Did you know all these foods are naturally vegan?

Find out which everyday foods are accidentally vegan – and how to include more in your diet

Written by Carole Beck on December 5, 2018 Reviewed by vegan chef Day Radley on December 7, 2018

You don’t have to be a veggie to know that certain foods and drinks in our everyday diets are 100% vegan, from fruit and veg to nuts, lentils and plant milks.

But did you know that plenty of other foods – some of which you might already be eating – could be classified as naturally vegan too? Here’s our round-up of some of the best – and they might actually surprise you:

Dark chocolate

Love chocolate? No need to give it up to go vegan – just choose dark chocolate instead, whether for baking or a treat. Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate is more likely to be dairy-free, made using cocoa butter and cocoa solids. Read the label before you buy – whey, a dairy ingredient, may be included in the list of some bars.

What to try: NOMO Dark Chocolate

Oatcakes

These savoury biscuits are almost always naturally vegan, containing no dairy, honey or other animal products. They’re also low in sugar, a great source of soluble fibre and low on the glycaemic index, which means they can keep you fuller for longer.¹ Spread your no-dairy cheese on them guilt-free.

What to try: Nairn’s Organic Oatcakes

Quinoa crisps

Some brands of crisps are completely vegan, but not all, so it might help to know that quinoa crisps tick both vegetarian and vegan boxes. Grab a bag for a lunchbox or party snack, and don’t be turned off by a ‘dairy’ flavour: sour cream flavouring is often made using vegan ingredients, like rice flour and yeast extract powder.

What to try: Eat Real Sour Cream & Chives Quinoa Crisps

Sea vegetables

You might already know that seaweed is high in fibre and protein, low in fat and an excellent source of essential fatty acids, plus minerals like calcium²  – but of course because it’s a vegetable, it’s a completely vegan food, too. Sprinkle sea vegetables into salads, or stir into soups for a rich umami flavour.

What to try: Seaweed Sheets

Nut butters

Salt and oil are the only ingredients that might be added to turn nuts into nut butter – which means that your favourite peanut butter or almond butter is also vegan. Serve on toast for a high-protein snack that’s rich in unsaturated fat.³

What to try: Meridian Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter

Muesli

Looking for a healthy, vegan breakfast? You could already be eating it! Most muesli is accidentally vegan, containing just grains – like oats, malted barley and wheat flakes – plus dried fruit, nuts and seeds. Make sure you read the label – skimmed milk powder is included in some Swiss-style mueslis, while honey is found in others. Serve with your favourite plant milk for a nourishing, yet satisfying, breakfast.

What to try: Deliciously Ella Bircher Muesli

Nutritional yeast

This yeast is a vegan store cupboard staple, giving a cheesy, nutty flavour to bakes, and a depth to soups, stews and casseroles. It’s good for you too – a source of protein, fibre and some B-vitamins, like thiamine,⁴ essential for the nervous system. Choose one fortified with vitamin B12 as vegans can fall short of this nutrient.

What to try: Engevita Yeast Flakes B12

Tomato-based pasta sauce

No meat, fish or dairy in your bolognese sauce? That makes it vegan! Tomato-based pasta sauces are rich in vitamin C and also vitamin K, important for blood-clotting.⁵ Layer into a batch-cook bake, or simply stir into pasta. No time to make it? Grab a store-bought jar instead.

What to try: Mr Organic Authentic Italian Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce

Shop Vegan Food Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.

Sources 
1. BBC Good Food. Spotlight on… low-GI. Available from: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/spotlight-low-gi
2. Ginger Hultin. Today’s Dietitian. Health Benefits of Sea Vegetables. Available from: https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0616p46.shtml
3. Mayo Clinic. Nuts and your heart: eating nuts for heart health. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635
4. Danielle Dresden. Medical News Today. What are the benefits of nutritional yeast? Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323245.php

5. Adda Bjarnadottir. Healthline. Tomatoes 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes