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Accidentally Vegan? Everyday Foods That Are Plant-Based Without Even Trying 

When you’re trying to eat more plant-based, it’s easy to imagine you’ll have to overhaul your entire shopping list. But here’s the good news: you’re probably already eating vegan food without even knowing it! 

Welcome to the world of accidentally vegan products – those everyday foods that just happen to be free of animal ingredients. No special labels. No extra cost. No fuss. 

Halfway Heroes is all about making this journey easy and sustainable – and these sneaky plant-based heroes prove you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to eat more kindly for the planet. 

Halfway Heroes is all about making this journey easy and sustainable – and these sneaky plant-based heroes prove you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to eat more kindly for the planet. 

 What Does “Accidentally Vegan” Mean? 

“Accidentally vegan” products weren’t made for vegans specifically. They’re just regular, mainstream foods that don’t contain any animal ingredients. 

It means you can keep eating plenty of things you already love – with zero sacrifice. And they make cutting down on animal products so much easier (and tastier). 

🍪 Snacks and Treats 

Plant-based doesn’t mean giving up all the fun. Some classic favourites are accidentally vegan: 

  • Biscuits: Oreo, Jammie Dodgers, Biscoff, Party Rings, Bourbon, Rich Tea and Ginger Nut 
  • Crisps: A variety – often salted, salt and vinegar, BBQ 
  • Sweets: Jelly Tots, Fruit Pastilles, Starburst 
  • Chocolate: Many dark chocolate bars 

Tip: Always double-check ingredients – recipes can vary by brand! 


🥫 Pantry Staples 

Your store cupboard is already half-ready for plant-based meals: 

  • Dried pasta (most is egg-free) 
  • Rice and grains 
  • Canned beans and pulses 
  • Peanut butter and other nut butters 
  • Tinned tomatoes and coconut milk 

These are budget-friendly, versatile and perfect for bulking out meals without any animal products. 


     🌶️ Sauces and Condiments 

    Spice things up with these plant-based essentials: 

    • Tomato ketchup 
    • Soy sauce 
    • Hot sauces (ie sriracha, sweet chilli) 
    • Certain curry pastes (just watch out for shrimp or fish sauce in some) 
    • Many mustards 

    Look for simple ingredient lists – store-brand basics are often vegan! 

    just watch out for shrimp or fish sauce in some) 

    • Many mustards 

    Look for simple ingredient lists – store-brand basics are often vegan! 


    🥯 Breakfast Staples 

    Starting your day plant-based can be super easy: 

    • Most hash browns 
    • Baked beans 
    • Many cereals (ie Shreddies, Weetabix) 
    • Crumpets, bagels and pitas (often dairy- and egg-free) 
    • Certain supermarket breads and rolls

      How to Spot Accidentally Vegan Products 

      • Read the ingredient list: Look out for animal products such as milk powder, whey, egg, gelatine, honey or certain vitamins 
      • “May contain” warnings are there to warn allergy sufferers: That’s for allergy cross-contamination, not actual ingredients 
      • Simpler is often better: Basic or value ranges usually skip the unnecessary extras 

      Why This Matters 

      Eating plant-based doesn’t have to mean spending big on speciality vegan brands or learning new recipes every night. 

      It’s about making easy, familiar swaps that add up over time. Accidentally vegan products mean: 

      • less stress when shopping 
      • no giving up your favourite flavours 
      • an easier, more approachable transition 

      Let’s Make It Fun 

      We want you to feel good about every plant-based choice – even the sneaky, no-effort ones. Because at the end of the day, every swap you make is a win for: 

      🌍 The planet 
      🐄 Animals 
      🌱 Your own journey 

      Note: always check the ingredients, as food manufacturers regularly adapt recipes. Items listed here do not contain ingredients derived from animals at the time of writing, but many have been made in factories that handle non-vegan products. Please refer to the manufacturer to learn more about the individual product’s risk for cross contamination or cross contact – especially if you suffer from allergies.