Truelabel

Veggie Pepperoni

by Yves Veggie Cuisine

A highly processed meat substitute that trades cholesterol for industrial ingredients. While free from animal products and fortified with vitamins, it contains multiple gums, yeast extracts, and isolated proteins that may disrupt gut health.

  • WATER – safe · Primary ingredient used as a base for the product formulation. Completely safe.
  • ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN – controversial · Highly processed protein extracted from soybeans using hexane solvents. May cause digestive issues and lacks the nutritional complexity of whole soy.
  • VITAL WHEAT GLUTEN – controversial · Concentrated gluten protein that provides texture but can be inflammatory for many people and difficult to digest.
  • TOFU (SOYBEANS) – safe · Traditional whole soy food that's less processed than isolated proteins and provides complete protein.
  • SPICES – safe · Natural spices used for flavoring, generally beneficial with antioxidant properties.
  • DEHYDRATED GARLIC & ONION – beneficial · Natural flavor enhancers with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • NATURAL FLAVORS (CONTAINS TORULA & AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT) – controversial · Yeast extracts are forms of hidden MSG that can trigger headaches and sensitivities in some people.
  • SEA SALT – safe · Natural salt for flavor enhancement, contains trace minerals unlike refined salt.
  • EVAPORATED CANE SYRUP – safe · Minimally processed sugar in small amounts, used to balance flavors.
  • WHEAT STARCH – safe · Refined carbohydrate used as a binding agent, generally safe but provides empty calories.
  • GUAR GUM – controversial · Plant-based thickener that can cause digestive issues and bloating in sensitive individuals.
  • VITAMINS & MINERALS – beneficial · Comprehensive fortification including B12, iron, and zinc - essential nutrients often lacking in plant-based diets.
  • EXPELLER PRESSED CANOLA OIL – controversial · Better than chemically extracted oils but still high in omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation.
  • BEET POWDER & EXTRACTIVE OF PAPRIKA – safe · Natural colorants from vegetables, providing the characteristic red color without synthetic dyes.
  • CARRAGEENAN GUM – controversial · Seaweed-derived thickener linked to intestinal inflammation and potential gut damage in some studies.

Cholesterol-free

Good source of plant protein

Fortified with B12 and iron

No synthetic preservatives

Lower environmental impact than meat

Ultra-processed with multiple additives

Contains gut-irritating carrageenan

Hidden MSG in yeast extracts

Isolated proteins lack whole food benefits

May cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals