Did you know these foods are accidentally vegan?

If you have an allergy, some of these foods may contain cross contamination due to being produced in a factory that handles dairy or other allergens, so exercise caution and check labels carefully.

Get a head-start on plant-based meals with our vegan meal prep tips for Veganuary and beyond and even more advice on how to do Veganuary.

10 accidentally vegan foods

1. Oreo biscuits

If you're new to the vegan game this might come as a surprise, but old-school vegans know that Oreos have been a-ok for a long time. In fact, it was back in the 90s when animal lard was removed from the original recipe and replaced with hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Make sure to check the labels as there are some more unusual Oreo varieties that might catch you out with a dash of milk in the ingredients, although the Originals, Golden and Double Stuff are all fine. Read more about understanding food packaging labels as a vegan on 10 things I wish I knew before going vegan, then try our vegan chocolate cheesecake which makes the most of Oreos for the crumbly chocolate biscuit base.

2. Dark chocolate

When choosing chocolate, many dark chocolate varieties over about 70% cocoa solids tend to be accidentally vegan. For example Lindt's 70% to 99% plain dark chocolates as well as Green & Black's 70% and 85%. Some of the varieties with dried fruit, nuts and mint are also vegan. A recent discovery is that Waitrose's No.1 Fairtrade Dark Chocolate with Italian Gianduja (a creamy hazelnut paste) is 100% plant-based.

Some notable exceptions include Cadbury's Bourneville which has listed milk as one of its ingredients since 2021 - before then it was actually vegan. Watch out for dark varieties with additions such as salted caramel as they can often contain milk. Sadly since 2002 After Eights are no longer vegan as they contain butterfat. Discover our guide to the best vegan chocolate to buy.

3. 'Cheese' flavour crisps

Note that 'flavour' is the operative word here, as Tesco Finest's mature cheddar and onion crisps contains no real dairy. Instead the high-end range's 'cheesy' flavour is thanks to yeast extract, onion powder and paprika.

As you might expect, most salted crisps should be vegan - but always double check if it's a brand you're not familiar with. When it comes to flavoured crisps it gets more complicated and varies from brand to brand - I've been caught out before by 'lime' flavoured crisps that contained milk. Tyrrells sweet chilli & red pepper crisps are 100% vegan and delicious!

4. Lotus biscuits

These continental biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to a morning tea or coffee and fear not, you can still enjoy them as a vegan. Even better, Lotus Biscoff spread is vegan. Be warned though: it is dangerously addictive. Both the biscuits and the spread are a great starting point for a variety of vegan bakes.

Have a go at 'veganising' our Biscoff rocky road - McVities Ginger Nuts are accidentally vegan, while vegan butter, vegan white chocolate and vegan marshmallows are all readily available on the market. Or simply crumble Lotus biscuits over our vegan banana ice-cream with a drizzle of Biscoff spread for an easy dessert.

5. Ritz crackers

If you love the buttery texture of Ritz crackers, no fear, there is no real butter in sight. Jacob's Cream Crackers - despite their somewhat confusing name - also do not contain any dairy. Assemble your vegan cheese board with a tempting array of Ritz biscuits, Jacob's Cream Crackers and Nairn's Oatcakes (except the cheese ones) which are all fully plant-based.

Try one of our chutney recipes to serve alongside your spread of vegan cheese and crackers.

6. Guinness

Although you might think otherwise due to its creamy head, Guinness has been completely suitable for vegans since 2018. Previously, the Irish dry stout recipe called for isinglass - a compound from fish bladders - to filter the drink, making it unsuitable for strict vegetarians too. Now veggies and vegans alike can enjoy its rich, malty flavour.

Why not try 'veganising' one of our Guinness recipes?

7. Hot chocolate powder

A warming mug of hot chocolate helps to brighten the cold winter months and there's no reason why vegans can't indulge in this little pleasure either. Cadbury's Original Drinking Chocolate is vegan - simply stir through your favourite dairy-free milk and heat. A personal favourite is barista oat milk for extra creaminess - or make your own oat milk.

Green & Blacks and other more expensive brands tend to be vegan as they use good quality cocoa powder with high cocoa solids. Do check the labels as some brands might sneak in some some dairy, especially if the hot chocolate is flavoured with other ingredients too. If you want to make your own, try our vegan hot chocolate recipe.

8. Jus-rol

You'll have a vegan field day when you discover all of these plant-based delights. Not only are Jus-Rol's ready-rolled puff, shortcrust and filo pastry sheets fully vegan, you'll find that most supermarket own-brands of pre-made pastry sheets are also vegan - again, just double check the label. Try our parsnip, sage and apple wellington for a meat-free centrepiece for a special occasion using a shop-bought sheet of puff pastry.

What's more, Jus-Rol's entire range of bake-at-home pastries including croissants, cinnamon swirls and even pain au chocolat dough are suitable for plant-based diets. Anyone who has been vegan for a little while will understand the struggle when it comes to finding plant-based pastries, and now you can enjoy them straight from the oven and in the comfort of your home! Plant-based heaven.

9. Custard powder

You might have used it before without realising it is fully plant-based, but Bird's Traditional Custard Powder contains no dairy products or eggs, unlike a traditional homemade custard recipe.

Some supermarket versions may also be vegan, just make sure to check the packaging, and of course make up your custard with your vegan milk of choice. Discover our guide to the best plant milk makers to take your plant-based custard to the next level.

10. Turkish delight

The traditional recipe of Turkish delight doesn't call for any animal products whatsoever - despite its jelly-like texture. This actually comes from the mixture of starch and sugar - try our fully plant-based Turkish delight recipe.

However, some less traditional recipes may use gelatine as a setting agent, which would make it unsuitable for vegetarians as well as vegans.