10 Best Vegan Snacks in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)
You might be trying a vegan diet for health reasons, or you may have dietary restrictions that only allow vegan foods. Vegan snacks are a great way to satisfy cravings on a road trip, feed your friends at a party, or as a healthy bite after a workout. They run the gamut of sweet to savory, healthy to indulgent, or travel-size to family-size. There's a perfect vegan snack for everyone; even kids love the delicious flavors!
To help with your search, we created a list that contains 10 vegan snacks we think you'll enjoy. Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs White Vegan Cheddar was our favorite. It's light, airy, and crispy, with a delicious cheesy flavor. It is also certified vegan, organic, and gluten-free! We also compiled a buying guide with oversight from a registered dietician to provide more details and assist you in selecting the perfect vegan snack.
Quick List - Top Vegan Snacks
Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.
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How to Choose Vegan Snacks
When choosing a vegan snack, there are many factors that you should consider such as the ingredients, vegan certification, flavor profile, and packaging.
Make Sure the Snacks Contain No Animal Products
Relying on the vegan logo is not the only way to determine whether a snack is vegan or not. Many snacks, despite not having a vegan certification, may actually be vegan. Keep reading to learn some tips for finding a vegan snack!
Search for the “Certified Vegan” Logo
The first step to making sure that your snacks are vegan is to look for the Certified Vegan logo on the packaging. This registered trademark is managed by Vegan Action, a nonprofit American organization, and it guarantees that the snack contains no animal products or byproducts, and is not tested on animals.
If you purchase vegan snacks from other countries, they might have different vegan logos. Look for international vegan certification organizations, like Veganok, Vegan Society, Vegan Organic Network, Sello Vegano, and Eve Vegan.
Keep in mind that each organization has its own testing policies and standards. For example, products certified by the Vegan Society cannot contain any ingredients derived from animals or tested on animals. Their definition of "animal" encompasses both vertebrates and invertebrates, including insects and water fleas.
Many people follow a vegan diet due to moral reasons rather than health-related concerns. This is what makes a certified logo so important. While eating a small amount of an animal-based ingredient may not affect someone's overall health, it can be emotionally frustrating.
Even if you don't follow a vegan diet, it's good to be aware of this for the people in your life who do value its purpose. Sometimes the diet is allergy-related. Sometimes it has to do with religion or a passion for animal rights. All justifications should be treated with the same respect.
Be Aware of Sneaky Non-Vegan Ingredients
Even snacks without a vegan label might still be vegan. Did you know that Fritos' Original Corn Chips and Doritos' Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips are actually vegan, although they are not certified by any vegan organizations? If made with simple ingredients and no flavorings, potato chips and pretzels tend to be vegan.
So, look through the ingredient list to make sure that it contains no animal products or byproducts. It's easy to notice non-vegan ingredients like milk, meat, and eggs, but there are some tricky ingredients that you might think are vegan but actually are not.
Casein is a dairy protein found in milk, cheese, and other milk products. Usually, milk chocolate, cheesy snacks, and coffee creamer might contain casein. Gelatin can be derived from either vegetable fat or animal collagen and is usually used to make fruit snacks and jelly candies. So make sure that any gelatin used is vegetable-based.
Many vegans avoid honey since it's a bee byproduct and important to the well-being of the beehives. Yet, others say that the cultivation of honey doesn't harm bees. Cane sugar is sometimes processed with bone char derived from cattle, so it's important to check with the manufacturer if you're concerned about that ingredient.
Other ingredients to watch out for include oleic acid, L.cysteine, and lactic acid, as they can be derived from either animal or vegetable sources. Confectioner's glaze, whey, and lactose are non-vegan ingredients, too! Carmine or cochineal is a common ingredient of red dye, but it's made from beetles and isn't vegan.
Non-vegan ingredients may be hidden in seasonings, artificial flavorings, and natural flavorings. Unless the manufacturer specifies what those ingredients are made of, there is no way for you to check if they are vegan or not. So, if you're concerned about some ingredients, contact the manufacturer for more information.
Pick Between Sweet or Savory Vegan Snacks
When it comes to vegan snacks, there are many varieties and flavors to suit everyone's taste buds. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, savory, or want a healthy bite, there's a vegan snack to satisfy every craving.
Chips, Nuts, or Crackers for a Savory Flavor
If you're craving something savory, snacks like potato chips, tortilla chips, or crackers can be a great choice! Some common flavors are barbecue, cheese, and sea salt.
Common snack foods that you find at the grocery store or gas station might actually be vegan. For instance, Pringles, Ritz crackers, and original Sun Chips are savory vegan snacks. Pea puffs are also a delicious choice; they are made from pea flour and have an airy, light, and crunchy texture similar to Cheetos.
Non-vegan ingredients often make an appearance in cheese-flavored snacks or in the seasonings of other snacks. A popular alternative to cheese flavoring is yeast flakes or yeast extract. It has a tangy and cheesy taste that contributes amazing flavor to vegan snacks.
Chocolate, Cookies, or Gummies for Sweet Snacks
If you have a sweet tooth, consider treats like gummies and chocolate. There are a lot of vegan bars and cookies out there, and they come in many different flavors like chocolate chip, peanut butter, and caramel.
Cookies typically have eggs to bind the ingredients and contribute moisture and fat. Vegan cookies will instead have a variety of plant-based oils to bring moisture. Coconut oil, palm oil, and sunflower oil are commonly found in vegan cookies, and keep them tender, but they don't contribute much flavor. Quite often ingredients like cane sugar, molasses, and cocoa will add sweet notes.
Many common sweet snacks will be vegan because they omit animal-based ingredients and get their texture and flavor through other sources. Oreos are a popular sweet snack that is actually vegan; they contain no dairy and instead get their delicious flavor through decadent cocoa. Swedish Fish contain no gelatin and are instead made with a combination of corn starch and corn syrup.
Healthier Options for a Filling Treat
If you want a healthy snack, look for certain vegan products that are packed with plant-based proteins, healthy fats, or complex carbohydrates. These snacks will give you a boost of energy and keep you feeling full. They are perfect for after a workout or as a healthy meal replacement. Look for snacks like plant-based protein bars, dried fruit, or granola for a healthy and filling bite.
Plant-based proteins are often incomplete proteins; for a healthy diet, look for foods like protein bars that combine multiple sources such as rice protein, pea protein, and pumpkin seed protein. Plant-based protein can also be in snacks often found at stores, such as dry roasted nuts and pea puffs. A variety of healthy snacks will help ensure a balanced diet.
Vegan snacks that utilize plant-based oils such as palm oil and olive oil will have less saturated fat than those found in animal-based products. Healthy snacks that are vegan can often overlap with other dietary restrictions. For instance, many healthy vegan snacks that are plant-based are also gluten-free; just look for the certified gluten-free label on the packaging.
Thankfully, it's getting easier to find vegan snacks these days. One of the biggest challenges is finding options with significant protein or healthy fats. When building a balanced snack, it is important to include these nutrients for satiety, muscle repair, and several other basic bodily functions.
Not every snack has to be perfect, but keep an eye out for ingredients like nuts, seeds, vegetable oil, beans, peas, etc. These are nutrient-dense and give you a little more bang for your buck.
10 Best Vegan Snacks Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hippeas Organic Chickpea Snacks Vegan White Cheddar | | Best for Sharp Cheesy Flavor | |
2 | Louisville Vegan Jerky Co. Smoky Carolina BBQ Jerky | | Soy-Based Jerky With Tangy Carolina BBQ Flavor | |
3 | Oreo | | Best Classic Cookies for Sharing | |
4 | Fritos The Original Corn Chips | | Best Corn Chips for Snacking or Recipes | |
5 | Kettle Brand Sea Salt Potato Chips | | Best for Salty Cravings | |
6 | Unreal Dark Chocolate Covered Peanuts | | Best for Rich Chocolate Flavor | |
7 | Aloha Organic Plant Based Protein Bars | | Best for Plant-Based Protein After a Workout | |
8 | Mars, Incorporated Nature's Bakery｜Whole Wheat Fig Bars - Blueberry | | Blueberry-Flavored Fig Bars Made With Whole Ingredients | |
9 | Navitas Organic Power Snacks | | Best for Powerful Plant-Based Ingredients | |
10 | Sour Patch Kids | | Best Sweet and Sour Gelatin-Free Gummies |
HippeasOrganic Chickpea Snacks Vegan White Cheddar
Best for Sharp Cheesy Flavor
- Certified organic, gluten-free, and vegan
- Good source of plant protein and fiber
- Snack size or bigger bags available
- Some reviewers say they taste too salty
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Snacks are a perfect light treat. They are made from chickpea flour and contain an impressive six grams of protein and five grams of fiber per serving. The airy and crunchy puffs have a white cheddar cheese flavor. They are not only certified vegan, but also organic and gluten-free.
A few buyers complain that these snacks contain too much salt. However, others appreciate the puffs as a vegan alternative to other cheesy snacks. Many reviewers rave about how these snacks work perfectly with their dietary restrictions.
Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.Smoky Carolina BBQ Jerky
Soy-Based Jerky With Tangy Carolina BBQ Flavor
This soy-based jerky delivers a balance of tangy mustard, vinegar, and light smokiness. With 5g of protein per serving, it provides a moderate source of plant-based protein. The chewy texture is achieved using textured soy protein, and the seasoning blend includes tamari, paprika, and natural smoke flavor.
It’s a gluten-free option made in small batches in the U.S. The ingredient list includes apple cider vinegar and brown sugar, contributing to the signature Carolina BBQ taste.
Best Classic Cookies for Sharing
Pros:
- This big pack is great for parties and events
- Resealable container
- Tastes great with plant-based milk
Cons:
- A handful of reviewers state the cookies are overly sweet
Double Stuf Oreos are popular sandwich cookies enjoyed by kids and adults alike; they also happen to be vegan! The delicious, creamy center contains no dairy, so they are perfect to share with your vegan friends at a party. The family size comes in a resealable container, so you can keep them fresh.
A few reviewers say these cookies are too sweet. However, others love the chocolaty taste of the cookies. Reviewers say they taste great dipped in milk; for the vegan alternative, try them with almond milk or oat milk!
Best Corn Chips for Snacking or Recipes
Pros:
- One-ounce size for portion control and on-the-go snacking
- Popular snack for kids and adults
- Great as a snack or to add to other dishes
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the corn chips are too salty
Fritos corn chips are made with only three simple ingredients: corn, corn oil, and salt. So you don't have to worry about any sneaky non-vegan ingredients. These chips are tasty on their own, but you can sprinkle them on top of soup or salad for some extra crunch.
A couple of reviewers state the corn chips tasted too salty. However, others appreciate the simple ingredients, and they say the size of the bag is perfect for portion control.
Kettle BrandSea Salt Potato Chips
Best for Salty Cravings
Pros:
- Certified gluten-free and non-GMO
- Small size easy to take on the go or pack in a lunchbox
- Perfect crunchy texture
Cons:
- A few buyers assert the chips are too greasy
Kettle Brand's potato chips are made with only a few ingredients, including potatoes, vegetable oil, and sea salt. The salt enhances the natural flavor of the potato. Not only are they vegan, but they are also gluten-free and contain no artificial preservatives.
According to some reviewers, these chips are a bit oily. Other than that, the majority say they are delicious, fresh-tasting and crunchy. They add that the small bags help with portion control and are convenient to take on the go.
Unreal Dark Chocolate Covered Peanuts
Best for Rich Chocolate Flavor
Pros:
- Certified vegan and fair-trade
- Sweet and salty flavor profile
- Resealable bag
Cons:
- Made in a facility that handles eggs and dairy; those with allergies should be cautious
Roasted peanuts are coated in dark chocolate for a decadent and crunchy treat that can satisfy your cravings for sweets and salty food! These dark chocolate-covered peanuts are certified vegan, so you can rest assured that there are no hidden animal ingredients.
A few buyers are disappointed because this product is made in a facility that also handles eggs and dairy, so those with allergies should take note. Nevertheless, reviewers love the chocolate coating that melts in your mouth. They are a great alternative to peanuts covered in milk chocolate.
AlohaOrganic Plant Based Protein Bars
Best for Plant-Based Protein After a Workout
Pros:
- Great source of protein and fiber
- Low in sugar
- Easy to take on the go
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the bars are too dry
This protein bar is the perfect snack to enjoy after a workout or for some energy throughout the day. It boasts 14 grams of plant-based protein and 10 grams of fiber. The delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate will make you forget you're eating a healthy protein bar!
A handful of buyers take issue with the texture, saying it is too dry. On the other hand, many say the bars taste delicious and have the perfect amount of chocolate chips. Others appreciate how the bars are low in sugar and work with their other dietary restrictions.
Mars, IncorporatedNature's Bakery ｜ Whole Wheat Fig Bars - Blueberry
Blueberry-Flavored Fig Bars Made With Whole Ingredients
Nature's Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars in Blueberry flavor are a convenient option for breakfast or snacks, suitable for both kids and adults. Each box contains 12 twin packs, with each pack holding two 1-ounce snack bars. Made from whole ingredients like sun-ripened blueberries, figs, and whole wheat, these bars are soft-baked and free from cholesterol, GMOs, or high fructose corn syrup. They are also certified as vegan, kosher, dairy-free, low sodium, and made in a nut-free facility.
Best for Powerful Plant-Based Ingredients
- Great source of minerals and antioxidants
- Combines many healthy seeds and nuts with cacao and raisins
- Provides long-lasting energy
- Some reviewers are disappointed because the chocolate taste was too subtle
Navitas' Organic Power Snacks contains chia seeds, goji powder, and cacao powder, to give you minerals, antioxidants, and a boost of energy. These bite-sized snacks are also loaded with dark chocolate chips, raisins, and seeds for a sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
A handful of buyers say this snack is subtle when it comes to chocolate flavor; they expected more chocolate based on the packaging. But, reviewers say they are perfect at giving a boost of energy between meals. They also love how these bites are packed with nutrition.
Best Sweet and Sour Gelatin-Free Gummies
Pros:
- Easy to take on the go
- Great for kids and adults
- Sweet and sour flavor profile
Cons:
- A few buyers had issues with their candy being stuck together
Finding gummies that are vegan-friendly can be a challenge, as many of them contain gelatin. These watermelon-flavored gummies are perfect for satisfying that sweet craving. They have a tart, sour flavor that turns sweet as you chew.
Some reviewers say they were disappointed the candy got stuck together if left to sit for too long. On the other hand, buyers love the sweet and sour flavor with a hint of watermelon. Many say this is their favorite candy.
Rachel's Recommended Vegan Snack
I love peanut butter pretzels because they are a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. These are both essential for a snack that is going to keep you full and energized. You can eat a few of these and feel satisfied. Nutrient-dense, lower volume snacks can be especially helpful when you're on the go or eating around a workout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Along with reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Rachel has also taken the time to answer some commonly-asked questions about the vegan lifestyle.
What's the difference between vegan and plant-based?
Rachel explains, "A vegan diet avoids all animal products including dairy, eggs, honey, meat, fish, and more. Individuals with this lifestyle will also avoid clothing, decor, and other items that have parts derived from animals.
A plant-based diet is a diet that consists of plants or mostly plants. The term plant-based is a little less specific. You can eat eggs and consider yourself plant-based. You can carry a leather bag and eat completely plant-based. The whole idea is that plants are the priority."
Is a vegan diet healthy and good for weight loss?
"A vegan diet can be helpful for weight loss. However, it is not guaranteed," Rachel says. "The biggest concern I have with a new vegan diet and weight loss has to do with protein. In order to lose weight without losing muscle mass, it is important to consume sufficient protein.
There are many types of plant-based protein, but it takes time to learn how to incorporate them, and typically, you need a larger quantity of a plant-based food to get the same amount of protein that would be in an animal-based food.
On the other hand, vegan diets tend to be lower in saturated fat, which is calorie-dense. Our bodies need fat to function at their best, but many people consume more than the recommended amount daily."
Check Out These Vegan Foods and Supplements
Living vegan isn't an easy task, but we have many product guides to help you pick out essential vegan foods and products for your daily life!
In Collaboration With Registered Dietitian Rachel Binkley
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Vegan Snacks
No. 1: Hippeas｜Organic Chickpea Snacks Vegan White Cheddar
No. 2: Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.｜Smoky Carolina BBQ Jerky
No. 3: Oreo｜
No. 4: Fritos ｜The Original Corn Chips
No. 5: Kettle Brand｜Sea Salt Potato Chips
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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