Old El Paso Refried Beans is a renowned product in many kitchens, particularly when whipping up Mexican dishes. However, if you’re adhering to a vegan diet, you might be questioning whether these refried beans align with your lifestyle.
The short answer is: No, traditional Old El Paso Refried Beans are not vegan.
Keep reading to find out why these refried beans are not considered vegan friendly.
Let’s check the ingredients list.
Understanding the Ingredients of Old El Paso Refried Beans
To fully comprehend why these refried beans don’t meet vegan standards, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients ( These ingredients were taken from the official website of OLD EL PASO. You can check it here):
- Cooked Pinto Beans: This ingredient is 100% plant-based and a common element in many vegan dishes.
- Water: Of course, water is vegan-friendly.
- Lard and Hydrogenated Lard: Here’s where vegan consumers need to be cautious. Lard, including its hydrogenated form, is animal-derived, typically made from pig fat. Therefore, any product containing this ingredient is not suitable for a vegan diet.
- Salt: This mineral is vegan.
- Tomato Paste, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Chili Pepper: These are all plant-based ingredients.
- Sugar: While sugar is derived from a plant source, some vegans choose to avoid it because certain types can be processed using bone char. However, this may not be a concern for all vegans.
Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Vegan?
Given the inclusion of lard and hydrogenated lard, traditional Old El Paso Refried Beans are not compatible with a vegan diet.
For those adhering strictly to a vegan lifestyle, it would be advisable to look for alternatives, like beans marked as vegan or those specifically labeled “fat-free” (assuming no animal-derived ingredients are used). You can choose one from here.
That’s the rundown on the vegan status of Old El Paso Refried Beans. Thanks for reading.
