Is Classic Original & Sour Cream & Onion Potato Crisps Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product isn't vegan, we must look past the base ingredients like Dried Potatoes and Tapioca Starch. While these are plant-derived, the flavor profile relies heavily on animal by-products. The primary culprit is the Sour Cream & Onion Flavor blend listed in the ingredients.

Upon closer inspection, this flavoring contains Milk Solids, Sour Cream, and Butter. All three are direct dairy ingredients derived from cow's milk. Silicon Dioxide is also present here, but it is merely an anticaking agent and is generally considered vegan-safe; the dairy is the real issue.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Yeast Extract is worth noting. While yeast is a fungus and not an animal product, some strict vegans avoid it due to the manufacturing process or personal preference. However, in the context of this snack, the dairy ingredients are the definitive deal-breakers.

Nutritional Value

While these crisps are not suitable for vegans, they are technically gluten-free (assuming no cross-contamination), which is a plus for some. However, from a nutritional standpoint, they are a high-calorie, low-nutrient snack. The combination of RSPO Sustainable Palm Oil and Dried Potatoes creates a product high in saturated fats and carbohydrates.

The Sugar and Citric Acid content adds to the empty calorie count without providing significant vitamins or minerals. If you are looking for a snack that fits into a calorie-controlled diet, these crisps are not the ideal choice due to their density and lack of satiating fiber or protein.