Are Tortilla Chips Vegan?
Tortilla chips require simple, plant-based ingredients: ‘masa harina’ (a type of finely ground corn flour), oil, water, and salt. Sometimes, potentially non-vegan seasonings are added, or tortillas are prepared with lard instead of oil. This means not all tortilla chips are vegan, but most sold at supermarkets and restaurants today are suitable for the plant-based or vegan diet.
Ingredients To Avoid
Cheese powders: Some store-bought tortilla chips have added ‘cheese’ flavor, which may or may not be dairy-based. Alternatively, this flavor could be mimicked using nutritional yeast.
Ranch powders: ‘Ranch-flavored’ tortilla chips are sometimes vegan, although they are mostly dairy-based. Check the label for “Contains: milk” to make sure.
Lard: Although it’s no longer the norm due to health concerns, some restaurants do continue to use animal fat to prepare their tortillas and tortilla chips.
Artificial colorants or flavors: These ingredients may be frequently tested on animals, so you may prefer to avoid them for ethical reasons.
Store-Bought Vegan Tortilla Chips
Now that you know what to look out for, keep reading to discover your new favorite 100% vegan tortilla chips!
Siete Grain Free Squeeze of Lime Tortilla Chips
Although these tortilla chips are not traditional, since they’re made with cassava and coconut flour instead of corn, Siete’s grain free chips are a great option for those avoiding grains. Plus, their light, crunchy texture is perfect for dipping into some guacamole or salsa!
Late July Snacks Summertime Blues Multigrain Tortilla Chips
For tortilla chips that provide more than just crunch, check out Late July’s multigrain tortilla chips! Their vegan flavors include Red Hot Mojo, Summertime Blues, Sub-Lime, Sweet Potato, and Sea Salt. We love their blue corn tortilla chips, which include all-organic and nutrient-dense ingredients like blue corn, brown rice, chia seeds, millet, quinoa, and amaranth!
Garden of Eatin’ Red Hot Blues Corn Tortilla Chips
Also made with organic blue corn, but with an extra kick, we have Garden of Eatin’s spicy ‘Red Hot Blues’ tortilla chips! Although they’re delicious on their own, you can also go ahead and pair them with your favorite Mexican sauce or dip.
El Sabroso Restaurant-Style Tortilla Chips
Another widely-available and traditional option, El Sabroso’s products are not all vegan-friendly, but these crunchy and delicious chips totally are! Other products of theirs that are suitable for vegans include their Salsitas, Taco-Litos, and White Strips Tortilla Chips. Just keep in mind they’re all manufactured in a facility that also processes milk, in case you’re allergic!
Beanfields Spicy Queso Bean Chips
Although not exactly tortilla chips but rather bean chips, this high-protein (4g per serving) and lower-calorie snack is a super smart option for dipping into your guac/pico de gallo, or enjoying on its own. And guess what! All of Beanfields’ treats are entirely vegan-friendly!
Now that we’ve covered which ingredients to avoid and which products to look for, we hope you’re all set to pick the perfect chips for game day, taco night, or whatever occasion you’re planning! Thank you for sticking up for the animals and our planet. To your vegan success!