Just because you’re vegan, doesn’t mean you can’t indulge.
More people are attempting vegan lifestyles than ever before. Living the vegan way means no dairy, eggs, meat, honey, leather or anything that’s a byproduct of animals, but the number of vegan products and substitutes is on the rise, making the switch easier than ever.
But just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you have to get excited over celery sticks when your friends are savoring Sour Patch Kids. Life would be way less fun if you could never share in snacking with friends or family.
Here are a handful of acceptable vegan treats — only because they’re animal-friendly (definitely no health claims here). These foods are almost certainly vegan on accident, but that doesn’t mean they don’t count!
1. Sun Chips Original
These wavy, square chips are a staple in many vending machines and can save vegans in a hunger pinch.
2. Oreos
The classic crispy, chocolate cookie is vegan — cream included! Just don’t dunk!
3. Thin Mints
Whether intentional or not, Girl Scout’s Thin Mint cookies are thankfully animal product free.
4. Ritz Crackers
Top Ritz crackers with vegan cheese and you’ll have a crowd pleasing appetizer, no matter the crowd. If you’re having a mixed dietary crowd, make sure the wine you’re serving is vegan too.
5. Nature Valley Granola Bars
Peanut butter, apple crisp, cinnamon, maple and brown sugar — all vegan. Stock up for those times when you’re not sure where your day and your diet may take you.
6. Wheat Thins
Vegan can enjoy the wheat flavor of course, but garden veggie, sun-dried tomato and basil, and zesty salsa also all qualify for animal-friendly diets.
7. Unfrosted Pop-Tarts
Choose from apple cinnamon, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon and strawberry and you’ll be safe. Those are the best ones anyone. Yes!
8. Sour Patch Kids
A go-to when you want vegan gummies.
9. Fritos Corn Chips
Crunchy, salty and an easy vending machine grab.
10. Jell-o Instant Pudding Mix
Gelatin doesn’t have a great reputation in the vegan world, but go for instant pudding mix in vanilla, chocolate, lemon, pistachio or banana cream, add your favorite non-dairy milk and you’re still within the vegan lifestyle.
11. Taco Bell Bean Burrito (no cheese)
Taco Bell leaves the lard out of the refried beans.
12. Hershey’s Chocolate syrup
Add to non-dairy based ice cream for a classic summer staple, vegan-style.
13. Chipotle Sofritas Burrito
Sofritas is Chipotle’s vegan option that even meat-eaters can get behind. The texture is totally crave-worthy despite being tofu.
14. Thomas’s New York Style Bagels
Choose from Blueberry, Cinnamon Swirl, Cinnamon Raisin, Everything, Onion, Plain, Plain Made with Whole Grain, and 100 percent Whole Wheat for your morning meal.
15. Sara Lee Frozen Apple or Cherry Pie
Sara Lee makes the holidays simpler for vegans.
16. Chocolatey Chip Teddy Grahams
Vegan, tasty and adorable.
17. Super Pretzel Baked Soft Pretzel
More delicious, salty carbs.
18. Swedish Fish
Chewy and cherry.
19. Cinnamon Life
Another delicious morning breakfast the whole family can share.
20. Cap’n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch
In case you couldn’t find enough junk food on this list to satisfy your cravings, go for the ultimate in adult gluttony.
This list doesn’t reflect the diets of most vegans who choose the lifestyle for both health and social consciousness, but it’s nice to know, if you choose to go vegan, some of your favorite foods will still be within reach.
