Is Cheddar Bunnies Original Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the source of flavors, not just the marketing claims. When analyzing the ingredient list for Cheddar Bunnies Original, the verdict is clear: these crackers are dairy-based through and through. Here is why they fail the vegan test.

The primary flag is the organic cheddar cheese. This is not a plant-based seasoning; it is actual cheese made from pasteurized organic milk. In the world of veganism, any ingredient derived from animal milk immediately disqualifies a product. To make matters more complicated for strict vegans, the list also includes cultured organic milk and organic nonfat dry milk. These ingredients are used to boost the savory, creamy flavor profile and ensure the texture is rich rather than dry.

There is also a technicality regarding enzymes. The label lists enzymes and non-animal enzymes. Historically, cheese enzymes (rennet) came from animal stomachs, but modern cheese making often uses microbial or fungal sources. While the 'non-animal' designation is promising for those avoiding animal slaughter, the presence of actual milk products makes the enzyme source irrelevant for a vegan diet.

Finally, while the organic wheat flour makes these safe for vegetarians, it confirms they are not gluten-free. For vegans, the combination of wheat and dairy is a double restriction, but the dairy is the dealbreaker here.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Cheddar Bunnies Original are a calorie-dense snack, typical of baked crackers. A standard serving contains roughly 140 calories, with a significant portion coming from organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil. While 'expeller-pressed' sounds healthy, it is still a concentrated source of fat, contributing to the flaky texture.

The sodium content is moderate (around 200mg per serving), which is reasonable for a savory snack but can add up if you eat the whole bag. Interestingly, unlike many flavored crackers, these contain 0g of added sugar. This is a major plus, as it keeps the glycemic load low. However, because they are made of refined organic wheat flour, they digest quickly and lack significant fiber, meaning they won't keep you full for long. If you are on a calorie-controlled diet, these are easy to overeat because they are small and light.