Cravings for salty and sweet treats are common. Fortunately, vegan junk food snacks can help you tame those cravings without guilt or animal ingredients. When cheeseburgers and salty potato chips don’t fit into your vegan lifestyle, don’t be discouraged. There are an array of plant-based snack options that offer just as much satisfaction as their non-vegan counterparts.
1. Chips
Who doesn’t love a good salty chip every once in a while? Well, if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, there are plenty of options out there that you can enjoy without compromising your dietary restrictions. From BBQ-flavored chips to sour cream and onion chips, let’s explore some of the best vegan junk food snacks you can buy and eat.
2. Popcorn
Popcorn is a great source of vegan snacks. It’s a non-starchy whole grain that is low in calories and fat, but high in fiber. It comes in a variety of flavors and can be bought from most grocery stores. There are many types of vegan popcorn brands on the market today, including Hullabaloo’s, BoomChickaPop, Smartfood Popcorn, Kettle Brand Popcorn, and Pirate’s Booty Popcorn.
For those looking for homemade flavor without any added fats or sugars, air-popped popcorn is an excellent option as it contains only natural flavors and is much healthier than its oil-popped counterpart. If you do opt for oils, try to use healthy oils such as olive oil for healthier options! Flavors for popcorn range from seasoned sea salt to flavorful pumpkin spice blends; whatever your preference maybe there are plenty of vegan popcorn choices available to suit your taste buds!
3. Kettle-Style Chips
Kettle-style chips are made from potatoes that are sliced thicker than regular potato chips. The potatoes are boiled in oil, creating an unmistakable crunch, and a chip with a unique flavor. Many kettle-style chips contain a smaller amount of oil compared to other varieties and have little to no trans fats, making them an ideal vegan snack. They often come in flavors like classic salt and vinegar or sour cream and onion – perfect for your next snack attack.
These snacks come in pre-packaged sizes from micro bags to XXL size bags. You can also find gourmet versions that are lightly seasoned with natural herbs and spices – like rosemary, dill, sea salt, or chili pepper – offering a delicious way to satisfy your inner cravings. Additionally, many brands produce organic variety packs of their products so you can enjoy guilt-free deliciousness in one convenient purchase!
4. Pita Chips
Pita chips offer a guilt-free, no-mess pleasure and taste amazing with a variety of dips or sauces. They are crunchy, light, and rich in flavor. Usually made from plain, sliced, or whole pita bread, these vegan chips come in different flavors such as pesto, Italian herbs, jalapeno, garlic, and onion. Most types of pita chips are low in saturated fat and are trans-fat-free snacks.
5. Tortilla chips
If you were wondering are tortilla chips vegan, we’ve got some good news. Whether you’re looking for a savory afternoon snack or a salty treat to accompany your favorite dip, tortilla chips offer the perfect crunchy, savory snacking experience.
These corn-based snacks come in a variety of flavors and styles with options available to suit every palate. Popular options range from traditional yellow corn chips to blue corn chips with unique flavors such as jalapeno and lime. It’s also easy to find an assortment of flavored tortilla chips that add an extra layer of flavor to snack time. Many popular brands now offer vegan-friendly varieties that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives for the health-conscious consumer.
6. Cookies
Cookies are a great way to satisfy sweet cravings, and vegan cookies are perfect for people looking for tasty snacks with fewer or no animal products. Commercial vegan cookies can be found at most grocery stores, health food stores, or online.
Many of these varieties come in a variety of package sizes, so you can find the right amount that meets your needs. Additionally, these bags are often comprised of smaller servings—perfect for single-serving snacking cravings. Another helpful tip is to look at the ingredients label to make sure any additional ingredients adhere to your dietary preferences.
7. Ice Cream
This is the classic summertime treat, and now vegans can fully enjoy the frozen dessert too! There are a variety of ice creams available on the market that are made with plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, oat, or coconut. Some brands even use vegan cashew milk to create delicious treats. If you’re looking for richer flavors and textures similar to traditional ice cream made with dairy products, look for brands that use coconut cream or nut-based ingredients.
8. Fries
Vegan “fries” are usually made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, or their combination. They may also contain legumes such as beans and lentils as well as spices. All kinds of fries make a great substitute for regular fried potatoes and can be served either with regular dips or vegan versions.
They can be found in most grocery stores and supermarkets, but you should always check the ingredients on the packaging to make sure they’re suitable for your lifestyle.
9. Granola
Granola is a favorite among vegan snack mix eaters. In general, granola is made of clusters of grains that are combined with nuts and seeds, then baked until the mixture is lightly toasted. Many commercial granolas contain honey, so be sure to check the ingredients if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly snack.
There are several varieties of granola on the market, such as gluten-free and whole-grain varieties. Some brands even offer flavor variations such as apple cinnamon, almond raisin, and chocolate chip. Granola can be served as cereal with milk or eaten alone as a crunchy snack — perfect for those times when you need something light but satisfying. Plus, it’s an easy on-the-go option too!
Conclusion
For people looking for food that’s delicious and unhealthy (but still vegan), there are so many options these days. Whether you’re looking for chips and dip, vegan hot dogs, ice cream treats, or other flavorful goodies, there’s something out there for everyone. Just be sure to read the labels of any items you buy — some products may contain hidden dairy or eggs — and check online if you’re unsure about something.
