Is S’MORES Rice Cakes Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and go straight to the label. The base of these rice cakes is excellent for vegans. It consists of White Rice Flour, Corn Flour, and Tapioca Starch. These are all purely plant-derived carbohydrates, providing that classic airy crunch without any animal involvement.

However, the sticking point is the Cane Sugar. In the United States, a significant portion of refined cane sugar is processed using bone char—charred animal bones—to bleach the sugar white. Unless the manufacturer explicitly states that their sugar is organic or specifically vegan-friendly, it is technically processed with an animal byproduct. Additionally, the Natural Flavors are a proprietary blend. While they likely derive from plants to mimic a s'mores profile, manufacturers are not required to disclose if these flavors originate from dairy or animal sources.

On the positive side, the fats and superfoods are clean. Palm Kernel Oil and Sunflower Oil are plant-based, though ethical vegans may want to research the brand's palm oil sourcing. The inclusion of Whole Quinoa, Chia, and Flax adds a nice nutritional boost. There are no direct dairy derivatives listed, such as whey or casein.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these rice cakes are a calorie-conscious snack, with a single serving usually falling between 100-120 calories. The fat content is relatively low, coming primarily from the Palm Kernel Oil and Sunflower Oil, which keeps the texture pleasant without spiking saturated fat levels significantly.

The main concern regarding health is the sugar content. Between the Cane Sugar and Molasses Powder, these cakes have a sweet profile that can spike blood glucose levels. While they are a better alternative to a candy bar due to the presence of fiber from the chia and flax, they should be eaten in moderation. They fit well into a low-fat diet but are not ideal for a low-sugar regimen.