Is Aged White Cheddar Puffs Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the label for Aged White Cheddar Puffs, the verdict is clear: these snacks rely heavily on dairy for their signature flavor profile. The base ingredients—corn meal and rice—are naturally plant-derived. However, the savory coating is where the vegan status is lost.

The primary culprit is the aged cheddar cheese. This ingredient is derived from cultured milk, salt, and enzymes (specifically rennet), making it an animal product. Further complicating the matter are the dairy byproducts listed: whey and buttermilk. Whey is a liquid remaining from the cheese-making process, and buttermilk is the cultured liquid left after churning butter. Both are strictly non-vegan.

Even the oils used, such as sunflower or canola oil, are plant-based, but they cannot offset the dairy content. Therefore, despite lacking meat, the presence of these milk derivatives classifies the product as vegetarian (lacto-vegetarian) at best, but definitely not vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Aged White Cheddar Puffs are a calorie-dense snack typical of the puffed category. They are low in fiber and protein but high in refined carbohydrates and fat. Because they are fried or baked with added oils, the fat content can be significant per serving.

While they provide quick energy due to the corn and rice base, they lack substantial micronutrients. The added cheese contributes some calcium, but it also brings saturated fat and sodium to the table. If you are monitoring your sodium intake or looking for a high-protein snack, these puffs do not fit the criteria for a health food.