20+ Accidentally Vegan Foods You’d Never Guess
Sometimes, the most surprising things turn out to be vegan! Accidentally vegan foods are products made without animal ingredients, even though they aren’t labeled as vegan. These hidden gems can make snacking, cooking, and shopping easier and more fun. From snacks to pantry staples, you might already have some of these goodies at home.
Knowing about them saves time and offers delicious options without extra effort. We’re here to highlight some amazing accidentally vegan foods. You’ll find tasty snacks, sweet treats, and even baking essentials that fit perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle. It’s all about making life simpler and showing how easy it is to enjoy everyday favorites.
Let’s explore this list and see how many you’ve already tried—or add to your shopping list for next time!
Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
This easy-to-make cookie mix is vegan-friendly as-is. Just use vegan butter and enjoy warm, delicious cookies in no time!
Biscoff Cookies
These crispy, caramel-flavored cookies are made without dairy or eggs. They’re perfect with coffee or as a sweet snack anytime.
Cracker Jack
This caramel-coated popcorn and peanut mix is completely dairy-free. It’s a classic snack for movie nights, road trips, or backpacking.
Fritos Original Corn Chips
These simple, salty chips are made with just three vegan-friendly ingredients. They’re great for dipping or snacking. For a healthier chip option, give these potato skin crisps a try!
Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
This chocolatey topping is completely dairy-free and vegan! Drizzle it over vegan ice cream or mix it into almond milk for a sweet treat.
Keebler Ready Crust (Graham Pie Crust)
This pre-made crust makes vegan baking a breeze. Fill it with your favorite no-bake pie or vegan cheesecake filling for a quick dessert.
Nutter Butter Cookies
These peanut butter sandwich cookies are a vegan favorite. Their creamy filling and crunchy cookies are a match made in heaven.
Oreos
These classic sandwich cookies are free of animal ingredients. Enjoy them with a glass of dairy-free milk (like this homemade cashew milk!) for the perfect treat!
Original Bisquick Pancakes & Baking Mix
This classic pancake mix is free of animal ingredients. Just add plant milk and and an egg replacement for fluffy, delicious pancakes or waffles.
Original Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
These flaky rolls are made without butter, making them vegan-friendly. They bake up golden and delicious in minutes. We can’t believe this is one of the accidentally vegan foods!
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Vanilla Frosting
This rich, creamy frosting is completely dairy-free. Use it to top cakes, cupcakes, or cookies with a sweet finish.
Pillsbury Devil’s Food Moist Supreme Cake Mix
This chocolatey cake mix is surprisingly vegan. Pair it with plant-based substitutes for a decadent vegan dessert everyone will love.
Pop-Tarts Unfrosted (Strawberry, Blueberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon)
These tasty pastries don’t contain dairy or eggs in their unfrosted versions. Warm them up or enjoy them straight from the package. Consider making your own homemade vegan pop tarts!
Pringles Original
The iconic stackable chips are completely plant-based. Grab a can for your next snack attack!
Ritz Crackers
Buttery and delicious, these crackers are surprisingly vegan. They make a great snack on their own or with your favorite dips.
Ruffles Original Potato Chips
These thick, crunchy chips are vegan-friendly. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite vegan dip (like this vegan buffalo chicken dip!)
Sabra Hummus (Classic, Roasted Red Pepper)
This creamy dip is made with chickpeas and tahini, no dairy needed. Pair it with veggies or pita chips for a satisfying bite.
Smucker’s Uncrustables (Strawberry, Grape, Raspberry)
These frozen PB&J sandwiches are dairy- and egg-free. They’re a quick, kid-friendly snack or lunch option.
Sour Patch Kids
These tangy, chewy candies don’t use gelatin, so they’re vegan-friendly. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Swedish Fish
These gummy candies are gelatin-free and totally vegan. Their fruity flavor is a fan favorite for a reason.
Thomas’ Plain Bagels
These soft, chewy bagels are vegan and perfect for breakfast. Top them with peanut butter or avocado for a quick meal.
So—even if you don’t live down the street from a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods Market, you can likely get your paws on some of these. We found all those listed above at Walmart, Amazon, or even at our local grocery store. Keep in mind these foods are by no means healthy, but if these are foods you’re used to eating anyway, at least you can be comforted knowing that they’re vegan.
Which Locations Offer the Most Accidentally Vegan Foods?
Some of the best places for accidentally vegan foods are those with strong traditions using whole plant foods, simple ingredient lists, or a focus on whole foods. These cities offer a mix of everyday foods and international flavors that happen to be vegan, making eating plant-based easy and delicious!
Countries with Lots of Accidentally Vegan Foods
- India – Many traditional Indian dishes are naturally “plantiful,” especially in regions with a strong vegetarian culture. Snacks like samosas, dosa, carrot dal, and chana masala are often made without dairy or eggs.
- Thailand – Thai cuisine includes many naturally vegan dishes, especially in Buddhist communities. Stir-fried vegetables, coconut-based curries, and mango sticky rice are common accidentally vegan options.
- Italy – Many Italian breads, pastas, and sauces (like this homemade pasta sauce) are free of animal products. Classic foods like marinara pasta, ciabatta, and bruschetta are often naturally vegan.
- Japan – Traditional Japanese foods like onigiri (without fish filling), miso soup, and vegetable tempura are often free from animal products. Some types of soba noodles and tofu dishes are also vegan-friendly.
- Lebanon – Middle Eastern cuisine is rich in plant staples like hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh. Many of these dishes are naturally free of dairy and eggs.
U.S. Cities with a Wide Variety of Accidentally Vegan Foods
- New York City, NY – NYC’s mix of global cuisines means plenty of accidentally vegan options. Bagels, soft pretzels, marinara pizza, falafel, and dumplings are just a few plant-based favorites.
- Los Angeles, CA – LA’s focus on health-conscious and international foods makes it a great spot for vegan-friendly eats. Tortilla chips, avocado toast, and Thai curries are easy to find without animal ingredients.
- Chicago, IL – Chicago’s deep-dish pizza may be famous, but the city also has great vegan-friendly staples. Italian bread, peanut butter-filled pretzels, and Indian street foods are easy to find.
- Austin, TX – Austin has a big plant-based community and lots of vegan-friendly Tex-Mex options. Corn tortillas, guacamole, refried beans (without lard), and cinnamon-sugar churros are often accidentally vegan.
- Seattle, WA – From Vietnamese bánh mì (with tofu) to sourdough bread and dark chocolate, Seattle has lots of plant-based options. Farmers’ markets also sell fresh, vegan-friendly baked goods.
- Miami, FL – Miami’s Latin American flavors bring many plant-based options, like Cuban bread, fried plantains, black beans and rice, and tropical fruit desserts. Grocery stores also carry plenty of naturally vegan snacks.
Accidentally Vegan Foods FAQs
Accidentally vegan foods are products that don’t contain animal-derived ingredients, even though they weren’t specifically made or marketed as vegan. These foods may include snacks, baking mixes, candies, or pantry staples that just happen to be free of meat, dairy, eggs, or other animal products (such as honey).
Simply use the following vegan ingredients instead: vegan butter (look for Earth Balance), non-dairy milk (try soymilk), and any egg replacer you’d like!
Not always! Some are healthy, like nuts and whole grains, while others, like cookies and chips, are more processed. It’s best to check labels and enjoy treats in moderation. For a healthy diet, focus on whole plant foods like veggies and beans!
More Super Helpful Vegan Guides
Movie night, anyone? Queue up one of these life-changing documentaries to watch as you enjoy these treats. Every film on the list is a must-see, truly.
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