Transitioning into a vegan diet is definitely going to be a challenge that comes with a couple of hurdles, especially at the beginning. The biggest change is learning that you're going to have to carefully review your food before you consume it. You have to make sure it's vegan after all! But to help make your life a little easier, we've compiled a list for you about 10 foods you'd be surprised are vegan and 10 that actually aren't. We know you're going to be pleased with some of the items on this list!

1. Oreo Cookies

You might take one look at that white, creamy Oreo filling and think, "Yup, there's got to be some milk or butter in there," but you'd be surprised to learn that that's not the case. That's right, classic Oreos are in fact vegan! Not containing any animal-derived ingredient, this deliciously sweet snack is what we call an "accidental" vegan treat. 

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2. Ritz Crackers

America's favourite cracker, Ritz, actually hides a shocking secret. It's vegan! Despite having that iconic buttery flavour we all know and love, there's actually no dairy in it. It's a combination of oil and other ingredients that create that addictive taste, not real butter. We're sure vegans are extra happy about this one. Of course, other flavours might be different so always read the label first!

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3. Sour Patch Kids

For the vegans who prefer candy to chips, you'll be over the moon to hear that your beloved Sour Patch Kids are indeed vegan. While many gummies use gelatin (which is made from animal parts), these sour candies don't. It's a surprising fact for many learning that Sour Patch Kids are essentially plant-based. 

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4. Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili

While Doritos are known for their iconic nacho cheese flavour, which almost assuredly means they contain some form of dairy, there are a couple of flavours you'll be happy to hear are actually animal-product free. Drum roll please...the Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos are vegan! Using a variety of spices to achieve its taste, that just means it's a welcome snack for vegans.

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5. Thomas' New York Style Bagels

Thanks to Thomas' New York Style Bagels, vegans don't have to completely remove this breakfast item from their morning routine (that sure is good news for the New York vegans!). While most bagels have some form of dairy or animal product in them, this brand makes sure to use simple, plant-based ingredients that everyone can enjoy. If you ever try a different flavour though, always make sure to read the label first to be safe.

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6. Twizzlers

Although these chewy licorice candies aren't everyone's favourites, if they're yours and you happen to be vegan, you can relax. As it turns out, Twizzlers don't contain any gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients making them vegan-friendly! These candies come in a variety of different types though, so to be safe, always check the ingredients list first.

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7. Fritos Original Corn Chips

If you've lived in America since you were young, you definitely grew up eating Fritos. While most chips are loaded with preservatives and numerous ingredients, Fritos are a bit different; they're made from just three simple, plant-based ingredients: corn, corn oil, and salt. You know what that means - these are definitely vegan! 

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8. Unfrosted Pop-Tarts (Certain Flavors)

Although we're telling you that certain unfrosted pop-tart flavours are vegan, always do your research beforehand. You want to make certain that you're buying the right product. But it is true, specifically the Strawberry, Blueberry, and Brown Sugar Cinnamon unfrosted varieties are vegan-friendly! 

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9. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

We know you might not believe us, but check the ingredient list yourself - shockingly, Pillsbury Crescent Rolls are vegan. Despite how flaky and buttery these baked goods taste out of the oven, they're actually made with vegetable shortening instead of butter. Talk about good news!

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10. Swedish Fish

It's important to note that while yes, some Swedish Fish you can buy in the grocery store is vegan, some are not. Not all Swedish Fish are made the same so it seems! Make sure you check the ingredients list or research online before buying the product. But for the most part, these gummies are made without gelatin and contain no animal-derived ingredients. 

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1. Worcestershire Sauce

This might be news to you, but Worcestershire sauce is sadly not vegan-friendly. Used to flavour and season many different dishes, this may be heartbreaking news for you. In traditional recipes, it usually contains anchovies or fish sauce, which sadly makes it unsuitable for vegans. 

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2. Gummy Bears

While Sour Patch Kids are a go for those of you on a vegan diet, we unfortunately can't say the same about gummy bears. Don't be fooled - you can't treat all candy the same! These types of gummies contain gelatin which is typically made from animal bones and skin. If you really can't stay away from gummy bears, make sure you look for plant-based options that use other ingredients to get that chewy texture.

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3. Certain Beers and Wines

For some reason, there's a common misconception that alcoholic drinks like beer and wine are vegan-friendly. That's simply not the case. A lot of these drinks actually use some form of animal product as a filter during the wine/beer-making process. That just means it's important that vegans look carefully for specific alcohol brands that are actually vegan.

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4. Refried Beans

Just because the main ingredient is beans doesn't make it vegan-friendly! Always be careful about what you eat - while beans themselves are considered vegan foods, refried versions often aren't. Using lard (pig fat) to give it that extra delicious flavour, they've suddenly turned from friend to foe.

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5. Non-Dairy Creamers

Sometimes, looks can be deceiving, even when it comes to food products. Although certain creamers at the grocery store might have "non-dairy" plastered front and center on the packaging, you can't always believe it. Some actually contain hidden components that make it non-vegan. Instead, check the ingredients before purchasing and look for products that say "vegan" clearly instead of "non-dairy".

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6. Some Peanut Butter Brands

While most peanut butter tends to be vegan, you can't always be sure. Some brands will add animal products for texture or flavour, making it something vegans should be avoiding. Generally, the more natural the product, the safer it is.

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7. Certain Breads

Another food that you should be carefully examining its ingredient list is bread. While there are plenty of options that are vegan, certain varieties like brioche or sweet breads will contain dairy products. If you are vegan, it might be a good idea to consider baking your own bread. That way you know exactly what goes into it and can follow the rules of your vegan diet.

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8. Pesto Sauce

We tend to have a weird association with food and the colour green. When we see green, we think natural and healthy, but don't be fooled when it comes to pesto sauce. Yes, it's made with simple ingredients, but it often features Parmesan cheese which of course, makes it non-vegan-friendly. While it's definitely possible to make a vegan alternative, it's just something to be aware of.

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9. Some Pasta Varieties

Most dried pasta you can buy tends to be vegan, but unfortunately, we can't say the same about fresh pasta. Although nothing beats the taste and texture of fresh pasta, it generally contains eggs which makes it a no go for vegans. You should especially look out for certain varieties like ravioli which will often have cheese in it.

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10. Omega-3 Supplements

It's not just food you eat during your meals that you have to look out for, double check your vitamins and supplements too! Because many omega-3 supplements are made using fish oil, they aren't considered vegan products. 

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