Are Original Pringles Vegan and Healthy?
Pringles – possibly the most popular potato chips in this category that garnered immediate attention owing to its unique chips case. Where other potato chips in the market were being sold in fluffy paper bags, this one came in a tube-like, re-sealable box.
It became an instant hit among the audience, both in terms of the different taste it offered as well as the different packaging. Now the oh-so-tasty and famous chips are being examined for their vegan status by, of course, the vegan community. Here we explore whether the original Pringles which was first launched is actually vegan.
What are Pringles?
Pringles was acquired by Kellogg’s – the cereal giant – and assumed the rank of being the “4th most popular snack product in the world!” that comes in the unique shape of a saddle.
This is purposely done so that the chips can be stacked one over the other in its tube case. Also, being packed so, it’s at minimal risk of breaking or damage during transit.
Are Pringles Vegan?
Yes! The Original Pringles are vegan as all the ingredients used in this flavor of Pringles are completely vegan-friendly. Among the other Pringles flavors, there are a few which are vegan and which are not. This you can find in the section below.
What Are Pringles Made Of?
Interestingly, despite Pringles claiming to be a potato-based snack, there’s just about 42% of real potato in the standard varieties of the chips. The snack is highly processed by blending together dried potato flakes, water and corn starch. All of these lend the snack its yummy flavor. The new potato paste is then molded into the shape of a chip (saddle-shaped) and deep fried in edible vegetable oil for final consumption.
Despite being sold in varied flavors today, the original Pringles is still the most popular. So, ‘Can vegans eat potato chips?’, lets learn it through the ingredients list.
Many potato chips contain E631 Flavor enhancer which is under scrutiny whether E631 is vegan or not. So, While purchasing potato chips, do look for E631 enhancer too in the ingredients. Many of the Lays potato chips products have this flavor enhancer. We have compared these two chips brands in our Lays vs Pringles article.
Pringles’ primary components consists of:
- Dried potatoes
- Vegetable oils (such as sunflower, maize, and/or soybean oil)
- Rice flour
- Wheat starch
- Maltodextrin
- Salt and dextrose
The particular components in Pringles, however, might vary based on the flavor. Sour Cream & Onion and Cheddar Cheese, for example, have milk and cheese components. Chicken or beef flavor may also be used in some flavors. To establish whether a given flavor of Pringles is good for a vegan or vegetarian diet, read the ingredients list and any allergy warnings on the container.
Vegan Pringles Flavors
Because the brand is available in numerous flavors in different countries, it may be hard to determine which flavors are vegan and which ones aren’t. To make things simpler for you, we’ve detailed the vegan flavors of Pringles so that vegans know which ones are still safe to munch on in snack time along with the other vegan snacks.
As mentioned earlier, only some of Pringles flavors are vegan-friendly. Here is the list of vegan varieties of Pringles.
1. Original Pringles
The Original flavor of Pringles is a timeless classic that is loved by many. These chips are made from dried potatoes, vegetable oils (such as sunflower, corn, and/or soybean oil), and salt.
The texture of the chips is crispy and crunchy, and the potato flavor is savory and satisfying. Since this flavor does not contain any animal-based ingredients, it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
2. Pringles® Wavy Classic Salted
Pringles Lightly Salted Original is a lower sodium option for those who want to reduce their salt intake. These chips contain the same ingredients as the Original flavor but with less salt. The chips still have the same crispy texture and savory potato flavor but with a milder saltiness.
3. Pringles Sriracha Asian Chili Sauce Potato Crisps
Flavor of Pringles is inspired by Asian cuisine and features a blend of chili and garlic flavors. The chips have a slightly sweet and tangy taste, followed by a kick of heat from the chili sauce. These chips are vegan-friendly and are a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
4. Pringles Wasabi & Soy Sauce Potato Crisps
The Wasabi & Soy Sauce flavor of Pringles is a unique and bold option. These chips have a savory and salty flavor with a distinctive kick of wasabi, which is a type of Japanese horseradish.
While the flavor may be too intense for some, those who enjoy strong and spicy flavors may appreciate the Wasabi & Soy Sauce chips. Like the other flavors mentioned, these chips are vegan-friendly.
Non-Vegan Pringles Varieties
1. Pringles® Screamin’ Dill Pickle
Unfortunately, this flavor of Pringles is not vegan-friendly. While the chips are made from dried potatoes and vegetable oils, they also contain natural flavors and lactose, which is a milk-based ingredient.
The lactose gives the chips a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the dill pickle seasoning. If you are following a vegan or dairy-free diet, it’s best to avoid this flavor.
2. Pringles® BBQ
Pringles BBQ chips are not vegan-friendly either. The seasoning contains natural flavors, which can sometimes be derived from animal sources, and milk-based ingredients such as whey protein concentrate and buttermilk.
These ingredients give the chips a smoky and savory flavor that is popular among BBQ lovers but may not be suitable for those on a vegan or dairy-free diet.
3. Pringles® Cheddar Cheese
Pringles Cheddar Cheese chips are not vegan-friendly due to the inclusion of milk-based ingredients such as whey protein concentrate and cheddar cheese powder.
These ingredients give the chips a cheesy and tangy flavor that many people enjoy, but they do make the chips unsuitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
4. Pringles® Cheddar & Sour Cream
Like the Cheddar Cheese flavor, Pringles Cheddar & Sour Cream chips are not vegan-friendly due to the inclusion of milk-based ingredients. In addition to cheddar cheese powder, these chips also contain sour cream powder, which adds a tangy flavor to the mix. While these chips may be a tasty snack for some, they are not suitable for those on a vegan or dairy-free diet.
5. Pringles® Baconator
Pringles Baconator chips are not vegan-friendly as they contain bacon seasoning, which includes real bacon. Additionally, the seasoning contains milk-based ingredients such as whey protein concentrate and buttermilk.
These chips are inspired by the Wendy’s Baconator sandwich and feature a combination of bacon, cheese, and beef flavors. While they may be a tempting treat for meat-eaters, they are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Conclusion
Pringles have a variety of flavors to suit a variety of tastes. However, not all Pringles flavors are suitable for vegans. Some flavors include animal-derived substances including milk, whey, and even bacon flavoring. As a result, it is critical to thoroughly read the ingredient list before purchasing or ingesting Pringles chips.
On the plus side, there are certain vegan-friendly Pringles flavors available that you may enjoy without jeopardizing your dietary preferences. Similar to pringles there are other snack brands who also have vegan and non-vegan flavors such as lays, takis, skinny pop, sun chips, and doritos. So, whether you’re a vegan or just searching for vegan snack ideas, be sure you pick the proper flavors.
The conclusion did not include if they were actually healthy or not, just vegan or not…