Is GOURMET MINESTRONE SOUP Vegan?


Ingredients
MINESTRONE SOUP BASE (TOMATOES [FRESH, VINE-RIPENED, CALIFORNIA TOMATOES, TOMATO PUREE, CITRIC ACID], TOMATOES [TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE], WATER, GARBANZO BEANS [WATER, GARBANZO BEANS, AND SALT], ONIONS, FANNEL, CARROTS, CELERY, WHITE BEANS, VEGETABLE STOCK [WATER, NATURAL FLAVORS, SALT, YEAST EXTRACT, SUGAR, VEGETABLE OIL (OLIVE & PALM)], EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, RICE STARCH, CRUSHED GARLIC [GARLIC CITRIC ACID], SEA SALT, BASIL, PARMESAN CHEESE FLAVOR [PARMESAN CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CULTURES, SALT AND ENZYMES), WATER, SALT, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, AND SODIUM CITRATE], BLACK PEPPER, OREGANO, DRIED THYME, BAY LEAVES, BASIL OLEORESIN), BASIL PESTO (BASIL, CANOLA OIL, WATER, PARMESAN CHEESE [PASTEURIZED PART-SKIM COWS' MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES], GRANULATED GARLIC, SALT), YELLOW ONION, ORZO PASTA (DURUM WHEAT SEMOLINA [ENRICHED WITH IRON (FERROUS SULFATE) AND B VITAMINS (NIACIN, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID)]), CELERY, CARROTS, YELLOW SQUASH, ZUCCHINI, RED BELL PEPPER, SPINACH.
What is a Vegan diet?
A vegan diet excludes all animal-derived foods, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey. It focuses on plant-based sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Many people choose veganism for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. When well-planned, it provides sufficient protein, fiber, and antioxidants, though supplementation or fortified foods may be needed for nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vegan diets are associated with lower risks of heart disease and improved digestion but require mindfulness to ensure balanced and complete nutrition.


