Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Vegan?

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.

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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.

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