Are there any vegan junk food snacks? Your guide to indulgent plant-based treats

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reports, the global vegan food market continues to grow at a rapid pace, showing an increasing consumer demand for diverse plant-based options, including indulgent treats. So, are there any vegan junk food snacks? The answer is a resounding yes, and there are more options available in stores and online than ever before, proving that going vegan doesn't mean sacrificing your favorite comfort foods.

Quick Summary

Many popular store-bought products are 'accidentally vegan,' from chips and cookies to candies. Numerous brands now also specialize in plant-based alternatives for classic comfort foods, offering a wide array of savory and sweet choices for every craving.

Key Points

Accidentally Vegan Snacks: Many common snacks, like Original Oreos, Fritos, and Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, are surprisingly vegan, but always check labels as ingredients can vary.
Dedicated Vegan Brands: The market offers numerous companies, such as Hippeas and Earth Balance, that specialize in creating vegan versions of popular junk foods like cheesy puffs and crackers.
Homemade Indulgences: You can easily make your own vegan junk food, from crispy tofu bites to delicious vegan pizza rolls, giving you full control over the ingredients.
Not Always Healthy: A 'vegan' label doesn't equal 'healthy.' Processed vegan junk food can still be high in sugar, fat, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Ingredient Awareness: Be vigilant about checking ingredient lists for animal-derived products like whey, casein, or gelatin, especially since formulations can change.
Wide Variety Available: There is a huge range of vegan junk food options for every craving, from savory chips and jerky to sweet cookies and ice cream.

Accidentally Vegan Junk Food: Snacks Hiding in Plain Sight

For many new vegans, discovering that some everyday snacks are unknowingly animal-product-free is a fun and exciting revelation. These 'accidentally vegan' items are often found in the regular grocery store aisles, not just the health food section. Always check the ingredient list, as formulations can change, and regional differences may apply.

Chips and Savory Snacks

Some of the most popular chip and savory snack brands offer inadvertently vegan options. Always look out for hidden dairy derivatives like whey or casein.

Original Fritos and Original Ruffles: These classic corn and potato chips are typically vegan, made from simple ingredients.
Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos: This iconic purple bag is a favorite for many vegans, offering a zesty, dairy-free flavor.
Original Pringles: The original variety is another popular accidentally vegan chip option.
Kettle Brand Potato Chips (Sea Salt & Vinegar, Sea Salt): Many Kettle brand flavors are vegan, but it's important to check the specific variety.

Cookies and Sweets

Sweet treats are often a concern for new vegans, but many beloved brands have accidentally plant-based options.

Original Oreos: The world-famous chocolate sandwich cookie is famously vegan, though manufactured in facilities that handle milk.
Lotus Biscoff Cookies: These caramelized biscuits are a delicious and widely available vegan option.
Nutter Butter Cookies: Another surprisingly dairy-free classic, these peanut butter sandwich cookies are vegan-friendly.
Fruit by the Foot and Airheads: Many chewy candies avoid gelatin and dairy, making them a safe choice for a sugar rush.

Dedicated Vegan Junk Food Brands

The growing vegan market means more companies are developing products specifically to satisfy junk food cravings with clearly labeled, fully vegan options.

Hippeas: This brand specializes in organic chickpea puffs, offering cheesy flavors like 'Vegan White Cheddar' and 'Bohemian Barbecue' without any dairy.
Earth Balance: Known for its vegan butter, Earth Balance also makes delicious cheddar-flavored squares that mimic classic dairy-based crackers.
Louisville Vegan Jerky: For a savory, chewy fix, this plant-based jerky brand offers flavors like 'Maple Bacon' and 'Smoky Carolina BBQ'.
Outstanding Foods: They've created a line of 'PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds,' giving vegans a familiar salty, crunchy snack.
So Delicious: This brand, among many others, offers a vast range of dairy-free ice creams in classic flavors like chocolate and cookie dough.

DIY Vegan Junk Food Recipes

If store-bought isn't your thing, or you want to control ingredients, making your own vegan junk food at home is a rewarding option. Popular recipes include:

Crispy Fried Tofu: Slice tofu into nuggets, coat with spiced flour, and fry for a crispy, protein-packed snack, often served with sweet chili sauce.
Vegan Cheesy Pizza Rolls: Using vegan mozzarella and pizza dough, you can create your own gooey, savory pizza bites.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Battered and baked cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce offer a spicy and satisfying alternative to traditional wings.

Comparison Table: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Snack Ingredients


Feature	Classic Cheddar Crackers (Non-Vegan)	Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Squares	Impact on Vegan Diet
Dairy	Contains cheese, whey protein concentrate, milkfat	Uses dairy-free blend of plant-based fats	Vegan-friendly, avoids all dairy ingredients.
Main Fat Source	Vegetable oil (e.g., canola) and milkfat	Expeller-pressed palm oil, canola, soybean, and olive oils	Both use vegetable oils, but the vegan version uses a specific plant-based blend.
Flavoring	Artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6), natural flavors, cheese culture	Natural flavors, paprika extract for color	Vegan version uses plant-derived flavorings and colors.
Allergens	Milk, soy, and wheat	Soy and wheat (for some varieties)	The vegan version is dairy-free, avoiding a major allergen for many.

Understanding the "Vegan Health Halo"

It's important to remember that just because a snack is vegan, it doesn't automatically mean it's healthy. This is known as the "vegan health halo," a perception that can be misleading. Processed vegan junk food often contains high levels of sugar, salt, and fat, just like its non-vegan counterparts. For optimal health, a diet primarily consisting of whole plant foods is recommended, with junk food as an occasional treat. For more information on navigating processed vegan foods, check out this guide on The Vegan Health Halo from Pound of Cure Weight Loss.

Conclusion

For anyone asking if there are any vegan junk food snacks, the options are extensive and growing. From finding accidentally vegan chips and cookies to exploring brands dedicated to crafting plant-based versions of comfort foods, the market is rich with possibilities. While it's easy to enjoy a plant-based diet without sacrificing your favorite indulgences, it's wise to be mindful of the 'vegan health halo' and enjoy these treats in moderation as part of an otherwise balanced diet centered on whole plant foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidentally vegan refers to a food product that contains no animal-derived ingredients, but was not specifically marketed to vegans. Examples include products like Original Oreos or Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos.

The most reliable method is to read the ingredient list carefully, looking for terms like milk, whey, casein, eggs, honey, or gelatin. Many companies also label products explicitly as vegan, but it's a good habit to check the ingredients yourself.

No, this is a common misconception. Processed vegan junk food can still be high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. The healthiness of a snack depends more on its nutritional content than on its vegan status, and it should be consumed in moderation.

Yes, many major supermarkets stock a wide variety of vegan snacks. You can find both 'accidentally vegan' products in the regular aisles and clearly labeled vegan items in a dedicated plant-based or health food section.

No. Only the Original Pringles are typically vegan. Many other flavors, especially those containing a cheese flavor, have dairy ingredients and should be avoided.

Absolutely not. Many popular cookies like Oreos and Biscoffs are vegan, and you can find a growing number of vegan-specific baked goods. Some boxed cake mixes are also vegan, and homemade vegan recipes are plentiful.

For a protein boost, consider snacks like Hippeas (chickpea puffs), Louisville Vegan Jerky (made from soy), or homemade roasted chickpeas. These options offer a savory treat with added nutritional value.