A Brand in Transition: Why You Need to Check the Label
MorningStar Farms has been a staple in vegetarian households for decades, but the brand's shift towards becoming fully vegan has created confusion for consumers. The company, now owned by Kellanova, publicly committed in 2019 to convert its entire product portfolio to be 100% plant-based by 2021. This commitment aimed to remove over 300 million egg whites from its supply chain annually. However, as of late 2023 and early 2024, some vegetarian products containing eggs and dairy were still on shelves, leaving the onus on the consumer to verify each product's vegan status.
The Importance of Reading the Packaging
The most reliable way to confirm if a MorningStar Farms patty is vegan is to carefully read the product packaging. Look for one of these clear indicators:
- The word "Vegan": This is often printed prominently on the front of the box.
- Certified Plant-Based Logo: Many products now carry this official certification logo from the Plant Based Food Association (PBFA).
- Check the ingredients list: Always scan the ingredients for animal-derived products like eggs (egg whites), milk, or whey, especially for products you've purchased before.
Examples of Currently Vegan MorningStar Patties
Thankfully, many of MorningStar's most popular patties have been successfully converted to vegan recipes. These include:
- Breakfast Patties: The Original and Maple-Flavored breakfast sausage patties are explicitly labeled as vegan on the current packaging.
- Chik'n Patties: Several chicken-style patties, including the Original and Buffalo Chik'n varieties, are now vegan.
- Garden Veggie Burgers: This classic patty, made with a blend of vegetables, is now vegan and a good source of plant protein.
- Incogmeato™ Patties: The Incogmeato line, designed to mimic meat more closely, is explicitly and entirely vegan, with no dairy or egg.
- Steakhouse Style Burgers: These juicy, quarter-pound vegan burgers are also part of the 100% plant-based offering.
Products to Approach with Caution
While the company has moved many items to vegan formulations, some still contain animal products. If you are a strict vegan, you should always double-check the label on these items:
- Original Grillers Burgers: The Original Grillers recipe historically included egg whites and sometimes dairy. While the company has phased out animal products in some variations, the standard Grillers Original recipe might still contain them depending on the manufacturing run.
- Spicy Black Bean Burgers: Similar to the Grillers, the spicy black bean burger has been vegetarian but not vegan in the past, containing egg whites and cheese. Look for the 'Vegan' certification on the package.
- Certain Breakfast Products: Some items, particularly breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese, remain vegetarian rather than vegan. The breakfast sausage links may also contain egg.
Comparison Table: Vegan vs. Vegetarian MorningStar Patties
| Feature | Vegan MorningStar Patties | Vegetarian MorningStar Patties |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Products | None (100% plant-based) | May contain animal-derived ingredients like egg whites, casein, or whey |
| Labeling | Clearly marked with "Vegan" and/or the PBFA Certified Plant-Based logo | May be labeled as "Vegetarian" or not specify at all. |
| Ingredient Check | Free of egg, milk, cheese, and honey. | May list ingredients like "egg whites," "calcium caseinate," or "whey powder" |
| Examples | Original Sausage Patties, Original Chik'n Patties, Incogmeato Burgers, Garden Veggie Burgers | Some older formulations or specific products like Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Sandwiches |
| Company Status | Part of MorningStar's recent conversion effort to expand accessibility | Represents the brand's traditional product line before the vegan transition |
| How to Verify | Check for specific vegan callouts on modern packaging | Read the ingredients list carefully and avoid products with egg or dairy |
The Incogmeato Line: Fully Vegan Innovation
In addition to converting many of its existing products, MorningStar Farms introduced the Incogmeato™ brand in 2020 to offer more realistic, meat-like alternatives. This separate product line includes burger patties, sausages, and tenders that are all confirmed to be 100% plant-based and vegan. The Incogmeato products are a safe and reliable choice for vegans looking for alternatives that closely mimic the taste and texture of conventional meat. They are a direct competitor to brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods and are explicitly marketed as vegan.
Where to Buy Vegan MorningStar Patties
Vegan MorningStar patties can be found at most major supermarkets, including Walmart, Kroger stores (like Winn-Dixie and Mariano's), and online retailers like Amazon. Their availability makes them a convenient option for those seeking plant-based products at accessible prices. You can also check the official MorningStar Farms website for a full list of their current product offerings and to confirm which items are vegan.
Conclusion: Verify Before You Buy
While MorningStar Farms has made significant strides toward becoming a fully vegan company, the transition is not complete, and some vegetarian items remain in circulation. Therefore, it is crucial for vegans to exercise caution and always verify the product's vegan status by checking the packaging for specific "Vegan" labels or the Plant Based Food Association certification. The good news is that an increasing number of their most popular patties, including their breakfast sausages, chik'n patties, and Incogmeato burgers, are now reliably vegan, making plant-based eating easier than ever. The key takeaway is to rely on current, clearly-labeled packaging and not on the brand's long-standing vegetarian reputation.
