Are you a vegetarian or vegan wondering if your favorite cheesy snack, Cheetos Puffs, contains pork?
The answer may surprise you. While Cheetos Puffs do not contain any pork fat or meat, they do use animal-derived enzymes in some of their cheese seasonings.
This means that Cheetos Puffs are not considered vegetarian-friendly. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the ingredients of Cheetos Puffs and explore whether they are suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
So sit back, grab a bag of Cheetos Puffs (if you have one), and let’s get started!
Does Cheetos Puffs Have Pork?
As mentioned earlier, Cheetos Puffs do not contain any pork fat or meat. However, the cheese seasonings used in some of their products do contain animal-derived enzymes, which means that they are not vegetarian-friendly.
It’s important to note that the use of animal-derived enzymes is not unique to Cheetos Puffs. Many food products, including cheese, use enzymes to develop unique flavors. These enzymes can come from vegetable, microbial, and/or animal sources, depending on the particular flavor being developed.
While Cheetos Puffs may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans, the good news is that there are plenty of other cheese-free snacks on the market that are suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
Ingredients In Cheetos Puffs
The main ingredients in Cheetos Puffs are cornmeal, vegetable oil, and salt. The cheese flavoring is made up of whey, cheddar cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes), canola oil, maltodextrin, natural and artificial flavors, salt, whey protein concentrate, monosodium glutamate, lactic acid, citric acid, artificial color (yellow 6).
It’s important to note that while the cheese flavoring does contain animal-derived enzymes, there is no pork or meat in the Cheetos Puffs themselves. However, this does mean that they are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans who avoid animal products altogether.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Cheetos Puffs are not a healthy snack option due to their high calorie and fat content. While they may be a tasty treat in moderation, it’s important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Animal-derived Enzymes In Cheese Seasonings
The cheese seasonings used in some of Cheetos Puffs’ products contain animal-derived enzymes, which may come from different sources such as pigs or cows. These enzymes are used in cheese-making to develop unique flavors and textures.
It’s important to note that not all cheeses use animal-derived enzymes, and some cheeses are made entirely without them. However, some cheeses do require the use of animal-derived enzymes to achieve their desired flavor profile.
For those who wish to avoid animal-derived enzymes, it’s important to read the ingredient labels carefully. Cheetos Puffs and other snacks that list “cheese” as an ingredient may contain these enzymes. However, some snacks, such as Lay’s Classic, Ruffles Original, and Fritos Original, do not have any animal enzymes of any kind.
It’s also worth noting that the use of animal-derived enzymes is not limited to cheese seasonings. Many food products, including bread, beer, and wine, may also contain these enzymes.
Are Cheetos Puffs Suitable For Vegetarians?
Unfortunately, Cheetos Puffs are not suitable for vegetarians. As mentioned earlier, the cheese seasonings used in some of their products contain animal-derived enzymes, making them non-vegetarian. These enzymes come from the stomach lining of slaughtered cows, sheep, or goats.
It’s important to note that not all cheeses use animal-derived enzymes. Some cheeses in the US use microbial rennet sources, which are vegetarian-friendly. However, Cheetos Puffs use animal-derived enzymes to develop their unique cheese flavor.
If you’re a vegetarian looking for snack options, there are plenty of other options available that don’t contain animal-derived ingredients. Frito-Lay offers a range of salted-only snacks such as Lay’s Classic, Ruffles Original, and Tostitos that do not contain any enzymes. Additionally, there are many vegan snacks on the market that are suitable for vegetarians as well.
Are Cheetos Puffs Suitable For Vegans?
Unfortunately, Cheetos Puffs are not suitable for vegans. Although corn is the main component of Cheetos Puffs, they are coated with a milk-based seasoning mixture that contains dairy products like whey and milk powder. As a result, they are not vegan-friendly.
It’s worth noting that not all snacks with cheese flavor include real dairy components. However, in the case of Cheetos Puffs, the cheese flavoring is derived from animal enzymes, making them non-vegan or vegetarian.
If you’re a vegan looking for a cheese-flavored snack alternative, there are some vegan-friendly options available on the market. For example, Vegan Rob’s chips offer a variety of vegan cheese-flavored snacks, including cheddar puffs and dragon puffs. Additionally, Outstanding Puffs from Outstanding Foods are vegan cheetos that are high in protein and low in saturated fat.
Alternatives To Cheetos Puffs For Vegetarians And Vegans.
If you’re looking for a snack that’s similar to Cheetos Puffs but without the animal-derived enzymes, there are several options available. Here are some alternatives to consider:
1. iWon Organics – iWon makes protein snacks in a variety of flavors, including some that are plant-based. They have options for both crunchy “stix” and “puffs” and offer traditional flavors like cheddar cheese or jalapeno, as well as creative flavors like nutless PB and jelly. Most of their flavors are vegan, but be sure to double-check the ingredients before purchasing.
2. Peatos – Peatos offers “junk food” without the junk, with flavors like Classic Cheese, Fiery Hot, and Ranch. They’re gluten-free, dye-free, and non-GMO. While the Classic Cheese flavor is made from real cheese, the Fiery Hot flavor is vegan.
3. Hippeas – Hippeas are organic chickpea puffs with a range of flavors like White Cheddar, Sriracha Sunshine, and Nacho Vibes. All of their flavors are organic, gluten-free, and vegan.
4. Vegan Robs – Vegan Robs offers several kinds of puff snacks made from vegetables like cauliflower, but their dairy-free cheddar puffs are the closest in flavor to Cheetos Puffs.
By choosing these alternatives to Cheetos Puffs, vegetarians and vegans can still enjoy a crunchy snack without compromising their dietary restrictions.
