Figuring out whether Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings are vegan-friendly can be challenging.
Processed cauliflower wing products often contain many ingredients and some of them may be animal derived.
To make sure that you’re only consuming food that aligns with your vegan diet and lifestyle, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings.
Here’s what I found.
Are Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
No. The four flavors in Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings are not vegan.
Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings Barbeque, Teriyaki, Buffalo and Garlic Parmesan flavor all have sugar in them and the Garlic Parmesan flavor also has milk and cheese.
Sugar is plant based but it is often processed with animal bone char to make it whiter. Unless the sugar is labeled “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined,” it’s likely not vegan.
Their Garlic Parmesan flavor also contains milk and cheese, which are obviously not vegan.
Are Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings Cruelty-Free?
Yes! Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings are cruelty-free!
Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings are not tested on animals and do not contain any ingredients that may have been tested on animals.
Ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are often tested on animals to ensure safety for human consumption.
Animal testing is a cruel and outdated practice that leaves innocent animals disfigured, injured, and often dead.
I’m glad to see that Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings are not contributing to this unnecessary and inhumane practice.
What Are Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Birds Eye Cauliflower Buffalo Wings:
- Cauliflower
- Vegetable oil (canola, sunflower)
- Water
- Wheat flour
- Spices
- Vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Chili peppers
- Acetic acid
- Sugar
- Garlic powder
- Apple juice concentrate
- Yeast extract
- Dried mushroom
- Canola lecithin
- Natural flavors
- Paprika extract
- Rice flour
- Whole barley flakes
- Modified cornstarch
- Quinoa
- Flaxseed
- Yeast
- Leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking soda, monocalcium phosphate)
- Dextrose
- Onion powder
Let’s break down each ingredient of Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings:
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is often used as a meat alternative. It is high in fiber and low in calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is a type of fat that is derived from plants. It is often used in cooking and baking. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Water
Water is used for many purposes, including cooking and cleaning. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Wheat flour
Wheat flour is a type of flour that is made from wheat. It is often used in baking. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Spices
Spices are used to add flavor to food. They are often made from dried and ground plants. They are a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a sour-tasting liquid that is made from fermented alcohol. It is often used in cooking and cleaning. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a type of starch that is made from corn. It is often used as a thickening agent. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Salt
Salt is used to add flavor to food or to preserve food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Chili peppers
Chili peppers are a type of pepper often used to add spice to food. They are a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Acetic acid
Acetic acid is a type of acid that is found in vinegar. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Sugar
Sugar is a sweetener made from sugar cane or sugar beets. It is used to sweeten food and drinks. Most sugar is processed using animal bone char, making it not vegan. Unless the sugar is labeled “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined,” it is not vegan.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder is a type of powder made from dried and ground garlic. It is often used to add flavor to food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Apple juice concentrate
Apple juice concentrate is often used to sweeten food and drinks. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Yeast extract
Yeast extract is made from yeast. It is often used to add flavor to food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Dried mushroom
Dried mushrooms are often used to add flavor to food. They are a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Canola lecithin
Canola lecithin is a type of fat derived from the canola plants. It is often used as an emulsifier or lubricant. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Natural flavors
Natural flavors add flavor to food or drinks. They can be derived from plants, animals, or minerals. Natural flavors that are derived from animals are not vegan. The natural flavors in this product are part of the chili paste so they’re likely plant based.
Paprika extract
Paprika extract is often used to add color to food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Rice flour
Rice flour is often used in baking. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Whole barley flakes
Whole barley flakes are a type of flake made from barley. They are often used in baking. They are a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Modified cornstarch
Modified cornstarch is a type of cornstarch that has been chemically treated. It is often used as a thickening agent. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a type of grain that is often used as a substitute for rice. It is used to add flavor and texture to food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a type of seed that is often used as a substitute for eggs. It is used to add texture to food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Yeast
Yeast is a type of microorganism that is often used to leaven bread. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking soda, monocalcium phosphate)
Leavening is a type of agent that is used to cause bread to rise. Sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking soda, and monocalcium phosphate are common vegan-friendly leavening agents.
Dextrose
Dextrose is a type of sugar often used as a sweetener. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Onion powder
Onion powder is a type of powder made from dried and ground onions. It is often used to add flavor to food. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Why Aren’t Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings are not vegan because all their varieties have sugar and one has milk and cheese.
Sugar is a plant-based ingredient and would be vegan if not for the fact that the majority of sugar is processed using animal bone char, making it not vegan. I can’t trust that the sugar in this product is safe for vegan consumption unless they explicitly labeled it as “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined.”
Are Birds Eye Buffalo Style Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
No. Their Buffalo Cauliflower Wings contain sugar.
These cauliflower wings are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Birds Eye Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
No. Bird’s Eye Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings contain sugar.
These cauliflower wings are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Birds Eye Barbeque Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
No. Bird’s Eye Barbeque Cauliflower Wings contain sugar.
These cauliflower wings are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Birds Eye Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
No. Bird’s Eye Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Wings contain parmesan cheese and other milk products. Sugar is also listed as an ingredient.
These cauliflower wings are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Birds Eye Crinkle Cut Zucchini Fries Vegan?
Yes! Their Crinkle Cut Zucchini Fries are vegan! This product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or sugar. The Crinkle Cut Zucchini Fries contain very basic ingredients that are all vegan friendly.
These Zucchini Fries are safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings
If you’re in the mood for some delicious cauliflower wings but don’t want to consume any animal products, don’t worry! There are many vegan alternatives to Birds Eye Cauliflower Wings. Here are some of my favorites:
- Rhythm Superfoods Organic Cauliflower Bites
- Wholly Veggie Cauliflower Wings
- Rollin Greens Cauliflower Wings
- Sol Cuisine Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These cauliflower wing brands are all vegan and delicious! They use organic, vegan-friendly ingredients and are free from any animal products. You can enjoy these wings without worrying about consuming any non-vegan ingredients.
Final Word
So there you have it! Bird’s Eye Cauliflower Wings are not vegan because they contain sugar. One variety even contains milk and cheese. However, there are many vegan alternatives to Bird’s Eye Cauliflower Wings that are just as delicious. Check out the ones I’ve listed above and enjoy cauliflower wings without worrying about consuming any animal products!