Finding vegan chips might seem simple, but many flavorful options use animal-derived ingredients like whey, lactose, or cheese powder in their seasoning. For a truly plant-based snack, you have to be a savvy label reader. Luckily, countless delicious options, from mainstream classics to specialty brands, are completely vegan.
Popular Accidentally Vegan Chips
Many widely available chip brands offer flavors that are unintentionally vegan, thanks to their simple ingredients. These are great finds because they are easy to locate in most grocery stores.
Lay's
- Classic Original: Made simply from potatoes, oil, and salt.
- BBQ: The smoky barbecue flavor is achieved without animal products in this version.
- Limón: A zesty citrus flavor that is vegan-friendly.
- Dill Pickle: Many varieties of Lay's Dill Pickle are also vegan.
Ruffles
- Original: The classic ridged chip is made with vegan-friendly ingredients.
- All Dressed: In some regions, this flavor is confirmed vegan.
Doritos
- Spicy Sweet Chili: A popular, flavorful choice that is accidentally vegan.
Kettle Brand
Kettle Brand has several vegan flavors, though ingredient lists should always be checked, as formulations can change.
- Jalapeno: A spicy kick without animal products.
- Sea Salt & Vinegar: A tangy favorite that is safe for vegans.
- Organic Country Style Barbeque: This variety is USDA certified, ensuring no bone char is used in the sugar.
Pringles
Only a few select flavors of Pringles are vegan, so be extra cautious.
- Original: The classic, stackable chip.
- Lightly Salted: A simple, vegan option.
Dedicated Vegan and Health-Conscious Brands
For those seeking more specialized or health-focused options, many brands focus on creating certified plant-based snacks.
Siete Family Foods
This brand specializes in grain-free chips, using ingredients like cassava flour. Many of their flavors, including Sea Salt, Hint of Lime, and Fuego, are vegan.
Hippeas
Hippeas offers chickpea-based puffs and tortilla chips, with all flavors being vegan.
Terra Chips
Known for its colorful vegetable chips, Terra offers many vegan options, including their Original Exotic Vegetable Chips.
Vegan Rob's
As the name suggests, this brand focuses entirely on vegan snacks, including a wide array of chips and puffs.
Pulp Pantry
This innovative brand uses upcycled vegetables to create crunchy, clean-label vegan chips, such as their Sea Salt Trashy Chips.
How to Read Labels to Identify Vegan Chips
The key to finding a vegan chip is a vigilant eye on the ingredient list. Many flavorings can hide animal products, so don't just rely on the name.
Watch Out for Hidden Animal Ingredients
- Dairy: Ingredients such as milk, milk solids, whey, lactose, and cheese are common in savory flavorings like sour cream and onion, cheddar, and some BBQ versions.
- Fat: While most modern chips are fried in vegetable oil, some traditional or kettle-cooked varieties might use animal fats like lard.
- Sugar: For stricter vegans, non-organic cane sugar may be processed with bone char. Opt for products labeled USDA organic, which ensures this practice is not used.
Look for Vegan Certifications
The most straightforward way to confirm a chip's vegan status is to look for a certified vegan or plant-based label on the packaging. This eliminates the need for detailed ingredient analysis.
Comparison of Vegan Chip Brands
| Brand | Best Vegan Flavors | Specialty | Common Non-Vegan Flavors | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay's | Classic Original, BBQ, Limón | Widely available, classic potato chips | Cheddar & Sour Cream, Flamin' Hot, some S&V | Potato, vegetable oil, salt, seasonings |
| Siete | Sea Salt, Hint of Lime, Fuego | Grain-free, cassava-based tortilla chips | N/A (Dedicated vegan flavors) | Cassava flour, avocado oil, seeds, spices |
| Kettle Brand | Jalapeño, Sea Salt, Organic BBQ | Kettle-cooked for extra crunch | Honey Dijon, New York Cheddar | Potato, vegetable oil, seasonings |
| Terra | Original Exotic Vegetable Chips | Colorful, veggie-based chips | Some dip-specific flavors might not be | Various root vegetables, oils, sea salt |
| Hippeas | All flavors, including Vegan White Cheddar | Chickpea-based puffs & chips | N/A (Dedicated vegan brand) | Chickpea flour, rice flour, oil, seasonings |
| Pringles | Original, Lightly Salted | Stackable crisps | Cheddar, Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Vinegar | Dehydrated potatoes, oil, cornstarch |
Flavor-Specific Vegan Options Across Brands
Navigating flavors can be tricky, as a flavor profile that is vegan for one brand might not be for another. Here are some common flavor types to look for:
- Salt & Vinegar: While some brands like Kettle Brand and Cape Cod offer vegan versions, watch out for brands like Pringles and some Lay's that use dairy to balance the acidity.
- BBQ: Many brands offer a vegan BBQ, but always check for honey or dairy ingredients. The Lay's BBQ is vegan, as is the Kettle Brand Organic Country Style BBQ.
- Spicy: Spicy-flavored chips are often a safe bet, as the heat usually comes from chiles and spices, not dairy. Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili and Kettle Brand Jalapeño are great examples.
Making Your Own Vegan Chips
For complete control over ingredients and seasoning, consider making your own chips at home. This is also a great option for experimenting with healthier alternatives.
Simple Baked Veggie Chips
- Ingredients: Thinly sliced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or kale; a high-quality oil like avocado or olive oil; and salt.
- Instructions: Toss slices in oil and seasonings, then bake on a lined sheet until crispy. The process is simple, and you can customize with spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.
Conclusion
While the quest to find what brand of chips is vegan can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, a careful review of ingredient labels will quickly guide you. With a growing number of dedicated vegan brands and popular options offering accidentally vegan flavors, finding a crunchy, satisfying plant-based snack is easier than ever. The key is to be aware of hidden animal derivatives, especially in cheese and creamy flavorings, and to look for certified products when in doubt. Whether you choose a classic from Lay's or a unique chip from a specialty brand like Siete, a world of plant-powered snacking awaits. For more ideas and recipes, explore resources like the Simple Vegan Blog.
