popular ingredient used in cake decorating. It is versatile and can be molded into various shapes and designs. However, not all fondants are vegan. Wilton is a well-known brand that produces a range of cake decorating products, including fondant. In this article, we will answer the question: Is Wilton Fondant vegan?
What is Wilton Fondant?
Wilton Fondant is a pre-made fondant that is popular among bakers and cake decorators. It is made by Wilton Brands LLC, a company that specializes in baking and cake decorating products. Wilton Fondant comes in a range of colors and can be used to cover cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Ingredients in Wilton Fondant
The ingredients in Wilton Fondant are:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Palm oil
- Water
- Gum tragacanth
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Titanium dioxide (color)
Is Wilton Fondant Vegan?
The main ingredient in Wilton Fondant is sugar, which is vegan. However, Wilton Fondant contains palm oil, which is a controversial ingredient for vegans. The production of palm oil is linked to deforestation and the destruction of habitats for endangered species such as orangutans.
Additionally, Wilton Fondant contains gum tragacanth, which is derived from the sap of the Astragalus gummifer plant. While gum tragacanth is considered safe for consumption, some vegans avoid it because it is a plant-derived ingredient that requires the extraction of sap.
Therefore, Wilton Fondant is not considered vegan by many vegans due to the inclusion of palm oil and gum tragacanth.
Alternatives to Wilton Fondant for Vegans
If you are looking for vegan alternatives to Wilton Fondant, there are a few options available. Some popular brands that offer vegan fondant include:
- Satin Ice
- Fondarific
- Renshaw
These brands offer fondant made without palm oil and gum tragacanth, making them a suitable choice for vegans.
How to Make Vegan Fondant at Home
If you prefer to make your own fondant, you can do so using vegan ingredients. Here is a recipe for vegan fondant:
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- In a small bowl, mix the agar agar powder and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the agar agar to dissolve.
- In a large bowl, mix the corn syrup, vegetable shortening, salt, and vanilla extract until combined.
