Officially Vegan Amy's Burritos
Amy's Kitchen, a leader in the vegetarian frozen food space, offers several popular burrito options that are also suitable for vegans. While not all of their products are vegan, the following three burritos are explicitly labeled as dairy-free or vegan, making them a safe choice.
Organic Vegan Bean & Cheeze Burrito
This is perhaps the most straightforward vegan option, as its name clearly states it is a "Vegan" burrito. It features organic pinto beans, brown rice, and a signature organic vegan mozzarella-style cheeze, all wrapped in a house-made organic tortilla. The inclusion of a dedicated vegan cheeze ensures a creamy texture without any dairy products. This burrito is a comforting, classic choice for anyone transitioning to a plant-based diet who might miss the traditional bean and cheese combination. The ingredients are simple, organic, and free from dairy, corn, and tree nuts, though it does contain wheat.
Bean & Rice Burrito, Non-Dairy
Another excellent choice is the non-dairy version of the Bean & Rice Burrito. This product clearly specifies "Non-Dairy" on its packaging, indicating it contains no milk or milk derivatives. The filling consists of organic pinto beans and brown rice mixed with vegetables in a mild Mexican-style sauce. For those with gluten sensitivities, a dedicated Gluten Free, Non-Dairy Bean & Rice Burrito is also available, using a corn-based tortilla instead of a wheat-based one. This option is a fantastic staple for a simple, flavorful meal.
Black Bean Vegetable Burrito
The Black Bean Vegetable Burrito is another reliable vegan option from Amy's. This burrito is filled with savory organic black beans and a medley of vegetables, including kidney beans, potatoes, broccoli, corn, and bell peppers, all seasoned with a mild Mexican-style sauce. It is explicitly labeled as vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and tree nut-free, making it a safe and inclusive choice for many consumers. The substantial filling makes it a hearty and nutritious meal, packed with fiber and protein from the beans and vegetables.
How to Identify Vegan Burritos in the Frozen Aisle
Navigating the frozen food section can be tricky, but Amy's provides clear labeling to help consumers make informed choices. Here's what to look for:
- Explicit Labeling: The most reliable method is to look for the words "Vegan" or "Non-Dairy" prominently displayed on the front of the packaging. Products with "Vegan" certification marks from organizations like vegan.org provide extra assurance.
- Check the Ingredients List: Always read the ingredients list, especially if a product is only labeled "Vegetarian." Look for potential animal-derived ingredients such as milk, casein, whey, and cheese. Amy's makes this easier by clearly listing allergens. For example, their Organic Black Bean & Cheese Burrito lists "MILK" in bold.
- Look for Allergens: If you have an allergy to dairy, looking for products labeled "Dairy-Free" is an effective way to find vegan burritos. Many vegan products will also be labeled with other allergen-free claims, such as soy-free or gluten-free.
- Use the Amy's Kitchen Website: The official website has a dedicated vegan filter under their "Our Foods" section, allowing you to browse only certified vegan products, including burritos. This is the most accurate way to verify a product's vegan status.
Comparison of Amy's Vegan Burritos
To help you decide which vegan burrito best suits your taste and dietary needs, here is a quick comparison table of the most popular options.
| Feature | Organic Vegan Bean & Cheeze | Non-Dairy Bean & Rice | Black Bean Vegetable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Pinto beans, brown rice, vegan cheeze | Pinto beans, brown rice | Black beans, kidney beans, potatoes, vegetables |
| Key Flavor Profile | Creamy, cheesy, classic Mexican | Mild Mexican-style sauce | Mild Mexican sauce with rich beans |
| Cheeze | Organic vegan mozzarella-style | No cheeze | No cheeze |
| Gluten-Free Option | No (Contains wheat) | Yes (available as a separate product) | No (Contains wheat) |
| Soy-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nut-Free | Yes (contains sunflower kernels) | Yes | Yes (made in a facility that processes tree nuts) |
| Key Ingredients | Pinto beans, rice, vegan cheese | Pinto beans, rice, mild sauce | Black beans, kidney beans, potatoes, broccoli, corn, peppers |
Important: Watch Out for Vegetarian-Only Burritos
One of the most common mistakes for new vegans is assuming all vegetarian products are also vegan. This is not the case with Amy's. The following burritos, while meat-free, contain dairy and are therefore not vegan:
- Organic Black Bean & Cheese Burrito: This product contains Monterey Jack cheese and is clearly labeled with "CONTAINS WHEAT AND MILK".
- Bean & Cheese Burrito: A classic that includes real cheese, as noted on the official Amy's Kitchen website.
- Gluten Free Bean & Cheese Burrito: Although gluten-free, this option still contains dairy cheese.
Always double-check the packaging and look for the specific "Vegan" or "Non-Dairy" labeling to avoid mistakenly purchasing a non-vegan product.
Conclusion
For those wondering which Amy's burritos are vegan, the answer is clear: the Organic Vegan Bean & Cheeze, the Non-Dairy Bean & Rice, and the Black Bean Vegetable burritos are your go-to options. Amy's makes it easy to identify these plant-based choices with clear labeling on the packaging and a dedicated filter on their website. By taking a moment to look for the vegan or non-dairy certifications, you can ensure a quick, delicious, and animal-product-free meal. While many of Amy's products are vegetarian, it's crucial to differentiate these from the strictly vegan options to stay aligned with a plant-based diet. With these delicious choices, vegans can enjoy a satisfying frozen burrito just like everyone else. For more information on their full product line, visit the Amy's Kitchen website.
