When you reach for that glass of milk, it is only sensible to grab a bag of cookies, too.
Chips Ahoy! is one of the best when it comes to eating a delicious cookie. But, are Chips Ahoy! vegan?
The company behind Chips Ahoy!, Nabisco, said they named the cookie brand after the nautical reference, ‘Ships ahoy!’. How that is linked with cookies, we do not know – but what we do know is that they are delicious.
As a vegan, you may wonder if you can eat Chips Ahoy! and unfortunately, these tasty treats aren’t considered vegan.
Keep reading, and we’ll explain why these aren’t suitable for a vegan diet, and we’ll share some alternatives.
Why Aren’t Chips Ahoy! Vegan?
The main reason Chips Ahoy! cookies aren’t vegan is the use of milk-based ingredients like whey, skim milk, or nonfat milk solids in their recipes. Additionally, some cookies contain chocolate chips that also include dairy.
Beyond this, the cookies often contain controversial ingredients that some vegans may avoid.
While these ingredients may not directly come from animals, they can raise ethical or environmental concerns:
Controversial Ingredients to Consider
- Palm Oil and Palm Fat: Palm oil isn’t animal-based, but its production contributes to deforestation and habitat loss, harming wildlife.
- Sugar: Refined white sugar may be processed using bone char in some cases, though it depends on the manufacturer.
- Colors and Flavorings: Artificial colors and natural flavors can sometimes involve animal testing or be derived from animal sources.
Ultimately, it’s up to individual vegans to decide their comfort level with such ingredients.
Evaluating Chips Ahoy! Flavors
Let’s break down the ingredients for some of the most popular Chips Ahoy! products to see why they aren’t suitable for vegans.
Original Chips Ahoy!
The Original Chips Ahoy! contain whey, a milk-based ingredient, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Ingredients:
Unbleached Enriched Flour, Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Dextrose, Soy Lecithin), Sugar, Soybean Oil, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Whey (from Milk), Natural and Artificial Flavor, Caramel Color.
Chunky Chips Ahoy!
Chunky Chips Ahoy! also include milk-based ingredients, making them non-vegan.
Ingredients:
Similar to the Original, with the addition of larger chocolate chunks.
Chewy Chips Ahoy!
Chewy Chips Ahoy! contain multiple dairy-based ingredients, including milk in both the cookies and the chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
Unbleached Enriched Flour, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Palm and Palm Kernel Oil, Sugar, Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Dextrose, Milk, Soy Lecithin), Skim Milk, Artificial Flavor, Natural Flavor.
Chips Ahoy! Thins
The Thins variety isn’t vegan either, as they include milk in their chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
Similar to the Original recipe but with thinner cookies for a crispy texture.
Filled Chips Ahoy! (S’mores, Brownie, Fudge, Red Velvet)
All filled varieties contain dairy ingredients, such as milk and whey, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Key Ingredients:
Sugar, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Whey, Milk, Nonfat Milk Solids, Artificial Flavor, Caramel Color.
Chips Ahoy! Cereal
The good news? Chips Ahoy! cereal is free of milk-based ingredients and is generally considered vegan-friendly!
Ingredients:
Corn Flour, Sugar, Whole Grain Oat Flour, Canola Oil, Corn Syrup, Cookie Bits (Sugar, Corn Flour, Cocoa), Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavor.
This cereal contains controversial ingredients like sugar and artificial flavorings, but it doesn’t include dairy, making it an option for vegans comfortable with these components.
Chips Ahoy! with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
As expected, this variety is not vegan due to the inclusion of milk chocolate and other dairy-based ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
Milk Chocolate, Peanut Butter Flavored Chips (Contain Milk), Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin.
Final Thoughts
While Chips Ahoy! cookies are a classic favorite; they unfortunately aren’t suitable for vegans due to the inclusion of milk-based ingredients in nearly all their varieties.
The one exception is Chips Ahoy! Cereal which doesn’t contain dairy, but even this product includes controversial ingredients like palm oil and refined sugar that some vegans may avoid.
If you’re craving a delicious cookie, there are plenty of vegan-friendly alternatives available from brands dedicated to creating plant-based treats.
These options allow you to enjoy all the flavor and fun without compromising on your values.
So, skip the Chips Ahoy! and explore vegan cookies that align with your lifestyle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chips Ahoy! vegan?
No, most Chips Ahoy! products are not vegan due to the inclusion of milk-based ingredients. The only exception is Chips Ahoy! Cereal, which doesn’t contain dairy but includes controversial ingredients.
Can a person on a gluten-free diet eat Chips Ahoy!?
No, Chips Ahoy! cookies are not gluten-free as they contain wheat-based flour.
Do Chips Ahoy! contain nuts?
Most Chips Ahoy! varieties are nut-free, except for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups flavor, which includes peanuts.
Do Chips Ahoy! contain dairy?
Yes, all Chips Ahoy! cookies (except the cereal) contain dairy, such as whey, milk, or nonfat milk solids.
Are Chips Ahoy! certified Kosher?
Yes, most Chips Ahoy! products are certified Kosher, but always check the packaging for confirmation.
Are Chips Ahoy! certified halal?
Some Chips Ahoy! products are halal-certified, but it’s essential to check the packaging as not all varieties have this certification.
Are Chips Ahoy! vegetarian?
Yes, Chips Ahoy! are suitable for vegetarians since they do not contain meat or animal by-products, but they are not vegan due to the inclusion of dairy.
