This week we received a question from a consumer regarding the sugar we use in our products:

“Is the evaporated cane sugar used in Wholly Wholesome vegan pie crust made without refining through animal bone char?”

Megan
Austin, TX

In addition to providing an answer to Megan directly, we thought we’d share our response here, and expand upon the topic to discuss in general the ingredients we use in our vegan products.

The sugar we use in our products (pie shells or otherwise) is NOT refined through animal bone char. We feel strongly that in order to label a product as “suitable for vegans”, all of the ingredients not only must contain NO animal products, but the ingredients must be processed WITHOUT the use of animal products as well.

Some consumers notice the ingredient legends on some of our vegan products contain the statement, “Made in a facility that uses dairy products.” In some cases, such as our Organic Pie Shells (which are certified Kosher Pareve) no eggs or dairy are used on the equipment at all, though eggs and dairy may be used on equipment elsewhere in the bakery. This is a requirement in order to claim the Kosher Pareve certification. In other cases — for instance, our fruit and pumpkin pies — our vegan products may be made using the same equipment used to produce other non-vegan products. However, between each production run, the equipment is thoroughly sanitized before beginning a new one, ensuring that all traces of the previous run have been removed.

At Wholly Wholesome, our primary goal is to produce baked goods that taste as good as or better than products made with artificial or conventionally refined ingredients and processes. In some of our products we are able to achieve this flavor standard without the use of animal products. Currently our vegan offerings include:

• all of our fruit pies
• our Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
• Organic 9″ Pie Shells
• Chocolate and Graham Cracker Pie Crusts
• Pocket Breads

Thank you, Megan, for your interest in our Pie Shells, and thank you for asking!