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):

  1. Cooked Pinto Beans: This ingredient is 100% plant-based and a common element in many vegan dishes.
  2. Water: Of course, water is vegan-friendly.
  3. 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.
  4. Salt: This mineral is vegan.
  5. Tomato Paste, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Chili Pepper: These are all plant-based ingredients.
  6. 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.

Jennifer is a fervent animal lover, and a dedicated vegan. She has been a prolific contributor to the veganoga.com community for many years, offering insights, advice, and personal stories that have inspired many in their journey towards a plant-based lifestyle.

Jennifer's love for animals sparked her journey into veganism. Over a decade ago, she made the conscious decision to stop consuming animal products, a choice that she believes not only benefits her health, but also contributes to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.

Since then, she has remained firmly committed to her vegan lifestyle, constantly expanding her knowledge about plant-based nutrition, ethical consumption, and sustainable living.

Her journey into veganism has also been coupled with a love for writing. Jennifer has used this passion to share her vegan experiences, to educate others about the benefits of plant-based living, and to advocate for animal rights. Her work on veganoga.com reflects this passion, providing readers with thoughtful articles, nutritious recipes, and engaging stories that offer a deeper understanding of the vegan lifestyle.

Jennifer is much more than just a vegan and a writer; she is a beacon of compassion, courage, and conviction. Her commitment to the vegan lifestyle, her love for animals, and her passion for writing have all come together to create a powerful voice in the vegan community. Through her work, she continues to inspire and educate others about the many benefits of veganism.
Jennifer
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