Vegan junk food is making waves in the way we think about treats. It’s a group of foods that, while not the healthiest choice, don’t involve any animal products. For folks transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, or just those who want to eat more ethically, these snacks can be a lifesaver.
There’s a clear line between vegan junk food and the plant-based options packed with nutrients and considered healthy. While a kale salad offers vitamins and fiber, a bag of vegan cookies hits the sweet-tooth spot without worrying about animal ingredients. It’s about choice and balance in your diet.
Many people choose vegan junk foods as a way to stick to ethical values without feeling deprived. This isn’t about going full “health nut”; it’s about tasting something delicious and familiar while standing by your ethical beliefs. Prioritizing animal welfare can take precedence, even when indulging.
Vegan junk food can also make dietary shifts less intimidating. For those making the leap into veganism, having comfort foods like dairy-free ice cream or vegan nachos can provide a sense of normalcy, ensuring your journey is both satisfying and cruelty-free.
Top Vegan Junk Foods You Can Enjoy Guilt-Free
Here’s where vegan junk food really shines—providing the experience of indulgence without any of the animal-related guilt. A classic example? Oreos! That’s right, these iconic cookies come with zero dairy or eggs. Sweet, crunchy, and they even go great with a splash of almond milk.
Potato chips are another go-to. Many varieties naturally fit the vegan bill, offering that salty, crinkly satisfaction. And let’s not forget dairy-free ice cream, which has exploded with options. Whether it’s coconut-based or almond-based, there’s a flavor for every taste bud out there.
Now, while these tasty options don’t involve animal products, they’re still ‘junk food’. That means moderation is key. They might be vegan, but they’re not necessarily nutrient-rich, so enjoy them occasionally, not as a daily staple.
Having these snacks on hand can supercharge a plant-based lifestyle, letting you treat yourself without compromising your values. The idea is to find a happy medium where you still check off boxes for both taste and ethics. A little bit of planning makes it all possible.
When indulging, remember the emotional perks too. Treats that remind you of old favorites can genuinely lift your spirits, reinforcing that a vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up on joyfully munching down your beloved snacks.
Pros & Cons: A List of 20 Vegan “Junk Foods”
1. Oreos
Pros: Oreos are a classic, accidentally vegan snack that can satisfy any sweet craving. They’re widely available and come in various flavors, offering a lot of variety.
Cons: Although vegan, Oreos are still a processed snack loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, and palm oil, which some avoid due to environmental concerns. They’re best enjoyed in moderation.
2. Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Ice Cream
Pros: Ben & Jerry’s offers creamy, rich non-dairy flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter & Cookies that are almost indistinguishable from dairy-based ice cream. Perfect for vegans craving an indulgent dessert.
Cons: It’s a premium product, so it’s a bit pricey, and it’s high in sugars and fats. As a frozen treat, it’s not ideal for those watching their caloric intake or sugar levels.
3. Beyond or Impossible Meat Burgers
Pros: Beyond Burgers are meaty, juicy, and highly satisfying, making them a top choice for people transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. High in protein, they make a solid meal substitute.
Cons: They’re processed and can be high in saturated fat and sodium, which might be a downside for health-conscious vegans. They’re also not the cheapest option, especially compared to traditional veggie burgers.
4. Amy’s Vegan Margherita Pizza
Pros: Amy’s makes a delicious vegan pizza that’s easy to heat and enjoy right from the freezer, with a great combination of vegan cheese and tomato sauce.
Cons: Like most frozen pizzas, it’s relatively high in sodium and doesn’t offer much fiber or fresh ingredients. Also, it’s smaller than a typical pizza, so it might not feel like a full meal for some.
5. Daiya Cheezy Mac
Pros: Daiya’s Cheezy Mac is creamy and comforting, and it’s free of dairy and gluten, making it accessible to those with multiple dietary restrictions. It’s also quick and easy to prepare.
Cons: It has a processed flavor that not everyone enjoys, and it’s high in sodium and fats. It also lacks the nutritional value of homemade vegan mac and cheese, which might have added veggies or legumes.
6. Hippeas Chickpea Puffs
Pros: Hippeas are a lighter, crunchy snack with a “cheesy” flavor that’s achieved with vegan seasonings. They’re higher in protein and fiber than many snack options thanks to the chickpea base.
Cons: Though healthier than traditional cheese puffs, they still contain added oils and aren’t as filling as whole-food snacks. Some people also find the serving size small for the price.
7. So Delicious Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches
Pros: These mini ice cream sandwiches are a perfect portion-controlled dessert. They come in tasty coconut or almond milk versions and are widely available in mainstream grocery stores.
Cons: They’re small, so it’s easy to eat more than one! Some varieties contain added sugars and oils, and the calorie count can add up quickly with multiple servings.
8. Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Filet
Pros: Gardein’s “chicken” filets have a crispy, flavorful breading that mimics fried chicken, making them a great option for nostalgic comfort food.
Cons: They’re processed and can be high in sodium and fats, so they’re not as healthy as a home-cooked meal. They’re also more expensive than some other vegan “chicken” products.
9. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
Pros: Cinnamon Toast Crunch has a sweet, nostalgic flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s readily available, making it an easy find for vegan-friendly breakfast or snack.
Cons: It’s high in sugar and offers little nutritional value, so it’s more of a treat than a nutritious breakfast. Some vegans avoid it because it contains vitamin D3, which may be animal-derived.
10. Takis (Fuego Flavor)
Pros: Takis are crunchy, spicy, and intensely flavored, ideal for those who love a bold, savory snack. Their “Fuego” flavor is vegan, so they’re a fun treat without animal-derived ingredients.
Cons: They’re highly processed, with lots of artificial flavors and colors, and can be harsh on sensitive stomachs due to the spice level and acidity. They’re also low in nutritional value.
11. Pop-Tarts (Unfrosted Strawberry)
Pros: Pop-Tarts are a nostalgic, portable snack that’s easy to find and quick to eat, perfect for busy days or as a sweet breakfast treat.
Cons: They’re high in sugar and low in nutrients, plus they’re processed with artificial ingredients. Only the unfrosted varieties are vegan, so flavor choices are limited.
12. Sweet Earth’s Big Sur Breakfast Burrito
Pros: This frozen burrito is hearty and packed with plant-based protein from tofu and beans, making it a filling breakfast or snack option.
Cons: Like other frozen foods, it can be high in sodium. Some people find it needs added seasoning to enhance the flavor, and the price is a bit higher than homemade options.
13. Impossible Nuggets
Pros: These nuggets have a crispy exterior and a tender, meaty inside that closely resembles traditional chicken nuggets. They’re a hit among both vegans and non-vegans.
Cons: They’re relatively high in fat and sodium, and they can be costly compared to regular nuggets. They’re also highly processed, so they’re better as an occasional treat.
14. Trader Joe’s Porkless Pork Rinds
Pros: These crunchy snacks are low in fat and high in flavor, capturing the essence of pork rinds without animal products. They’re light yet satisfying.
Cons: They’re processed and flavored with seasonings, so they’re not a whole-food snack. Some people find the texture doesn’t exactly match pork rinds, though they’re tasty in their own right.
15. Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies
Pros: Enjoy Life cookies are allergy-friendly, free from dairy, eggs, and gluten. They’re soft, chewy, and come in flavors like Double Chocolate and Snickerdoodle.
Cons: They’re high in sugar and low in fiber, so they’re best as an occasional treat. The cookies are also small, which may lead to eating multiple servings in one go.
16. Kettle Brand Potato Chips (Sea Salt & Vinegar)
Pros: These kettle-cooked chips have a deliciously tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch. They’re widely available and make a great option for savory cravings.
Cons: Like most chips, they’re high in fats and sodium and not nutrient-dense. They’re not the healthiest vegan option and are better in moderation.
17. Skittles
Pros: Skittles are a chewy, fruity candy that’s widely accessible and vegan-friendly. They’re great for a quick, sweet fix.
Cons: Skittles are high in sugar and contain artificial colors and flavors, which aren’t ideal for those avoiding artificial ingredients. They’re low in nutritional value, so they’re definitely a treat.
18. Field Roast Mini Corn Dogs
Pros: These vegan corn dogs offer a nostalgic taste in a bite-sized form, with a surprisingly realistic texture and flavor.
Cons: They’re high in fats and sodium, and being processed, they don’t offer much nutrition. They’re also pricier than non-vegan corn dogs, so they’re better as a treat.
19. Annie’s Organic Vegan Mac
Pros: This dairy-free mac and cheese offers a convenient comfort food option with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Cons: Though it’s labeled “organic,” it’s still a processed product and doesn’t contain the nutrient profile of a homemade version. It’s high in sodium, and some people find the flavor a bit mild without added seasoning.
20. Violife Just Like Cheddar Slices
Pros: These cheddar-style slices are creamy, flavorful, and melt well, making them ideal for sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese.
Cons: They’re made with coconut oil and are high in saturated fat. They’re also more processed and more expensive than regular cheese slices, so they’re best as an occasional indulgence.