Trader Joe’s is a fabulously niche United States grocery store chain with many dietary-friendly options in terms of what they’re willing to provide for customers. If you’re a vegan and looking for snacks to cure the munchies, you may be wondering: Are Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips Vegan?
Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips do not contain any animal product or products derived from animals, choosing to opt for plant-based ingredients instead. Therefore, Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips can be considered vegan.
It is highly important for those of a vegan lifestyle to have access to all the information they need when deciding on what to snack with, and Trader Joe’s products are no exception! Let’s go over veganism, an overview of Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips, and even some other brands that are similar.
Understanding of Veganism
Veganism refers to the diet of people who refrain from not only eating any animal products such as meat, but any animal by-products.
This rules out things like eggs and dairy, but it leaves the gateway to enjoyment open for plant-based foods, instead.
Veganism is a dietary choice that is adopted by many for a variety of reasons. In some instances, it is adopted because the vegan in question would like to refrain from any involvement in the slaughter of animals for food. In other cases, the health benefits of veganism are what attract people to the lifestyle.
For example, did you know that eating a plant-based diet such as veganism can lead to lower risk of heart disease and has even been linked to lower rates of cancer?
Because of these benefits, whether they are for the animals with the potential to be slaughtered or the people looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, it is essential for vegans to understand what ingredients make up the foods they are eating, such as the Chili Lime Chips sold at Trader Joe’s.
Overview of Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips
Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips are nothing short of delicious. From the time they hit the shelves, they’ve flown right back off of them as a great zesty-flavored snack food for all ages and walks of life. Typically, they come in 9-ounce bags and feature unique scroll shape.
The shape of the chip contributes to it’s popularity. Not only does this make them seem crunchier in texture, but it makes the Chili Lime Chips great for dipping in various sauces or even guacamole to cut the spicy flavor.
Generally, this snack comes at a bargain price of $2.99, and if you like spice, lime, and crunch all literally rolled into one, this could be the snack for you.
To check the current price and availability of Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Ingredients in Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips
Many love Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips for the above-listed reasons, but for those practicing veganism, the question is, what is in them? We’ve compiled a list of all of the ingredients used to make Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips for you to peruse below:
- Vegetable Oil, High-Oelic Safflower Oil, High-oelic sunflower oil, Canola Oil
- Stone Ground Yellow Corn
- Hot Chili
- Salt
- Cornstarch
- Yeast
- Cane Sugar
- Yeast Extract
- Citric Acid
- Corn Maltodectrin
- L-Malic Acid
- Gum Arabic
- Lime Juice Concentrate
- Vegetable Juice Concenttrate
- Onion Powder
- Paprika Extract
- Natural Flavor
- Turmeric Extract
- Beta Carotene
- Oleoresin Capsicum
- Tocopherol
- Silicon Dioxide
- Lime Traces
This is a hefty list, but the important thing for those following a vegan lifestyle choice to note is that all of these ingredients are either mineral, fruit, or vegetable based. None of them was made using animal or animal byproduct.
The one item on the list which may cause some concern for vegans is the Gum Arabic. The reasoning behind this concern is that many gum products listed as ingredients in common foods are derived from animal parts like cartilage or hooves, and therefore shouldn’t be eaten by vegans.
However, vegan eaters will be happy to know that Gum Arabic is not made from any animals, and is plant-based, as well.
Therefore, after analyzing these ingredients, it is safe to say that Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips are fair game and vegan!
Comparison With Other Brands
Other brands of chips can sometimes come in handy to understand when preparing to go out and find vegan-safe snacks, even after learning that Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips are safe for vegans.
After all, one thing Trader Joe’s is noted for is frequently discontinuing products to make room for new and improved versions.
Therefore, even if you are totally satisfied with Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips, the list of backups below may be a good idea to look through:
- Late July Bacon Habanero Tortilla Chips – These chips can satisfy your craving for the spiciness of Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips, and all of their ingredients are similarly plant-based to be safe for vegans. Their average cost is $7.77, and they do come in larger portions than the Chili Lime version.
- Sabritones Chile and Lime Puffed Wheat Snacks – Also vegan thanks to plant-based ingredients, and available not just at grocery stores but convenience stores and gas stations, these have a similar tang and flavor to Chili Lime chips.
- Beanitos Hint of Lime Bean Chips – Made with bean and sea salt, these chips are not only lime-flavored, but a great source of plant-based protein for vegans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our section for F.A.Q.’s below!
Are Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chili ; Lime Flavored Vegan?
Yes, Trader Joe’s Chili and Lime Flavored Tortilla chips have no animal products within the ingredients used to make them, and are therefore vegan.
Are Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips Gluten Free?
Yes, Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips are also free of any gluten from wheat products.
Did Trader Joe’s Discontinue Chili Lime Chips?
No, currently Trader Joe’s still lists their Chili Lime Chips as products that are available according to their website, meaning they are not discontinued officially.
Final Thoughts
To sum up our findings, Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips are indeed vegan. All of their ingredients, including the possibly-suspect Gum Arabic, are plant-based.
This means that, free of animal product and animal by-product, vegans can enjoy Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chips.
Vegans who love spice and lime should definitely check this product out, but other great recommendations for those without access to the Trader Joe’s brand include Late July Bacon Habanero Tortilla Chips and Beanitos Hint of Lime Bean Chips!