What Junk Foods Are Vegan? Surprising Treats You Didn’t Know Are Plant-Based

When you think of junk food, you probably picture greasy burgers, cheesy fries, or sugary candy bars-none of which seem like they could be vegan. But here’s the twist: a lot of the snacks you grew up loving are already vegan. You don’t need to sacrifice flavor or texture to eat plant-based. In fact, some of the most satisfying junk foods out there are accidentally vegan, and you might be eating them right now without realizing it.

Chips and Snacks That Are Surprisingly Vegan

Let’s start with the classics: chips. Not all chips are created equal, but many popular brands are vegan by default. Take Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. They’re made with just potatoes, oil, and salt-no dairy, no animal products. Same goes for Ruffles Original, Kettle Brand Sea Salt, and SunChips Original. The key is to check the ingredient list. Avoid flavors with “whey,” “casein,” or “lactose”-those are dairy derivatives. Many barbecue, sour cream & onion, or cheese-flavored chips sneak in milk-based ingredients, but the plain or salted versions are usually safe.

Crackers? Check. Ritz Original Crackers are vegan. So are Saltine Crackers and Triscuits. Even some pretzels like Snyder’s of Hanover Soft Pretzel Sticks are made without animal products. The real trap? “Cheesy” snacks. Brands like Cheetos and Cheez-Its use cheese powder made from milk, so those are out. But you’ll find vegan alternatives from companies like Hippeas and Enjoy Life, which use nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste without the dairy.

Candy That’s Vegan (Yes, Really)

Candy is where things get tricky. A lot of candy contains gelatin, beeswax, or milk solids. But plenty of old-school candies are vegan. Here’s the shortlist:

• Starburst (U.S. version) - no gelatin, just fruit juice and sugar.
• Sour Patch Kids - soft, chewy, and made without animal products.
• Skittles - since 2010, they’ve removed gelatin and shellac. Now they’re vegan in North America.
• Twizzlers - licorice lovers rejoice. No dairy, no gelatin.
• Dark chocolate - if it’s 70% cocoa or higher and lists only cocoa mass, sugar, and cocoa butter, it’s likely vegan. Brands like Pascha, Hu, and Endangered Species are certified vegan.

Watch out for candies with “confectioner’s glaze” or “shellac”-those come from beetles. Also, avoid chocolate with “milk” or “whey” listed. If you’re unsure, look for the vegan logo or check the company’s website. Many brands now clearly label their vegan products.

Desserts You Didn’t Know Were Vegan

Here’s where it gets fun. Some of the most indulgent desserts you’d assume contain eggs or butter are actually vegan. Take Oreos. The original Oreo cookie has been vegan since 1999. The filling? Made with canola oil and sugar. No dairy. No eggs. Just crunchy wafer and sweet cream. Same with Chips Ahoy! Original (not the chewy or fudge-covered ones). Even some versions of Nilla Wafers are vegan-check the label.

Popcorn? Yes. If you air-pop it or use coconut oil and salt, it’s vegan. Store-bought microwave popcorn? Skip the butter flavor. Try Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals Simply Salted or SkinnyPop. They’re free of animal ingredients.

And here’s a shocker: some ice creams are vegan. Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy line uses almond and sunflower seed bases. So does Halo Top’s plant-based range. Even some store-brand frozen treats, like Target’s Good & Gather or Walmart’s Great Value, now have vegan options. You don’t need to buy specialty brands to get creamy, cold, satisfying dessert.

What to Avoid

Not everything labeled “vegetarian” is vegan. That’s a common mistake. Vegetarian means no meat-but it can still include eggs, dairy, honey, or gelatin. Gelatin is the big one. It’s in gummy candies, marshmallows, Jell-O, and even some yogurts. Look for “agar-agar,” “carrageenan,” or “pectin” instead. Those are plant-based gelling agents.

Also, watch out for “natural flavors.” That term is vague and can hide animal-derived ingredients. Same with “mono- and diglycerides”-they can come from animals or plants. If you’re strict, stick to brands that clearly label vegan or have third-party certification (like Vegan Society or Certified Vegan).

Where to Find These Snacks

You don’t need to shop at a specialty store. Most major grocery chains carry vegan junk food now. In Canada, you’ll find them at Loblaws, Metro, and Costco. Look in the snack aisle, the international foods section (for Asian candies), or near the chocolate bars. Many stores now have a “plant-based” shelf, but don’t limit yourself there. Some of the best vegan treats are hidden in plain sight.

Online, brands like Vegan Essentials, Thrive Market, and Amazon offer bulk options. You can buy bags of vegan gummies, chocolate bars, or chips without paying premium prices.

Why This Matters

Eating vegan doesn’t mean giving up comfort food. It means finding better versions of the things you already love. Many people think going plant-based is about restriction, but it’s really about discovery. Once you realize that Oreos, Skittles, and sour patch kids are already vegan, the transition feels less like a sacrifice and more like a bonus.

Plus, choosing vegan junk food often means fewer processed additives. Many plant-based snacks use simpler ingredients. A bag of vegan chips might have three ingredients instead of ten. That’s not just better for animals-it’s better for your body, too.

So next time you’re craving something sweet or salty, don’t assume it’s off-limits. Check the label. Read the ingredients. You might be surprised what’s already in your pantry.