Are Wheat Thins Vegan?

Good news for carb lovers! Almost all flavors of the beloved Wheat Thins are vegan! Are there any exceptions? Unfortunately, yes.

This article contains an extensive look into Wheat Thins, and which are suitable for vegans, and which are not, as well as a full breakdown of what goes into these wheaty treats.

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A Breakdown of all Your Favorite Wheat Thin Flavors

‘Original’

While the ‘original’s of many of our household brands are often not vegan – the ‘Original’ Wheat Thins are one of the exceptions!

‘Original’ Wheat Thins Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour
• Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour) 
• Niacin
• Reduced Iron
• Thiamine Mononitrate {Vitamin B1}
• Riboflavin {Vitamin B2}
• Folic Acid
• Soybean Oil
• Sugar
• Corn starch
• Malt Syrup (from Barley and Corn)
• Salt
• Invert Sugar
• Monoglycerides
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda)
• Vegetable Color (Annatto Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin)

Conclusion

The ‘Original’ Wheat Thins is without any animal compounds, nor does it contain palm oil! Cruelty-free carbs are our favorite type!

‘Hint of Salt’ (Low Sodium)

Vegans and those following a plant-based diet who are trying to tone it down with their salt intake are in luck! The ‘Hint of Salt’ Wheat Thin flavor is also vegan.

‘Hint of Salt’ (Low Sodium) Ingredients 

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour
• Soybean Oil
• Sugar
• Corn starch 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn and Barley)
• Invert Sugar
• Salt
• Vegetable Color (Annatto Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin)
• BHT Added To Packaging Material To Preserve Freshness

Conclusion

The ‘Hint of Salt’ Wheat Thins is without any animal compounds, nor does it contain palm oil. However, they do contain more sugar than their ‘Original’ counterpart, which those following a strict vegan lifestyle may wish to avoid, as the caster sugar industry isn’t considered to be one of the most ethical industries in terms of animal habitats and carbon footprint.

‘Reduced Fat’

The ‘Reduced Fat’ flavor is also listed as vegan-friendly.

‘Reduced Fat’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour
• Sugar 
• Soybean Oil 
• Corn starch 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn and Barley) 
• Salt 
• Invert Sugar 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Vegetable Color 
• (Annatto Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin) 
• BHT Added To Packaging Material To Preserve Freshness

Conclusion

As with the ‘Original’ Wheat Thin counterpart, the ‘Reduced Fat’ version contains zero animal components or palm oil.

‘Multigrain’

Those trying to incorporate more healthy grains into their diets, which are a beneficial source of fibre, are in luck – The ‘Multigrain’ Wheat Thins are indeed also vegan!

‘Multigrain’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate {Vitamin B1}, Riboflavin {Vitamin B2}, Folic Acid) 
• Whole Grain Barley Flakes
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Whole Grain Millet 
• Whole Grain Rye 
• Whole Grain Triticale 
• Molasses 
• Whole Wheat 
• Salt 
• Whole Grain Rolled Oats 
• Onion Powder 
• Soy Lecithin 
• Leavening (Baking Soda and/or Calcium Phosphate),
• Corn Starch 
• BHT Added to Packaging Material to Preserve Freshness.

Conclusion

As with the ‘Low in Salt’ Wheat Thins, the ‘Multigrain’ do not contain animal compounds, but they contain added sugar.

‘Sundried Tomato & Basil’

Vegan lovers of the Mediterranean diet are in luck! The delicious ‘Sundried Tomato & Basil’ flavor is indeed suitable for vegans.

‘Sundried Tomato & Basil’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Corn Starch 
• Malt Syrup (from Corn and Barley), Salt, Invert Sugar, Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Tomato Powder 
• Sundried Tomato Powder 
• Garlic Powder 
• Spices (Including Basil) 
• Onion Powder 
• Dried Red and Green Bell Peppers 
• Yeast Extract 
• Vegetable Color (Paprika, Annatto Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin, Paprika Extract) 
• Natural Flavor 
• Caramel Color 
• Sulfur Dioxide and/or Sodium Metabisulphite (to Retain Color)

Conclusion

The flavorsome ‘Tomato & Basil’ Wheat Thins contain no animal compounds or palm oil. Additionally, they contain yeast extract, which is a source of meat/dairy-free protein, vitamins and minerals. Score!

‘ Spicy Buffalo’

Lovers of a bit of Buffalo spice are safe to proceed! The ‘Spicy Buffalo’ flavor is vegan-friendly.

‘Spicy Buffalo’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Corn Starch 
• Maltodextrin 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn and Barley) 
• Refiner’s Syrup Salt
• Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Cayenne Pepper, Vinegar, Salt, Garlic) 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Tomato Powder 
• Garlic Powder 
• Citric Acid 
• Natural Flavor 
• Yeast Extract 
• Vegetable Color (Paprika Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin, Annatto Extract) 
• Spice 
• BHT Added To Packaging Material To Preserve Freshness

Conclusion

Buffalo goodness is so much more than just the wings! These Wheat Thins are packed full of cruelty-free goodness. 

‘Zesty Salsa’

Another type of Wheat Thins that is chock full of flavor – and at no expense of animals! Form an orderly line, vegans!

‘Zesty Salsa’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Corn Starch 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn and Barley) 
• Salt 
• Refiner’s Syrup 
• Dried Green Bell Peppers 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Spices (Includes Parsley) 
• Onion Powder 
• Garlic Powder 
• Citric Acid 
• Distilled Vinegar 
• Natural Flavor 
• Vegetable Color (Turmeric Oleoresin, Annatto Extract)

Conclusion

As with the above types of Wheat Thins, the South-of-the-Border version contains nothing animal-based (or palm oil), however, the use of sugar may need to be taken into consideration in terms of full ethical sustainability.

‘Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil’

Yup. Vegans – you’re good to go!

‘Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Corn Starch 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn and Barley) 
• Salt 
• Refiner’s Syrup 
• Dried Green Bell Peppers 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Spices (Includes Parsley) 
• Onion Powder 
• Garlic Powder 
• Citric Acid 
• Distilled Vinegar 
• Natural Flavor 
• Vegetable Color (Turmeric Oleoresin, Annatto Extract)

Conclusion

Wheat Thins are doing well to include vegans and plant-based folks in on their wheaty goodness and ‘Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil’ is no exception. 

‘Ranch’

Arguably one of the most popular flavours in America, Ranch is loved by many. But can vegans indulge in this version of Wheat Thins?

Unfortunately, the answer is NO.

This version contains Buttermilk (the sour liquid left after butter has been churned), Cheddar Cheese Powder, Sodium Caseinate (compound derived from casein, a protein present in the milk of mammals), and Whey (the ‘watery’ part of milk that remains after the formation of curds.). 

‘Ranch’ Ingredients

• Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate {Vitamin B1}, Riboflavin {Vitamin B2}, Folic Acid) 
• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Defatted Wheat Germ 
• Corn Starch 
• High Fructose Corn Syrup 
• Corn Syrup 
• Salt 
• Monoglycerides 
• Malt Syrup 
• Buttermilk 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate, Baking Soda) 
• Dextrose 
• Tomato Powder 
• Onion Powder 
• Corn Syrup Solids 
• Monosodium Glutamate (Flavor Enhancer) 
• Garlic Powder 
• Spices 
• Parsley Flakes 
• Cheddar Cheese Powder (Made From Cultured Milk, Salt, and Enzymes) 
• Sodium Diacetate, Corn Flour, Artificial Color (Includes Red 40 Lake) 
• Malic and Lactic and Citric Acids 
• Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Protein) 
• Natural and Artificial Flavor 
• Whey 
• Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate (Flavor Enhancers) 
• Soy Lecithin.

Conclusion

Vegans eagerly await a cruelty-free version of Ranch. It is also worth mentioning that while the chemical dye ‘Red 40’ isn’t derived from animal parts (contrary to popular belief), it is, however, routinely tested on animals.

We hope Wheat Thins will disassociate itself from all ingredients involved in cruel practices in the near future.

‘Honey Mustard’

Naturally, anything that contains the ingredient of honey is not considered suitable for vegan consumption.

‘Honey Mustard’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar
• Corn Starch 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn and Barley) 
• Refiner’s Syrup 
• Salt 
• Maltodextrin 
• Dextrose 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Onion Powder 
• Prepared Mustard (Distilled Vinegar, Mustard Seed, Salt, Turmeric (Color), Spices, Garlic Powder) 
• Honey Solids 
• Citric Acid 
• Spices 
• Natural Flavor 
• Vinegar Solids 
• Vegetable Color (Turmeric Oleoresin, Annatto Extract) 
• Yeast Extract 
• Sodium Diacetate (A Flavor) 
• Lactic Acid.

Conclusion

We hope that in the not-too-distant future honey mustard can be made without using honey and instead a cruelty-free sweet substitute, such as sustainably-sourced maple syrup, Stevia, or molasses.

‘Chili Cheese’

Unfortunately, the cheese involved in the ‘Chili Cheese’ is not a vegan-friendly kind, such as Violife. It also contains Buttermilk, whey, and sour cream powder, so naturally this version is not suitable for vegans. 

‘Chili Cheese’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Cornstarch 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn And Barley) 
• Salt 
• Whey 
• Onion Powder 
• Invert Sugar 
• Sour Cream Powder (Cream, Non-fat Milk, Cultures) 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Garlic Powder 
• Tomato Powder 
• Natural Flavor 
• Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes) 
• Spices (Including Chili Powder)
• Yeast Extract 
• Buttermilk 
• Citric Acid 
• Vegetable Color (Annatto Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin)

Conclusion

We hope that Wheat Thins will look to using vegan cheese/dairy compounds for their cheese-based products in the future.

‘Smokey BBQ’

Unfortunately, the ‘Smokey BBQ’ flavour is not vegan-friendly, as it currently contains honey.

‘Smokey BBQ’ Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Corn Starch 
• Malt Syrup (from Corn And Barley) 
• Salt 
• Invert Sugar 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Tomato Powder 
• Spices (includes Mustard) 
• Garlic Powder 
• Yeast Extract 
• Fructose 
• Onion Powder 
• Honey 
• Vegetable Color (Annatto Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin, Paprika Oleoresin), 
• Citric And Malic Acids 
• Caramel Color 
• Natural Flavor (includes Smoke)

Conclusion

As with the Honey Mustard version of Wheat Thins, we hope the brand will look to using cruelty-free sweet substitutes in the future.

‘Multigrain’ Toasted Chips

We’re back on the straight and narrow with the Multigrain Toasted Chips, which we’re happy to reveal are indeed suitable for vegans! Woop!

‘Multigrain’ Toasted Chips Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Corn Starch 
• Oatmeal (whole Grain Oats) 
• Malt Syrup (from Corn And Barley) 
• Salt 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Whole Grain Barley Flakes 
• Whole Grain Rye 
• Whole Grain Triticale 
• Whole Grain Millet 
• Onion Powder 
• BHT added to packaging material to preserve freshness

Conclusion

There is no reason to include any animal-based products within ‘multigrain’, as it’s not technically a flavour, making it a suitable choice for those following a vegan lifestyle or plant-based diet.

‘Garden Valley Veggie’ Toasted Chips

Despite the alluring name, unfortunately ‘Garden Valley Veggie’ Toasted Chips aren’t suitable for vegans, as one of the ingredients is listed as “Natural Flavor (contains Milk)”. 

‘Garden Valley Veggie’ Toasted Chips Ingredients

• Whole Grain Wheat Flour 
• Soybean Oil 
• Sugar 
• Corn Starch 
• Dehydrated Vegetable Blend (Contains Carrots, Onions, Cabbage, Tomato, Red And Green Bell Peppers) 
• Malt Syrup (From Corn And Barley) 
• Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda) 
• Salt 
• Maltodextrin 
• Hydrolyzed Corn And Yeast Protein 
• Garlic Powder 
• Onion Powder 
• Spices (Includes Mustard, Parsley) 
• Monosodium Glutamate (Flavor Enhancer) 
• Dried Pumpkin 
• Natural Flavor (Contains Milk, Celery) 
• Vinegar Solids 
• Artificial Color (Includes Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake),
• Olive Oil

Conclusion

Quite how milk comes under ‘Natural Flavor’, we don’t know, but hopefully Wheat Thins will emit this ingredient in the future to make it more accurate to its namesake!

Summary

We hope that Wheat Thins will embrace a plant-based, ethical and cruelty-free approach to all their products very soon! We also hope you have found this article useful in your ongoing vegan journey!

Please note, as discussed in our ‘Is Sugar Vegan?’ article, not all types of sugar can be considered vegan. It is therefore the responsibility of the reader to make their own inquiries with the manufacturers of these suggested vegan friendly products to determine whether the sugar used in these products are suitable for vegan consumption.