Is Sweet Chili Brown Rice Crisps Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at ingredients through a microscope to see what's really inside the package. The base of these crisps is excellent for a plant-based diet. You have whole grain brown rice flour, whole grain corn, and a variety of seeds like golden flaxseed, brown flaxseed, and chia seeds. These are all nutrient-dense, plant-based ingredients. The oils used—sunflower, safflower, and/or canola oil—are also 100% vegan.

However, the 'Sweet Chili Seasoning' is where things get murky. The primary flag here 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 specifies 'organic' or 'unrefined' cane sugar, a strict vegan might avoid it. Additionally, the natural flavor is a gray area. While usually plant-derived, natural flavors can technically contain animal derivatives depending on the manufacturer's proprietary formula. Finally, caramel color is generally vegan, but it is often a source of confusion; it is simply burnt sugar, though rarely it can be processed with animal products, though this is less common.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crisps are a mixed bag. On the positive side, they offer a decent amount of fiber and whole grains thanks to the brown rice flour, quinoa, and oat fiber. This helps with satiety and digestion. However, the cane sugar and maltodextrin (a highly processed carbohydrate) spike the glycemic load. If you are managing blood sugar levels or on a low-carb diet, these might not be the best choice. The fat content is relatively low and comes from expeller-pressed oils, which is a plus compared to hydrogenated oils, but the calorie count can add up quickly if you mindlessly snack on the whole bag.