What junk foods are vegan?
30 Foods You Probably Didn’t Know Were Vegan
Being vegan is easier than ever. The amount of trendy restaurants, food blogs, and vegan-friendly products has exploded in recent years, making those who are meat, dairy, and egg free smile from ear to ear. But it turns out a lot of things are coincidentally vegan that may shock you. If you think vegans only eat kale, brown rice, and vegetables in pretty bowls that look oh-so-pretty in Instagram pictures, you’ve got another thing coming.
For example: did you know Baco-Bits and Oreos are vegan? We know, we were shocked and fascinated as well, and lead to question exactly what is in these food products. That buttery taste you love in Ritz Crackers and Pillsbury Crescent Rolls? Same deal. We’re scratching our heads and itchin’ to look at ingredient lists. Take a look at these common and surprisingly vegan foods, just don’t try to convince yourself they’re healthy.
1. Oreos
Photo courtesy of wikipedia.com
America’s Favorite Cookie is vegan-friendly!
#SpoonTip: Be aware of cross-contamination with milk.
2. Duncan Hines Creamy Home-Style Frosting
Photo courtesy of duncanhines.com
The Home-Style Butter Cream, Caramel, Classic Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut Pecan, Dark Chocolate Fudge, Lemon Supreme and Strawberry Cream varieties are all vegan. Cheers to vegan buttercream! Now hand us the spoon.
3. Duncan Hines Cake Mixes
Photo courtesy of duncanhines.com
In Classic Carrot, Moist Deluxe Butter Golden, Classic Yellow, Dark Chocolate Fudge, Devil’s Food, Fudge Marble, German Chocolate, Red Velvet, Swiss chocolate, Coconut Supreme, Lemon Supreme, Pineapple Supreme AND Strawberry Supreme all contain no dairy or eggs. Some people may get finicky about food dye sources, but for most, all of the above are vegan-friendly. Swap out the eggs and butter/oil for a can of soda or sparkling water and you’ve got yourself the fluffiest vegan cake you could ever want.
4. Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix
Photo courtesy of jello.com
Vanilla, Chocolate, Lemon, Pistachio, and Banana Creame are all vegan! Add your favorite non-dairy milk and you’re good to go.
5. Smucker’s Marshmallow Ice Cream Topping
Photo courtesy of smuckers.com
As marshmallows contain gelatin (made from cow hooves), lots of vegans pass them up. But now vegans can rejoice – Smucker’s has made a gelatin-free version AKA vegan marshmallow fix is possible.
6. Taco Bell’s Bean Burrito (minus the cheese)
Photo courtesy of tacobell.com
No lard in these beans, bitches!
7. Taco Bell’s Cinnamon Twists
Photo courtesy of tacobell.com
For after the lard-free burrito.
8. Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Photo courtesy of hersheys.com
For your soy milk, almond milk and non-dairy ice cream delight.
9. Chipotle Sofritas
Photo by ABC News
Which honestly everyone should try.
10. Betty Crocker’s Bac-O’s Bacon Flavor Bits
Photo courtesy of bettycrocker.com
We’re not sure if this is something to celebrate or be very, very afraid of.
11. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Photo courtesy of pillsbury.com
Ahh, the buttery taste of vegetable oils.
12. Ritz Crackers
Photo courtesy of ritzcrackers.com
Another food that prides itself on butter flavor, yet has none. Pass us a sleeve with some soy cheese, please!
13. Unfrosted Pop-Tarts
Photo courtesy of kelloggs.com
In Brown Sugar, Blueberry and Strawberry. Because Pop-Tarts are important.
14. Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets
Photo courtesy of puffpastry.com
A great shortcut to a delicious vegan dessert or appetizer.
15. Lindt Excellence Cocoa Bars in 70%, 85% and 90%
Photo courtesy of lindt.com
16. Famous Amos Sandwich Cookies
Photo courtesy of walgreens.com
In Chocolate, Oatmeal Macaroon, Peanut Butter and Vanilla.
17. Goya Flan
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
Yeah, another thing we’re not going to try to explain.
18. Nutter Butters
Photo courtesy of walgreens.com
19. Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars
Photo courtesy of naturevalley.com
In Apple Crisp, Cinnamon, Peanut Butter, Pean Crunch, Roasted Almond AND Maple Brown Sugar. We are so darn excited it hurts. Bring on the crumbs!
20. Nabisco Original Graham Crackers
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
We suggest you pair these with some of that chocolate frosting mentioned above. #yum
21. Krispy Kreme Fruit Pies
Photo courtesy of vegincowcountry.wordpress.com
In Apple, Cherry and Peach. PIE ME.
22. Thomas’s New York Style Bagels
Photo courtesy of thomasbreads.com
In Blueberry, Cinnamon Swirl, Everything and Plain. Because carbs. And tofu cream cheese.
23. Super Pretzel Baked Soft Pretzel
Photo courtesy of superpretzel.com
Glorious, glorious salty carbs.
24. Chocolate Chip Teddy Grahams
Photo courtesy of target.com
Delicious and vegan. And so darn cute we can BEARly stand it.
25. DQ Star Kiss Bar
Photo courtesy of dqonmarket.com
A non-dairy ice cream bar at Dairy Queen. Paradoxical, but we dig it.
26. Sara Lee’s Frozen Pies
Photo courtesy of saraleedesserts.com
In Cherry and Apple. We’ll take both.
22. Mast Brother’s Chocolate
Photo courtesy of mastbrothers.com
No dairy in most varieties. WIN. WIN. WIN.
27. Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookies
Photo courtesy of traderjoes.com
Spicy sweet perfection. Pro tip: dip in almond butter.
28. Trader Joe’s Pound Plus Chocolate Bars
Photo courtesy of sweets.seriouseats.com
Dark Chocolate, 72% Dark Chocolate and Bittersweet with Almonds. We love you Trader Joe’s.
29. Trader Joe’s Soft-Baked Snickerdoodles
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
Again, we love you Trader Joe’s.
30. Ghiradelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Photo courtesy of ghiradelli.com
Just sub an egg substitute like a tablespoon chia seeds and some almond milk or a few tablespoons of apple sauce and you’re seconds away from gooey vegan brownies.
Graphic by Spoon University
What’s the Best Vegan Junk Food?
Reviews & Buyers Guide
Whether you’re looking to lose some weight or make serious gains down the gym, it’s hard to resist the delicious flavor of your favorite vegan junk foods and snacks.Here’s our list of the best accidentally vegan junk foods and snacks that will keep the smile on your face.
Our Top Vegan Junk Food Recommendations 2023 Updated
1. Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies ( Editor’s Choice )
Oreo’s are possibly the most famous accidentally vegan foods. With that rich chocolate flavor and delicious creamy filling, even the most avid milk heads would likely be surprised to learn that they are, in fact, completely dairy-free. People love eating this ice cream-like snack.
Check out our article here for more vegan chocolate snacks.
2. Pringles Original Potato Crisps
Once you pop, you can’t stop; Pringles (see also ‘Are Pringles Vegan?’) have been the go-to snack at every party or social gathering since childhood. With an impressive crunch and packed full of flavor with every bite, it’s easy to polish off the whole stack in one sitting.
It’s one of those products people love eating, even if it is only 42% potato…
3. Ritz Original Crackers
“Get that man some Ritz crackers,” the unofficial endorsement of the snack from Harrison Ford in ‘Regarding Henry.’ One of our favorite ritz recipes is with a little peanut butter, a trick taught to us by Jack Kerouac in Maggie Cassidy.
4. SkinnyPop Popcorn
Popcorn, in general, is a favorite snack of those looking to stay in shape and still enjoy grazing on something tasty. Recipes for great popcorn are usually incredibly simple with just corn and whatever flavoring is used. Low in calories, low in guilt, and usually vegan.
5. Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili
If Pringles is the king of party snacking, then Doritos (see also ‘Are Doritos Vegan?‘) is the prince. Absolutely bursting with flavor and a mouth satisfying crunch, quite a few flavor recipes also happen to be vegan.
Perfect for dipping in whatever takes your fancy, such as salsa, guacamole, or hummus (see also ‘Is Hummus Vegan & Dairy-Free?‘).
6. Quaker Cinnamon Life Cereal
Cereal is a delicious and usually fairly nutritious in-between meal snack. You can enjoy the crunch raw or use your favorite dairy-free milk substitute at any time of day, or even along with other vegan foods.Quaker’s Cinnamon Life packs that unforgettable sweet tang that brings back childhood nostalgia.
Check out our this list for more vegan cereal products.
7. The Original Cracker Jack
If you like your snacks salty and sweet, then Cracker Jack has got you covered. Conveniently portioned to avoid overindulgence, it might be junk food, but who cares when it tastes this good? Popcorn, peanut, and caramel (see also ‘Is Caramel Vegan?‘) come together to serve up pure delight by the mouthful.
8. Fritos Original Corn Chips
Corn, corn oil, and salt. The recipe is as simple as it possibly could be, but the ingredients come together in a fantastic crunchy chip (see also our article on Fritos) with a satisfying taste.Essentially only made with whole foods, it’s hard to label this junk food, but when you taste it, you’ll agree it definitely feels like it is.
9. Airheads Fruit Mini Bars
Brimming with flavor, these taffy candy treats (see also ‘Are Marshmallows Vegan?‘) explode on the tongue, and if you have a sweet tooth, they are definitely going to scratch that itch. The ingredients list is free of animal products in a strict sense, but artificial colorings such as Red 40 are routinely tested on animals, so it’s not completely cruelty-free.
10. Twizzlers
If you check out the recipe for Twizzlers, you might be shocked to discover this tasty little treat is vegan-friendly. However, it’s definitely one of the most junked up junk foods (see also ‘Are French Fries Vegan? What About McDonald’s Fries?‘) on this list, and so should be enjoyed only in strict moderation, there isn’t a whole food or beneficial ingredient in sight.
11. Kettle Brand Potato Chips
They have taken the recipe back to the basics and produced a crisp with a respectable crunch that is sure to tickle your tastebud. The sea salt flavor also comes recommended as an alternative to crackers in smores, get your vegan mallow, and dark chocolate and give it a try.
12. Lay’s Classic Potato Chips
Lay’s is another institution in the potato chip (see also ‘ Are Your Favorite Chips Vegan?’ ) world. It’s the brand that people agree is one of the world’s best.
A little less crunch than others on the list, they almost flake and melt on the tongue. Still packing a great flavor and a straightforward recipe, they’re great for guilt-free snacking.
13. Ruffles Original Potato Chips
It’s all about that ridge! The crinkle-cut on this potato chip (see also ‘Are Cheetos Vegan?‘) gives it a more explosive crunch as well as respectable integrity that makes it perfect for dipping. As with all chips on the list, not all flavors are dairy-free, but those that are mean you can still enjoy your favorite chips vegan style.
14. Sour Patch Kids Soft & Chewy Candy
Sour Patch Kids are not only the best gummy candy (see also ‘Are Gushers Vegan? Here’s What We Found Out‘) on the market but also one of the few that are vegetarian, let alone vegan. Avoiding the gelatin that most chewy candy (see also ‘Are Skittles Vegan?‘) relies on this snack gives you that indulgent gummy texture alongside a great sour sugar flavor.
15. Swedish Fish Soft and Chewy Candy
Don’t worry, it’s neither made from or tastes of fish. Another example of a great tasting candy (see also ‘Are Starburst Good Candy For Vegans‘) that is also free of animal products. They come individually wrapped, which is unfortunate in terms of the waste (see our guide on how to go zero waste) but does make it easier in regards to portion control.
16. Smucker’s Uncrustables
While Smucker’s Uncrustables is no doubt a fantastic snack, it’s placed on this list more as a recommendation. Peanut butter and jelly (see also ‘Is There Such Thing As Vegan Jelly?‘) sandwiches are very easy to source the ingredients for and make yourself.
17. Wheat Thins Original Crackers
The whole wheat provides a savory but sweet flavor, and while others might enjoy them with cheese, us vegans can lean into the sweet with vegan chocolate spread, the savory with soup, or a bit of both and go back to that peanut butter jar.
18. Keebler Club Original Crackers
A buttery, perfectly flaky cracker (see also ‘Are Graham Crackers Vegan?’) that also happens to be completely dairy-free. Made from wheat and soy, these biscuits will go perfectly with your favorite vegan cheese, soups, or underneath your favorite spread, like perhaps peanut butter. Low in ingredients, you might want to avoid it’s a great snack choice in moderation.
19. Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix
Whether you enjoy it as a snack or for pudding, this family favorite sweet (see also ‘Is Your Favorite Candy Vegan?‘) is also completely vegan. With such a rich, creamy flavor and texture, it’s hard to imagine that it isn’t dairy-derived, but it means that you keep your cupboard stocked for when that sweet tooth strikes.
20. Sunchips Multigrain Original Flavor
They’re whole grain, they’re heart-healthy, and they serve up a respectable crunch. While not all flavors of Sunchips are vegan, the original is all plant-based and certainly is. The texture thanks the wholegrain is grainy and gives a great mouthfeel that compliments the explosive crunch and the simple salted flavor.
Our Favorite Vegan Junk Food is…
Who said a healthy vegan diet (see teens) had to be boring. Enjoying the foods listed above in moderation can help you stay on track of your diet goals while also still enjoying your life.
Be sure to check the ingredients list yourselves as not all flavors and variations of these brands are vegan.What’s your favorite vegan junk food? Let us know in the comments below.
You can also check out more vegan snacks on Pulsin. We have a review about it here.
Oreo Sandwich Cookies
#1 Vegan Junk Food
Favorite of Millions Around the World Since 1912
- Rich Creme Filling Between the Bold Taste of Two Chocolate Wafers
- 100% Vegan and Dairy Free
