39 accidentally vegan snacks you can find almost anywhere

A roundup of popular “accidentally vegan” snacks, from chips to cookies to candy, that are widely available across the US – and other parts of the world too!

Snacks are truly a godsend – they’ll get you through a busy work week, a cram session in a dimly lit library basement, or even that colossal breakup that leaves you ugly-crying in the same sad spot, searching for something to eat your woes away.

Luckily, plenty of companies have been making accidentally vegan snacks for years, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite go-to treats you can find practically anywhere. Bookmark this list for your next road trip in the middle of nowhere, movie night snack run, or any tough moment that calls for a little sweet or salty comfort.

What does ‘accidentally vegan’ mean?

In a nutshell, if a product is accidentally vegan, it means the manufacturer didn’t intentionally set out to make it vegan, but the ingredients list just happens to be completely free of animal-derived ingredients. Snacks like potato chips, cookies, crackers, and candy can be accidentally vegan.

The best accidentally vegan snacks

Here, we’ve included a mix of our favourite accidentally vegan snacks – from Oreos to Pop-Tarts to Doritos and beyond. Ready to get snacking? These bites can be found at most grocery stories, gas stations, big box stores, and drug stores. Let’s dig in.

1. Pringles

Pringles have long been a firm favourite in the snacking game thanks to their stackable design and range of addictive flavours. While most Pringle varieties contain dairy, the Originals are vegan. Enjoy them as they are or mix them with your favorite homemade dip – we love this vegan garlicky chickpea avocado hummus or this garlic herbed three-bean dip.

2. Takis

A popular American snack with Mexican roots, Takis are known for their intense crunch and fiery spice. Some flavors contain dairy, but varieties like Fuego are vegan-friendly.

3. Doritos

Doritos are loved all over the US (and indeed, the world). While many varieties contain dairy, the Spicy Sweet Chili flavour is vegan, offering a nice balance of heat and sweetness.

4. Fritos

A classic since the 1930s, Fritos are one of the simplest chip options on the market – made with just corn, oil, and salt. The mild, slightly nutty flavour of its Original flavor (which is vegan) makes it the perfect canvas for a variety of dips, from creamy guacamole and hummus to spicy salsa and queso (which you can make with plants). Whether enjoyed straight from the bag, sprinkled over chili, or used in a classic Frito pie, these chips continue to stand the test of time as a go-to salty snack.

5. Ruffles

If you prefer a ridged chip, Ruffles is likely already a go-to. This popular brand has been supplying Americans with lots of thick-cut, crunchy goodness for decades. While many flavours include dairy, the Original variety is vegan.

6. Lay’s

Lay’s is one of the biggest names in the chip world. The brand – known for its distinctly thin, crispy, salty chips – has many different flavours, but you can always count on the Classic variety if you want a quick vegan snack. Other vegan-friendly options include Salt & Vinegar and BBQ, too.

7. Kettle Chips

Kettle Chips are a household favourite around the world. While not all flavours are vegan, the brand offers several accidentally vegan options, including Sea Salt, Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper and Backyard Barbecue.

8. Great Lakes Potato Chips

With a crunch that’s similar to Kettle Chips, these Great Lakes Potato Chips are made with Michigan potatoes and come in a range of delicious, vegan-friendly flavours. In fact, even the Parmesan Ranch Style and Wisconsin Cheddar & Sea Salt Style are made without dairy. Find them sold in the six Great Lakes states and available online in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

9. Snyder’s of Hanover Jalapeño Pretzel Pieces

Jalapeño-flavoured anything is sure to have us fired up, but jalapeño-flavored pretzels? Next level. Snyder’s Pretzel Sticks in Oat Bran and Pumpernickel & Onion are also vegan-friendly.

10. Cracker Jack Caramel Popcorn and Peanuts

Cracker Jack Caramel Popcorn and Peanuts is the perfect mix of crunchy, caramel, sweet, and salty – they’re the ultimate movie night snack.

11. Traditional Chex Mix

Whether you’re hosting a party or just chilling out on the couch, a bowl of Chex Mix is the ideal savoury snack. Good news: the traditional flavour is vegan.

12. Wise Onion Rings

Sometimes crispy, crunchy snacks like these hide milk in the ingredients, but not Wise Onion Rings. So go ahead and munch away.

13. Buldak Ramen

In the mood for a late-night ramen fix? Buldak has several vegan-friendly flavours, including Original Spicy, 2X Spicy, and Habanero Lime. Skip the Carbonara, however, as that contains dairy.

14. McCormick Bac’n Pieces

Yup, we’re thrilled to share that McCormick’s Bac’n Pieces contain no real bacon. Sprinkle them over a salad for a savoury crunch, or better yet, enjoy them straight from the jar.

15. Oreos

Oreos are one of the most popular snacks in the US. In fact, research suggests that in 2020, they were consumed by more than 71 million Americans. These sweet, chocolatey favourites are vegan, as the recipe is made without eggs or dairy. We recommend enjoying them with a nice chilled glass of dairy-free milk.

16. Pop-Tarts

Developed in 1964, Pop-Tarts have long been a nostalgic breakfast treat for millions of Americans. While frosted varieties contain gelatin, the Unfrosted flavours (Strawberry, Blueberry, and Brown Sugar Cinnamon) are vegan.

17. Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

Enjoyed in a cookie or straight out of the bag, Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips pack that cult-classic, nutty flavour reminiscent of the brand’s PB cups. Reformulated without dairy ingredients, this pantry must-have is perfect for baking or snacking.

18. Lotus Biscoff Cookies

Originally created in Belgium in 1932, these vegan-friendly spiced caramelized biscuits are now popular all over the world, including the US. Known for their warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon and brown sugar, they have a crisp and crunchy texture that makes them irresistibly satisfying. Their deep, caramelized flavour pairs exceptionally well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

19. Nutter Butter Cookies

Shaped like peanuts with the same creamy, peanut butter taste, and accidentally vegan? We recommend taking a whole case, just so there is always enough to share.

20. Ritz Crackers

Ritz crackers may be famous for their rich, buttery taste, but surprisingly, there’s no dairy in the recipe. Instead, their signature light, flaky texture comes from a blend of vegetable oils, making them a completely vegan-friendly snack. These classic crackers have a slightly salty, melt-in-your-mouth quality and are delicious paired with vegan cheese, dipped into hummus, spread with peanut butter, or enjoyed straight from the box.

21. Smucker’s Uncrustables

You can expect to find these peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the frozen aisle, and the Grape Jelly and Strawberry Jam flavours are vegan. We’re packing them for our next picnic.

22. Teddy Grahams

These tasty, crunchy bear-shaped snacks are great for kids and nostalgic adults alike. Most flavours are vegan; just keep an eye out for honey on the ingredients list.

23. Clif Bars

A quintessential snack to take for strenuous outdoor activities, every flavour is vegan except for Mini Blueberry Crisp.

24. Ritter Sport

Today, Ritter Sport makes a number of vegan chocolate bars in an array of delicious flavours. While these bars are intentionally made with plant-based ingredients, long before these options, Ritter Sport offered accidentally vegans bars such as Roasted Peanut, Dark Chocolate, and Marzipan.

25. Lindt Dark Chocolate

Swiss chocolatier Lindt, which is known for its smooth, rich chocolate, has many vegan options. The brand now offers a range of creamy indulgent oat milk truffles and chocolate bars, but plenty of its dark chocolate bars have long been dairy-free. These plant-based treats deliver the same velvety texture and deep cocoa flavour that Lindt is known for, perfect for anyone seeking a delicious, dairy-free chocolate option.

26. Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup

Yep, this indulgent, rich chocolate syrup from Hershey’s is actually totally vegan. Slather it on pancakes, popcorn, waffles, fruit, and anything else your heart desires.

27. Sour Patch Kids

Yep, this popular chewy, soft candy from your childhood is actually gelatin-free, unlike many similar candy gummies on the market. Many flavours are vegan, including the classic kids and beloved Sour Patch Watermelon.

28. Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies

In 2024, former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal teamed up with Hershey to launch his own gummy candies. If you’ve been curious to try them, good news: the Original gummies (shaped like O’Neal’s own head) are accidentally vegan, and so are the sour gummies.

29. Haribo Sour S’ghetti

It’s often a search to find a gummy candy that has no gelatin. Most Haribo candies, in particular, aren’t vegan. But don’t despair if these were your childhood faves, because there are a few gelatin-free options, including Pasta Penne.

30. Swedish Fish

Another brand to look out for when you’re on a mission to find gelatin-free candy is Swedish Fish. Yep, this popular candy might be fish-shaped, but it is actually 100 percent animal-free.

31. Fruit by the Foot

Introduced in 1991, the fruity snack was like childhood currency at lunchtime and on playgrounds. If you miss the taste, go and grab yourself a pack, because it’s totally vegan.

32. Airheads

If you were a taffy fan when you were younger, we have some great news: Airheads are free of animal ingredients. Chewy and fruity, they’re an ideal road trip snack.

33. Nerds

We’re not done with the nostalgic candy favourites yet! Remember Nerds? These tangy, sweet little bites make the perfect vegan movie night treat.

34. Twizzlers

Another nostalgic candy classic, Twizzlers are delightfully chewy, bursting with fruity flavour, and just plain fun to eat. Best of all, the ingredients list is animal product-free.

35. Hubba Bubba

Let this be your sign to pick up some bubble gum tape again. Hubba Bubba is vegan and every bit as fun to chew as you remember.

36. Smarties

If you used to love adorning yourself with Smarties candy necklaces, bracelets, and rings as a kid, we have great news: this sweet-tart candy is totally vegan. Nostalgia lane, here you come.

37. Chick-O-Sticks

Chick-O-Sticks may sound like frozen breaded chicken, but they’re actually small, individually wrapped bites of peanut and coconut candy – completely free of all animal-derived ingredients.

38. Smuckers Marshmallow Topping

Scoop it from the jar, spread it on a sandwich, or dollop it over brownies. The possibilities are endless with Smucker’s Marshmallow Topping, which is 100 percent vegan.