Is Popped Crisps Kickin' Sweet Chili Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the source of ingredients, not just the name. The base of these crisps is excellent for a plant-based diet. You have pea protein and lentil flour, which provide a protein punch without animal involvement. The binding agents, potato starch and rice flour, are naturally vegan. The flavor profile comes from garlic powder, paprika, and spices, all of which are plant-derived.

The primary flag for strict vegans is the sugar. In the United States, many refined sugars are processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to bleach them white. Unless the brand explicitly states they use organic or unrefined sugar, there is a chance this ingredient is not vegan. Additionally, yeast extract is a flavor enhancer (often found in Marmite) that is always vegan, but it is sometimes confused with dairy derivatives by consumers.

Finally, the acidity regulator is white distilled vinegar, which is safe. The preservative lactic acid is often derived from fermentation of sugars or corn starch and is generally considered vegan, though historically it could be sourced from dairy. Based on the label, there are no direct animal products listed.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crisps are a mixed bag. The use of pea protein and lentil flour makes them a better option than traditional potato chips, offering roughly 4-5 grams of protein per serving. This helps with satiety. However, the sugar and stevia extract content drives up the sweet chili flavor, adding empty calories that don't contribute to nutrient density.

Regarding fat content, the use of sunflower oil keeps it free of cholesterol, but it is still a processed oil. If you are monitoring your caloric intake, the sugar content is the main concern here. It fits a 'flexible' diet but shouldn't be a staple if you are strictly watching added sugars.