Alright, folks, before we dive into the deep-fried deliciousness that is the fried Oreo, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane.
Remember our chat about regular Oreos? Yeah, those black-and-white cookies that have been a staple in our snack cupboards since, well, forever.
They’re the cookie equivalent of that old friend you can always rely on – always there when you need a sugar fix, and never judging when you eat an entire packet in one sitting. But are they vegan? Let’s recap.
The Ingredients of Regular Oreos
So, what’s in a regular Oreo? Well, the main ingredients are unbleached enriched flour, sugar, palm and/or canola oil, cocoa, high fructose corn syrup, leavening, soy lecithin, and chocolate.[source]
No obvious animal products in sight. So, they must be vegan, right? Well, hold your horses, we’re not quite there yet.
Here's the catch. While none of these ingredients are directly derived from animals, Oreos are not considered vegan by everyone.
It’s because of cross-contamination during production. Oreos are made in facilities that also process milk, which means there’s a chance that your Oreo might have come into contact with some dairy.
Got it! So, if you're super strict about your veganism, this might be a deal-breaker. But if you're okay with a tiny, tiny chance of cross-contamination, then you're good to go.
The Fairground Favorite: Fried Oreos
Alright, now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or should I say, the Oreo in the fryer?
Fried Oreos are a fairground and carnival favorite, taking the classic Oreo to a whole new level.
But are these deep-fried delights vegan? Let’s find out.
What are Fried Oreos?
So, what’s a fried Oreo when it’s at home?
Well, imagine taking an Oreo, dipping it in pancake batter, and then deep-frying it until it’s golden and crispy.
Sounds like a heart attack waiting to happen, right? But oh boy, are they delicious.
The outside is crispy and sweet, while the inside becomes all melty and gooey.
It’s like an Oreo and a doughnut had a baby, and that baby was delicious.
The Ingredients of Fried Oreos
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. What goes into a fried Oreo?
Well, you’ve got your Oreo (obviously), your pancake batter (usually made from flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and eggs), and your oil for frying.
Now, if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll notice a couple of potential problems here for vegans.
Are Fried Oreos Vegan?
So, are fried Oreos vegan? No, traditional deep-fried Oreos are not vegan friendly, as they contain animal-based ingredients.
The pancake batter usually contains milk and eggs, which are definitely not vegan.
But don’t despair! You can make vegan fried Oreos by using a vegan pancake mix and a dairy-free milk substitute.
So, with a little bit of effort, you can enjoy this fairground favorite without breaking your vegan diet.
Final Verdict: Are Fried Oreos Vegan?
No, Fried Oreos are not vegan, as they contain dairy and eggs in the pancake mix.
Fried Oreos, just like regular Oreos, are made in facilities that also process milk. Plus, the pancake batter usually contains milk and eggs, which are definitely not vegan.
In conclusion, whether or not you consider fried Oreos to be vegan depends on your personal stance on cross-contamination and your willingness to make your own vegan version at home.
So, no matter what, you can have a delicious and festive treat. Now, that’s what I call a happy ending!
