Nacho fries are a popular fast food menu item that has gained a cult following. These fries are known for their crispy exterior and spicy seasoning that makes them irresistible to many. However, for vegans, the question of whether nacho fries are vegan-friendly or not can be a bit tricky to answer. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients of nacho fries and explore whether they are vegan.
What Are Nacho Fries?
Nacho fries are a popular fast food menu item that was introduced by Taco Bell in 2018. These fries are a variation of the classic French fries that are typically served with nacho cheese sauce and a spicy seasoning. The seasoning used in nacho fries is a blend of Mexican spices, including paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, which gives them their distinct flavor.
The seasoning on nacho fries is what makes them stand out from other types of French fries. They are usually served as a side dish, but can also be used as a base for other fast food items such as the Nacho Fries Supreme, which includes ground beef, cheese, and sour cream.
Ingredients of Nacho Fries
To determine whether nacho fries are vegan or not, it’s important to look at the ingredients that are used to make them. Here is a list of the ingredients in Taco Bell’s nacho fries:
- Potatoes
- Vegetable Oil
- Seasoning: Maltodextrin, Salt, Paprika, Spices, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Yeast Extract, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Disodium Inosinate and Guanylate, Torula Yeast, Extractives of Paprika, and Silicon Dioxide.
Are Nacho Fries Vegan?
Now that we have a list of the ingredients, we can explore whether nacho fries are vegan or not. The first ingredient, potatoes, is obviously vegan. However, the seasoning used on nacho fries contains a number of ingredients that may not be vegan-friendly.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a common food additive that is derived from starch. It’s often used as a thickener or a filler in processed foods. While maltodextrin itself is vegan, it can be derived from a variety of sources, including wheat, corn, and potatoes. If the maltodextrin used in the seasoning is derived from wheat, then it is not vegan-friendly.
Salt
Salt is a vegan-friendly ingredient that is used in many foods. It’s a natural mineral that is commonly added to food for flavor.
Paprika
Paprika is a spice that is made from ground dried peppers. It’s a vegan-friendly ingredient that is commonly used in many types of cuisine.
Spices
The term “spices” can be a bit vague, as it can refer to a wide variety of ingredients. In the case of nacho fries, the spice blend includes cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, which are all vegan-friendly.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is a common seasoning that is made from dehydrated onions. It’s a vegan-friendly ingredient that is often used in many types of cuisine.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a seasoning that is made from dried and ground garlic. It’s a vegan-friendly ingredient that is commonly used in many types of cuisine.
Modified Corn Starch
Modified corn starch is a starch that has been treated to change its properties. It’s often used as a thickener or a stabilizer in processed foods. While modified corn starch is vegan-friendly, it’s important to note that it can be derived from genetically modified corn.
Yeast Extract
Yeast extract is a common food additive that is used to add flavor to many types of processed foods. While yeast extract is typically vegan-friendly, it’s important to note that some brands may contain animal-derived ingredients.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that is commonly used as a preservative and flavoring agent in food. It’s a vegan-friendly ingredient that is often used in many types of cuisine.
Natural Flavors
The term “natural flavors” can be a bit vague, as it can refer to a wide variety of ingredients. While natural flavors can be derived from animal sources, they are often derived from plant sources. It’s difficult to determine whether the natural flavors used in nacho fries are vegan-friendly without more information about their origin.
Disodium Inosinate and Guanylate
Disodium inosinate and guanylate are flavor enhancers that are often used in processed foods. While these ingredients are typically vegan-friendly, they can be derived from animal sources. It’s difficult to determine the origin of these ingredients without more information.
Torula Yeast
Torula yeast is a type of yeast that is often used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods. While torula yeast is typically vegan-friendly, it’s important to note that some brands may contain animal-derived ingredients.
Extractives of Paprika
Extractives of paprika are a natural colorant that is derived from paprika. It’s a vegan-friendly ingredient that is often used in many types of cuisine.
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide is a natural mineral that is often used as an anti-caking agent in processed foods. It’s a vegan-friendly ingredient that is commonly used in many types of cuisine.
Based on the list of ingredients, it’s difficult to determine whether nacho fries are vegan or not. While many of the ingredients used in the seasoning are vegan-friendly, some may be derived from animal sources. Additionally, it’s important to note that cross-contamination is always a possibility when it comes to fast food.
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when an allergen or animal product comes into contact with a food that is meant to be vegan or free of allergens. In the case of nacho fries, there is a risk of cross-contamination with animal products, as the fries are often cooked in the same fryer as meat and dairy products.
It’s important to note that Taco Bell does not have a dedicated fryer for their nacho fries. This means that there is a risk of cross-contamination with animal products, which may make them unsuitable for vegans.
Alternative Vegan Options
If you’re a vegan who is looking for a fast food fix, there are a number of vegan-friendly options available at Taco Bell. Here are a few vegan-friendly options that you can try:
- Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme: A vegan-friendly wrap filled with black beans, lettuce, tomato, and vegan-friendly sour cream.
- Bean Burrito: A vegan-friendly burrito filled with beans, red sauce, and onions.
- Veggie Power Bowl: A vegan-friendly bowl filled with rice, black beans, lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, and corn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether nacho fries are vegan-friendly or not is a bit tricky to answer. While many of the ingredients used in the seasoning are vegan-friendly, some may be derived from animal sources. Additionally, there is a risk of cross-contamination with animal products, as the fries are often cooked in the same fryer as meat and dairy products.