Unearthing the vegan status of a particular product can often be a convoluted task.
It’s not always easy to discern the origins and nature of restaurant food ingredients, rendering a seemingly straightforward quest into a labyrinthine endeavor.
Fear not, this article is your guiding light in the maze, here to unveil the truth about Checkers’ fries and support you in your commendable vegan lifestyle.
Are Checkers’ Fries Vegan?
Unfortunately, Checkers’ fries are not vegan. They are, in fact, prepared using whey, an animal-derived ingredient that comes from dairy.
Are Checkers’ Fries Cruelty-Free?
Equally disheartening is the fact that Checkers’ fries are not cruelty-free either. Several ingredients are tested on animals, including monosodium glutamate, which is often tested on dogs. Yes, I said dogs.
Additionally, Checkers fries are loaded with GMOs, which are also tested on animals. Vegetable oils, cornstarch, cornmeal, and dextrose are all GMO ingredients.
The fries also include palm oil, which, when unsustainably sourced, contributes to rainforest destruction, wildlife habitat destruction, and further endangerment of critical species such as the orangutan.
What Are Checkers’ Fries Made Of?
Before we delve deeper into the nitty-gritty, here’s a brief look at the list of ingredients found in Checkers’ fries:
- Potatoes
- Vegetable oil (can include canola, palm, soybean, sunflower)
- Wheat flour
- Enriched wheat flour
- Modified cornstarch
- Salt
- Spices
- Cornmeal
- Monosodium glutamate
- Leavening agents
- Dextrose
- Annatto (for color)
- Whey (from milk)
- Natural flavor
Potatoes
Potatoes are plant-based and play the primary role of providing the main structure of the fry. They are vegan.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil, used for frying, can come from various sources. Most are vegan friendly, but the inclusion of palm oil raises environmental concerns.
Wheat Flour and Enriched Wheat Flour
Both of these provide texture to the fries. They are plant-based and are vegan.
Modified Cornstarch
Derived from corn, this ingredient acts as a thickener and is vegan, but sadly, also GMO.
Salt, Spices, and Cornmeal
All three of these ingredients add flavor and texture to the fries. They are vegan, but cornmeal is GMO.
Monosodium Glutamate
Commonly known as MSG, it’s a flavor enhancer and is vegan. Don’t eat this; it’s tested on dogs.
Leavening Agents
These are vegan and ensure the fries get a crispy texture.
Dextrose
This is a simple sugar from plants and is vegan, but often GMO, since it comes from corn, one of the most common GMO crops along with soybeans and sugar.
Annatto
Used for color, it’s derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and is vegan.
Whey
A by-product of milk, whey is not vegan.
Natural Flavor
This can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Without specific details, it’s hard to determine its vegan status.
Vegan Alternatives to Checkers’ Fries
While it’s disheartening to learn that not even Checkers’ fries are vegan-friendly, there are numerous vegan options out there to satisfy your craving for crunchy, savory fries:
- Arby’s frozen curly fries: You can find these in the frozen section of many grocery stores, and they are free from animal ingredients.
- Burger King: Unlike Checkers, Burger King fries are cooked in vegetable oil and do not contain any animal-derived products.
- The Habit Burger Grille: This chain has a lot of vegan options than just a veggie burger.
- In-N-Out: In-N-Out fries are vegan as long as you don’t get them Animal Style.
Conclusion
Finding vegan food is not nearly as difficult as it used to be. However, it’s really hard to find vegan options at Checkers. It doesn’t even have its own veggie burger.
In a world where we’re constantly striving for healthier choices and kindness towards all beings, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the food we consume. Despite the popularity and tasty allure of Checkers’ fries, they do not align with a vegan or cruelty-free lifestyle due to the use of whey.
However, the realm of vegan options is vast and expanding, promising a plethora of savory alternative brands for all the fries-lovers out there.