Are There Eggs In Fig Newtons? Unraveling The Mystery Of Fig Newton Ingredients

Do figs contain eggs from wasps? While female wasps do lay their eggs inside fig fruits, the crunch you may notice when consuming a fig does not originate from these eggs. Instead, the wasps typically exit the fig, or their exoskeletons are broken down and absorbed by the fruit over time. This process ensures that the fig’s final product is free of any intact wasp components.

Fig Newtons are made from a combination of ingredients carefully crafted to create their distinctive flavor and texture. These ingredients include whole grain wheat flour, which forms the base of the cookie, providing structure and a hearty whole-grain element. Figs are a key component, lending their natural sweetness and chewy texture to the filling. To enhance the sweetness, both sugar and corn syrup are added. Invert sugar is also included to help maintain the cookie’s moisture and softness.

To bind the ingredients and provide the desired consistency, vegetable oil (typically soybean, canola, palm, or partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil) is incorporated. Soluble corn fiber and oat fiber contribute to the overall texture and nutrition of the cookie, while salt adds a hint of savory contrast to the sweetness.

To further enhance the flavor and maintain the freshness of Fig Newtons, ingredients like resistant corn maltodextrin, baking soda, calcium lactate, and malic acid are included. Soy lecithin serves as an emulsifier to ensure proper mixing of the ingredients. Additionally, sodium benzoate and sulfur dioxide are used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of the product.

In summary, Fig Newtons are composed of whole grain wheat flour, figs, sugars, corn syrup, vegetable oil, soluble corn fiber, oat fiber, salt, resistant corn maltodextrin, baking soda, calcium lactate, malic acid, soy lecithin, sodium benzoate, and sulfur dioxide, carefully combined to create the beloved cookie’s taste and texture.

Are all Fig Newtons suitable for vegans? Fig Newtons are generally considered non-vegan due to the presence of refined sugar. Refined sugar is commonly processed using bone char, a porous black substance derived from animal bones. Consequently, many vegans opt to steer clear of products containing such sugar to align with their ethical and dietary preferences.