Is Organic Crunchy Chickpeas Sea Salt Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a snack is truly vegan, we have to look beyond the main attraction—chickpeas—and scrutinize the additives and processing agents. In the case of Organic Crunchy Chickpeas Sea Salt, the formulation is surprisingly clean and straightforward.

The base ingredient is organic chickpeas, which are naturally vegan. These are roasted using organic expeller pressed canola and/or organic sunflower oil. Both of these oils are derived strictly from plants; there is no lard, butter, or dairy-based shortening used here. The use of "expeller pressed" indicates that the oil was extracted mechanically without chemical solvents, which is a plus for purity.

The flavor profile comes from sea salt and organic rosemary extract. While rosemary extract is primarily used as a natural antioxidant to keep the oils from going rancid, it also imparts a subtle, herbal note. It is entirely plant-based. Finally, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is added, likely to prevent oxidation and maintain the snack's crisp texture. This is a standard vegan additive found in everything from supplements to fruit snacks.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these chickpeas offer a solid balance of macronutrients. Because they are roasted, they are higher in fat than boiled chickpeas, but the fat comes from heart-healthier unsaturated sources like sunflower and canola oil. A standard serving usually contains between 120 to 140 calories, making them a moderate-calorie snack compared to potato chips.

They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which helps with satiety. Unlike many sweet snacks, the Sea Salt variety has negligible sugar content—usually less than 1 gram per serving. This makes them a great option for those watching their glycemic index or looking for a savory crunch without the sugar spike. However, the sodium content can be moderate due to the sea salt, so portion control is key for those on low-sodium diets.