Are Morningstar Chipotle black bean burgers vegan? Your definitive ingredient guide

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official product information from Morningstar Farms, the Chipotle Black Bean Burger is certified vegan. This is a crucial distinction, as the company also produces a similar-looking Spicy Black Bean Burger that contains eggs and milk, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Quick Summary

The Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burger is vegan, made with 100% plant-based protein, and contains no animal products. Shoppers must differentiate it from the non-vegan Spicy Black Bean Burger by checking labels for eggs and milk ingredients. Always verify the specific product name and ingredient list before purchasing.

Key Points

Vegan Confirmation: The Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burger is certified vegan and made with 100% plant protein.
Beware the Spicy Version: The similarly named Spicy Black Bean Burger is not vegan because it contains eggs and milk derivatives.
Read the Label: The key to knowing which product to buy is reading the specific name and ingredients, not just relying on the brand.
Check for Eggs and Dairy: Look for egg whites and calcium caseinate on the ingredient list, which are the common animal-derived components in Morningstar's non-vegan products.
Distinguish 'Vegan' from 'Plant-Based': While many of Morningstar's offerings are plant-based, not all are strictly vegan, necessitating a specific check for vegan certification on the packaging.

Yes, the Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burger is Certified Vegan

For those wondering, "Are Morningstar Chipotle black bean burgers vegan?" the answer is a resounding yes. The Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burger is explicitly labeled as vegan and made with 100% plant-based protein. The savory patties consist of black beans, brown rice, corn, and a smoky chipotle seasoning. However, a common mistake leads many to confusion with another Morningstar product, the Spicy Black Bean Burger, which is not vegan.

The Critical Difference: Chipotle vs. Spicy Black Bean Burgers

The most important distinction to understand is that not all black bean burgers from Morningstar Farms are created equal. The company offers two distinct products that can easily be confused by shoppers. The key lies in reading the full product name and the ingredient list, which clearly separates the vegan Chipotle version from the non-vegan Spicy version.

The vegan Chipotle Black Bean Burger features a smoky flavor profile and relies entirely on plant-based components for its texture and taste. The ingredient list is free of egg and dairy products, making it a safe choice for vegans.

In contrast, the vegetarian Spicy Black Bean Burger contains egg whites and calcium caseinate, a milk-derived protein. This makes it unsuitable for anyone following a strict vegan diet. The use of the broader "plant-based" term by Morningstar has contributed to this confusion in the past, prompting the need for careful label inspection.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

To ensure you are purchasing the correct burger, examine the ingredient list on the package. The differences are apparent and non-negotiable for a truly vegan product. Knowing what to look for will help prevent accidental consumption of animal-derived ingredients.

Ingredients in the Vegan Chipotle Black Bean Burger (Example list based on search results):

Water
Cooked black beans
Cooked brown rice
Corn
Soy protein concentrate
Tomatoes
Wheat gluten
Vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil)
Soy protein isolate

This list is free of eggs and milk. The formula is designed to be completely plant-based from the ground up. The company has made a commitment to expanding its vegan options, and this product is a prime example.

Ingredients to avoid in the Non-Vegan Spicy Black Bean Burger (Example list based on search results):

Egg whites
Calcium caseinate (milk)

These two items immediately disqualify the Spicy Black Bean Burger as vegan. Vegans should familiarize themselves with these and other common animal-derived ingredients to look out for.

Comparison of Morningstar Black Bean Burgers


Feature	Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burger	Morningstar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burger
Vegan Status	Yes	No (Vegetarian)
Non-Vegan Ingredients	None	Egg whites, Calcium caseinate (milk)
Labeling	Explicitly labeled vegan	May be labeled "plant-based," requires careful inspection for eggs/milk
Key Flavor Notes	Smoky, Southwestern	Spicy, Southwestern

Why Morningstar's Labeling Can Be Confusing

Morningstar Farms has historically created vegetarian products that contain eggs and milk. While the brand has been moving toward more vegan options, especially since announcing a goal to be fully vegan by 2021, not all products have been reformulated. This includes products like their Spicy Black Bean Burger and some of their breakfast sausages, which still contain animal products. The use of the term "plant-based" can sometimes be a red flag, indicating that a product is primarily plant-derived but not necessarily 100% free of animal ingredients. This makes it essential to look for the specific word "Vegan" on the packaging to be certain.

Conclusion: Always Verify the Label

For vegans, the Morningstar Farms Chipotle Black Bean Burger is a safe and delicious choice, verified to be free of animal products. The most important takeaway is to always double-check the label and ingredient list for the specific product you are buying. Do not assume all black bean burgers from the brand are vegan, especially when faced with the vegetarian Spicy Black Bean Burger alternative. By staying informed about ingredients like egg whites and calcium caseinate, you can confidently enjoy your meat-free meal. For more information on their vegan products, visit the official Morningstar Farms website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the ingredients. The Chipotle Black Bean Burger is vegan, made with only plant-based ingredients. The Spicy Black Bean Burger is vegetarian, containing egg whites and calcium caseinate (a milk derivative).

Morningstar has clarified that the Chipotle Black Bean Burger is vegan. However, they continue to produce the Spicy Black Bean Burger, which is not vegan due to its egg and milk content. Always read the label to ensure you have the correct product.

Yes, many older or specific Morningstar products, particularly in their breakfast line and certain veggie burgers, still contain eggs and/or milk ingredients. This is why it is crucial to check the ingredient list for every product, even if it is labeled 'plant-based'.

Look for explicit 'Vegan' labeling on the front of the packaging. Additionally, always check the ingredient list to ensure there are no animal-derived ingredients like egg whites, milk, or calcium caseinate.

No, the vegan Chipotle Black Bean Burgers contain wheat gluten. Individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should not consume this product.

Morningstar Farms uses the term 'plant-based' to differentiate its products from traditional meat items. However, this general term does not guarantee a product is vegan, as some are formulated as vegetarian with eggs and milk. This has been a source of consumer confusion.

The most reliable place to find the official ingredient list is on the product packaging itself. You can also visit the official Morningstar Farms website and navigate to the specific product page, which usually links to a detailed ingredient list.

Yes, the vegan Chipotle Black Bean Burger is versatile. Many recipes suggest crumbling the patties to add to tacos, salads, or bowls, providing a plant-based protein boost with a smoky, spicy flavor.