Is Wheat Thins original Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the label. Wheat Thins original ingredients are: WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, CANOLA OIL, SUGAR, CORNSTARCH, MALT SYRUP (FROM CORN AND BARLEY), SALT, REFINER'S SYRUP, and LEAVENING (CALCIUM PHOSPHATE AND BAKING SODA).

The primary concern for vegans here is the SUGAR and REFINER'S SYRUP. In the United States, a significant portion of white sugar is processed using bone char—granular charcoal derived from animal bones—to filter and whiten the sugar. Because General Mills (the manufacturer) does not specify that they use organic or unrefined sugar, the sugar in Wheat Thins is likely not vegan.

Fortunately, the other ingredients are safe. CANOLA OIL is plant-derived. The LEAVENING agents are synthetic minerals. MALT SYRUP comes from barley (a grain), not animal sources. There are no milk derivatives (like whey or casein) present, making them dairy-free.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Wheat Thins are a source of complex carbohydrates due to the WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR. A standard serving (about 16 crackers) contains roughly 140 calories, with 20g of carbohydrates and 3g of protein.

However, the CANOLA OIL makes up a significant portion of the fat content (4g per serving), and the added sugars contribute to the overall calorie count without providing satiety. While they fit into a balanced diet as an occasional snack, they are calorie-dense for a cracker. If you are monitoring your sugar intake, be aware that the sweet taste comes from both SUGAR and REFINER'S SYRUP.