Is Turtles Baked Cheddar Snack Crackers Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the label, the classification of this product is straightforward due to two primary ingredients. The first and most obvious flag is the cheddar cheese. This is listed in two forms: standard cheddar cheese (made from pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes) and a secondary inclusion of cultured milk and enzymes. This ensures a potent cheese flavor but confirms the presence of animal products.

The second major flag is enriched flour. While flour itself is plant-derived, this specific type is derived from wheat. This makes the product unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance, though it does not affect the vegan status. However, it is worth noting that wheat is a common allergen.

There are also minor ingredients that strictly vegans often scrutinize. Yeast extract and autolyzed yeast extract are used as flavor enhancers. While these are generally considered vegan (they are a byproduct of brewing or fermentation), some strict vegans avoid them because the production process can sometimes involve animal products, though this is rare. The primary disqualifier remains the dairy content.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crackers are designed as a processed snack rather than a health food. They are calorie-dense, primarily due to the high oleic canola oil used to create the crispy texture. While canola oil is plant-based, the combination of refined oil and refined flour creates a product that is high in energy but low in satiating fiber or protein.

The sugar content is relatively low compared to sweet snacks, but it is present to balance the savory cheese flavors. The main concern for health-conscious consumers is the sodium level. Between the salt, the cheese, and the sodium sulfite (a preservative), the sodium content is significant. For those monitoring blood pressure or sodium intake, these crackers should be eaten in moderation. They fit into a standard diet as an occasional treat but do not offer substantial nutritional benefits.