We all have our guilty pleasures, don’t we? For some of us, it’s the heat-packed crunch of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that does the trick. But if you’re on the cusp of diving into the plant-based lifestyle, you might be left wondering, “Can my spicy companion accompany me on this vegan journey?”
Well, let’s unravel this mystery together. We’ll delve into the heart of what makes up Hot Cheetos and whether or not they align with vegan principles. And in case they don’t, we won’t leave you hanging. We’ve got a spicy arsenal of vegan-friendly alternatives waiting in the wings.
Unpacking the Vegan Lifestyle
Before we crack the Cheetos conundrum, let’s quickly outline what being vegan truly means. More rigorous than vegetarianism, veganism excludes all products derived from animals. This means bidding adieu to:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Honey
People embrace veganism for a multitude of reasons. For many, it’s an ethical stand against the questionable practices involved in using animals for our needs. Others might switch due to religious beliefs, environmental consciousness, or a pursuit of health benefits associated with lower fat intake and increased plant-based nutrients.
In essence, vegans choose to sidestep anything that involves animals in their diet, focusing instead on the diverse world of plant-based foods. Particularly when navigating the realm of processed foods, they’re always on the hunt for potential hidden animal-derived ingredients.
The Verdict on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Regrettably, No, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are not vegan-friendly.
The flavor that makes these snacks irresistible — that punchy, cheesy tang — owes its existence to various dairy products like cheese, whey, and buttermilk. Since dairy originates from cows, it falls outside the vegan ambit.
That means our dear Hot Cheetos, in all their varieties (original, Lime, Puffs, and XXTRA Flamin’ Hot), aren’t compatible with the vegan way of life.
They’re even a bit of a letdown for vegetarians. While they contain dairy — generally acceptable for vegetarians — the use of animal enzymes in their production process disqualifies them from being labelled vegan or even vegetarian.
What’s in those Fiery Cheetos?
- Enriched Corn Meal
- Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil)
- Flamin’ Hot Seasoning
- Salt
- Sugar
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Yeast Extract
- Citric Acid
- Artificial Color
- Sunflower Oil
- Cheddar Cheese
- Onion Powder
- Whey
- Whey Protein Concentrate
- Garlic Powder
- Natural Flavor
- Buttermilk
- Sodium Diacetate
- Disodium Inosinate
- Disodium Guanylate
A little side note:
Whey: This is the residual liquid part of milk after curdling and straining.
Buttermilk: It’s a byproduct of butter-making, the residue left after churning butter from cultured cream.
Fanning the Flames with Vegan Alternatives
Don’t lose heart, fellow heat seekers. Your spicy cravings won’t go unanswered. Here are some tantalizing, vegan-friendly alternatives:
- Vegan Rob’s Cheddar Puffs
- Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili
- El Sabroso Original Salsitas Spicy Salsa Flavored Tortilla Rounds
- Sabritones Chile & Lime-Flavored Puffed Wheat Snacks
- Taco Bell Fire! Tortilla Chips
- Pringles Tangy Buffalo Wing
- 7-Eleven Fiery Hot Flavored Potato Chips
- Hippeas Sriracha Sunshine/White Cheddar
- Kettle Brand Jalapeño
- Doritos Blaze
- Zapp’s Hotter ‘N Hot Jalapeño
- Late July Snacks Bacon Habanero
- Beanfields Jalapeño Nacho
- World Peas Peatos Fiery Hot
So, even if Hot Cheetos are off the vegan menu, there’s a world of spice-tastic options ready to fill the gap. Keep your taste buds excited, and let the snacking adventures continue!