Is Twisted Bread Sticks Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the formulation of products to determine their suitability for specific diets. The base dough of the Twisted Bread Stick is largely plant-derived, consisting of enriched flour, water, and yeast. However, the vegan status of a product is usually determined by the toppings and flavorings added at the end of the manufacturing process.

The primary reason these bread sticks fail the vegan test is the Dried Parmesan Cheese. Parmesan is a hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is strictly an animal product. Furthermore, the ingredient list explicitly calls out Butter (Cream, Salt). Butter is a dairy product churned from milk fat.

There are also subtle ingredients to watch out for. The Natural Flavor listed in the seasoning can sometimes be a gray area, but in this context, it is likely paired with the dairy to enhance the savory profile. Additionally, the use of Enriched Flour is standard, but it is worth noting that while the product contains wheat gluten, that is a plant protein and safe for vegans (though not for those with Celiac disease).

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these bread sticks are a source of refined carbohydrates and added fats. The inclusion of Interesterified Soybean Oil provides the texture and mouthfeel, but it is a processed fat. The calorie count is moderate for a side item, but the sodium content is significant due to the salt, cheese, and garlic seasonings.

Because they contain dairy (butter and cheese), they are higher in saturated fats than a strictly plant-based bread stick would be. If you are monitoring your cholesterol or saturated fat intake, these are not the ideal choice. They fit into a diet as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple.