Is Pace dips medium picante Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is vegan, the devil is often in the details—specifically in the ambiguous terms like "natural flavoring." However, for Pace Medium Picante Dip, the ingredient list is surprisingly straightforward. The base consists of crushed tomatoes (water and tomato concentrate), water, and jalapeno peppers. These are all unequivocally plant-based.

The acidity comes from distilled vinegar, and the savory depth is provided by onions, dehydrated onions, and garlic. The only ingredient that usually raises questions is natural flavoring. In savory dips, natural flavoring is typically a proprietary blend of vegetable extracts and spices to enhance the umami profile. Unlike sweet desserts where natural flavoring might hide vanilla derived from beaver castor glands (rare but possible) or dairy, it is highly unlikely here. Given the absence of any dairy flags (like whey, casein, or lactose) in the ingredient statement, the natural flavoring used in this specific Pace product is plant-derived.

Nutritional Value

While being vegan is a great start, the nutritional profile is the next logical step. Pace Medium Picante Dip is low in calories, making it a relatively guilt-free addition to your snack rotation. A standard serving contains minimal fat—almost negligible—since it is a water-and-tomato-based product. The sodium content is the primary nutritional watch-out, as is common with shelf-stable sauces and dips. It contains a moderate amount of sugar, but this is naturally occurring from the tomatoes and onions rather than added refined sugar. It fits well into a low-fat or calorie-controlled diet, provided you monitor your overall sodium intake for the day.