Is avocado, cilantro & lime crackers Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed snack is vegan, we have to look beyond the obvious flavors. The base of the avocado, cilantro & lime crackers is Whole grain wheat, which is perfectly vegan. The fat source is canola oil, also plant-derived. However, the complexity arises with the flavoring agents.

The first flag is sugar. In many countries, particularly the United States, sugar is often processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to bleach it white. Unless the package specifies 'organic,' 'unrefined,' or 'cane sugar,' strict vegans typically avoid it.

The second, and more specific flag, is the natural flavor. The ingredient list explicitly notes that this natural flavor 'contains celery.' While celery is a vegetable, natural flavors are proprietary mixtures that can sometimes include animal-derived processing agents or carriers. Additionally, the distilled vinegar powder and lime juice powder are generally vegan, but the source of the 'natural flavor' remains the biggest variable.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crackers are a standard savory snack. The primary fat source is canola oil, which provides unsaturated fats but is calorie-dense. A standard serving will contribute a moderate amount of fat to your daily intake.

The sugar content is relatively low compared to sweet crackers, but it adds empty calories. The presence of dried jalapeno peppers and tomato powder adds a small amount of vitamin C and lycopene, but these crackers should be viewed as a treat rather than a significant source of nutrients. They fit into a balanced diet in moderation but are not a 'health food' due to the processed oils and sodium levels.