Is Trader Joe's Southwest Salad Vegan?


Ingredients
Salad (romaine Lettuce, Sweet Corn [corn, Water, Sugar, Salt], Cooked Black Beans [black Beans, Water], Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Red Bell Peppers, Green Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Crumbled Cotija Cheese [cotija Cheese (pasteurized Milk, Pasteurized Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Sea Salt, Microbial Enzyme), Whey (anti-caking Agent), Sugar Cane Fiber Anti-caking Agent), Natamycin Mold Inhibitor) ), Chipotle Ranch Dressing (lowfat Yogurt [cultured Pasteurized Milk, Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pectin], Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Seasoning [salt, Cane Sugar, Garlic Powder, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Spices (including Celery Seed), Xanthan Gum], Sugar, Milk Powder [nonfat Dried Milk Powder, Cultured Nonfat Dry Milk Powder], Sea Salt, Cumin Powder, Dried Oregano, Lime Juice Concentrate, Chipotle Pepper Powder, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Paprika Oleoresin [extractives Of Paprika, Canola Oil]). Contains Milk.
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.


