One of my favourite things about going vegan, apart from the usual “animals not dying” thing, was discovering just how many foods I didn’t have to give up. I don’t mean plant-based versions. I mean the stuff that’s just… accidentally vegan. Made without animal products, not for any ethical reason, just because it doesn’t need them. No one waved a flag about it. It just quietly exists. Waiting.
So here’s a list of my go-to accidentally vegan foods in the UK. Some are sweet, some savoury, some so nostalgic they’ll transport you straight back to a school lunchbox in 1998.
What Does “Accidentally Vegan” Mean?
It basically means the food isn’t labelled vegan, but it is vegan. No milk powder, no butter, no sneaky whey protein. It wasn’t made for vegans. It just happens to be free from animal stuff.
Always double check the label, especially with big brands, as recipes change. But as of 2025, all of these were safe.
Biscuits & Bakes
Oreos
The classic. Crunchy, creamy, and completely dairy-free. They’re not marketed as vegan (cross-contamination is possible), but the standard ones don’t contain any animal products. I always have a pack nearby, I’m not proud of that, but I’m also not sorry.
McVitie’s Digestives (Plain)
You wouldn’t think it but… The original Digestives, not the chocolate ones, are vegan. Great with tea, spread with peanut butter, or just on their own in a half-eaten sleeve you forgot you started.
Fox’s Party Rings
They’re rainbow-coloured and taste like pure nostalgia. And yes, totally vegan.
Lotus Biscoff
The spread, the biscuits, the little coffee shop packs, all vegan. That caramelised flavour is unmatched.
Jammie Dodgers
The originals were once reformulated to not be vegan, but then they switched back. Check the label, but most versions are now plant-based again.
Hobnobs (Plain)
Like Digestives, the plain ones are safe. Chocolate Hobnobs? Sadly, no.
Sweet Treats
Skittles
They dropped the gelatine years ago and never looked back. All the standard flavours are vegan. The sour ones too. They’re basically little sugar bombs of joy.
Love Hearts
These are vegan-friendly, which means you can eat your feelings and your crush’s messages without guilt.
Jelly Tots
Tiny, chewy, and completely gelatine-free. A childhood classic that’s stood the test of time.
Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles
They went fully vegan a while back, and the texture is still spot on.
Starburst (UK version)
No gelatine here. Fruity, chewy, and perfect for sharing, or not.
Millions
Those tiny chewy sweets in tubes? Most flavours are vegan-friendly.
Haribo Rainbow Strips
Not all Haribo sweets are vegan, but these colourful strips are a delightful exception.
Fruittella Sour Snakes
Tangy, chewy, and gelatine-free. A sour treat that’s surprisingly vegan.
Percy Pigs (M&S)
The iconic pig-shaped sweets are now made without gelatine or beeswax, making them suitable for vegans.
Crisps & Savoury Bits
Walkers Salt & Vinegar, Ready Salted, Prawn Cocktail
Yup, even Prawn Cocktail, it’s all flavourings, not actual prawns. These three are vegan.
Pringles Original
Not all Pringles are vegan, but the Original flavour is. That weirdly stackable crisp was built for mindless snacking.
Hula Hoops Original & BBQ Beef
Weirdly, BBQ Beef Hula Hoops are vegan. Welcome to the magic of artificial flavouring.
Doritos Chilli Heatwave (Sometimes)
This one’s tricky, the UK version is sometimes vegan, but always check the label. It can vary. Cool Original and Tangy Cheese are definitely not vegan.
Skips Prawn Cocktail
Despite the name, there’s no actual prawn in sight. These fizzy, melty crisps are made from tapioca starch and are vegan-friendly. They do carry a “may contain milk” warning due to potential cross-contamination, but many vegans are comfortable with that.
Quavers Prawn Cocktail & Salt & Vinegar
These retro flavours made a comeback and, to everyone’s delight, they’re vegan. The classic Cheese flavour, however, contains dairy and isn’t suitable for vegans.
Instant Noodles & Quick Meals
Batchelors Super Noodles – Chicken Flavour
Surprisingly vegan and full of fake chickeny goodness. They’re not labelled vegan, but they do the job.
Pot Noodle – Beef & Tomato, Sweet & Sour, Bombay Bad Boy
All three are free from animal ingredients and don’t shout about it. Quick, salty, and accidentally vegan.
Bread & Baking Surprises
Warburtons Crumpets
Soft, fluffy, and lovely with jam. Accidentally vegan.
Some Supermarket Own-Brand Garlic Breads (Without Cheese)
Read the small print, a lot of them are free from butter and safe to grab.
Co-op Custard & Jam Doughnuts
Soft, sugary, and filled with sweet jam or custard. A delightful treat that’s accidentally vegan.
Morrisons Bakery Doughnuts
Most of Morrison’s doughnuts are accidentally vegan, but there are a couple of flavours that are not, so always make sure to double check the labels before purchasing.
Asda Extra Special Cakes
Some of Asda’s Extra Special cakes are accidentally vegan, like their sea salted caramel cake, chocolate orange cake, and rhubarb and ginger cake.
Soreen Loaves
Almost all Soreen cakes are accidentally vegan. You can enjoy their delicious flavours such as cherry jellies, raspberry and white chocolate, apple, banana, and strawberry. The only two non-vegan items listed on their website were the large Fruity 5 loaf and the pre-buttered slices.
Jus-Rol Pastries
Their croissants, cinnamon swirls, and pains au chocolat are ready-to-bake and accidentally vegan. Super low effort treats that feel homemade.
Mr Kipling Apple & Blackcurrant Pies
These classic pies are accidentally vegan, offering a sweet and fruity dessert option.
Tesco Apple Strudel
A hearty pudding of apple chunks and sultanas in delicious puff pastry, topped off with sugar. Perfect for sharing with friends.
Final Thoughts
Accidentally vegan foods are one of the small joys of being plant-based. You’re standing in a shop, scanning ingredients, expecting disappointment, then bam. It’s vegan. You get that tiny rush of victory and walk out with biscuits. Honestly, it’s one of the best parts.
Let me know if I’ve missed any of your favourites. I’m always happy to “research” more snacks.
If you’re unsure how to spot vegan products while shopping, the Vegan Society has a helpful guide.
Before you go…
If you’re vegan or just looking for cruelty-free supplements, chocolate, or meal kits, here are a few brands worth checking out.
Dr. Vegan make fully plant-based supplements with clear ingredients. Use code DR15 to get 15% off.
The links above are affiliate links. If you click through and buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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