16 of the Best Accidentally Vegan Products
“Accidentally vegan” is a term that means a product’s ingredients unintentionally happen to be vegan. While these items aren’t specifically marketed as vegan, their ingredients are not animal-derived–which means we get to enjoy them!
While this list is certainly not exhaustive, I figured you might just find it useful (and perhaps learn something you didn’t know before)!
Of course, if sugar source is an issue for you–as it is with some vegans–you’ll have to take this list with a grain of salt. But, especially if you’re in a situation without a lot of options, this list is a good tool to have in your arsenal.
With all that being said, let’s get into the list! Here are sixteen of the best accidentally vegan foods and snacks:
1. Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos
One of my favorite accidentally vegan foods ever, which is why it gets first place on this list.
2. Takis
Takis Original Fuego and Blue Heat are vegan. While some of their other flavors may or may not be vegan, these are the only flavors I’ve tried to date. Eating them feels like a painful death, but in a good way, y’know?
3. Chex Mix
The Original flavor of Chex Mix is vegan.
4. Lay’s Chips
Lay’s has several vegan flavors, including but not limited to Original, BBQ, Salt & Vinegar, and Dill Pickle.
5. Imitation Bacon Bits
Such as McCormick Bac’n Pieces. Many store brand “imitation” bacon bits may also be vegan–just check the ingredients before you buy.
6. Reese’s Peanut Butter Topping
Reese’s peanut butter cups may not be vegan, but their peanut butter ice cream topping actually is! The fact that there’s no milk ingredients in this blows my mind.
7. Smucker’s Marshmallow Topping
While we’re on the topic of ice cream toppings, did you know that there is no gelatin in Smucker’s marshmallow ice cream topping? It’s true, vegans can enjoy this ice cream topping as well.
8. Duncan Hines Baking Mixes
Many of Duncan Hines cake mixes are vegan, as well as brownie mixes, and can be prepared vegan with a few small modifications. Just be sure to check the label before you buy!
9. Nabisco Grahams Original Crackers
Us vegans get to enjoy s’mores too! Nabisco’s graham crackers contain no honey, meaning they’re suitable for vegans.
10. Dark Chocolate
Many times, dark chocolate can be accidentally vegan! Just be sure to check the ingredients for dairy ingredients, such as milk and milkfat.
11. Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Believe it or not, Hershey’s chocolate syrup doesn’t contain any animal ingredients, meaning you can guiltlessly prepare yourself a glass of extra chocolatey oatmilk.
12. Oreos
What’s in the cream part of Oreos? Whatever it is, it’s not dairy- or cream-related. Several of Oreos’ flavors are actually vegan, including but not limited to Original, Peanut Butter Pie, Mint and Birthday Cake.
13. Jello Pudding Mix
Unfortunately, Jello’s gelatin isn’t vegan (for obvious reasons). However, some of Jello’s pudding mixes–flavors such as Vanilla, Banana Cream, Pistachio and Lemon–are completely vegan. They even have preparation instructions on their website for dairy-free milk.
14. Twizzlers
Next time you hit the movie theater, you can still get the Twizzlers pack you enjoy. Several of Twizzlers varieties (except for the Gummies) are suitable for vegans.
15. Unfrosted Pop Tarts
While no Frosted Pop Tart varieties exist that are vegan at this point, Unfrosted varieties, such as Strawberry and Blueberry, are fine for vegans to enjoy.
16. Italian Ice & Sorbet
Several flavors of Italian ice at Rita’s chain are completely vegan (just avoid the cream ices, see their Allergen Chart for more info on vegan flavors).
Grocery stores also sell vegan Italian ice varieties, such as Luigi’s Lemon flavor. Also search out sorbet flavors (not to be confused with sherbet, which often contains dairy), such as Talenti’s Dairy-Free Sorbetto in Mango or Raspberry flavors.
It’s pretty clear that numerous accidentally vegan items exist. And since they’re often more accessible than vegan-specified brands, it’s definitely worth seeking them out. In any case, I certainly hope you’ve gained something valuable from reading this post!
Until next time, peace 😉