Is 90 second rice roasted chicken Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating whether a processed food fits a vegan lifestyle, the devil is always in the details—specifically, the seasoning blend. The primary base of this product is simply water and parboiled long grain rice, both of which are inherently plant-based. However, the flavor comes from a complex Seasoning Blend that contains the deal-breakers.

The most obvious red flag is the inclusion of chicken fat. This is a direct animal byproduct derived from poultry. Even in small quantities, chicken fat renders the product non-vegan and non-vegetarian. Additionally, the blend contains yeast extract. While yeast is a fungus and technically acceptable to many vegans, in the context of a "roasted chicken" flavor, yeast extract is often used to replicate the savory, umami notes of meat. It is frequently processed using animal-derived nutrients, though the yeast itself is the primary concern for strict vegans due to the ambiguity of its processing in savory applications.

Finally, the presence of natural onion extract and natural garlic extract serves to round out the savory profile, but they do not negate the presence of the chicken fat. The combination of these extracts with animal fat creates a flavor profile that is distinctly non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is a source of quick carbohydrates. The base is parboiled long grain rice, which provides energy, though it is lower in fiber than brown rice varieties. The sunflower oil adds a modest amount of fat, which is necessary for carrying the fat-soluble flavors from the spices.

The seasoning blend contains sugar and salt, which are standard in processed foods to enhance palatability. While the calorie count for a single serving of 90-second rice is generally moderate (often between 160-200 calories per cup), the sodium content can be significant due to the salt and extracts. It is a convenient energy source but lacks the protein and fiber density required for a truly satiating meal without the addition of other ingredients.