Is Fritos Bean Dip Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Sorry Truth

June 13, 2023

Trying to figure out if Fritos Bean Dip is safe for vegans to consume can be difficult.

The makers of snack dips often mask their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural flavors,” and even when they do provide a full list of ingredients, it can be difficult to determine which ones are vegan and which ones are not

To make sure that you’re only consuming food that aligns with your vegan lifestyle and diet, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of Fritos Bean Dip.

Here’s what I found.

Is Fritos Bean Dip Vegan?

No. Fritos Bean Dip is not vegan.

Fritos Bean Dip is a type of dipping sauce made from a mixture of mashed beans, spices, and jalapeño peppers. It is one of the many flavors of dips produced by Frito-Lay, a popular snack food company. Unfortunately for vegans, this bean dip is not suitable for a vegan diet because it contains refined sugar.

Sugar may be naturally vegan, but it is often processed using bone char. Bone char is a type of carbon that is produced by burning the bones of animals. It is used as a decolorizing agent to create a white sugar crystal. Unless it is labeled “raw,” “organic,” or “vegan,” sugar is not considered vegan.

If only Frito-Lay would ditch the sugar, Fritos Bean Dip could be vegan. Until then, there are plenty of other vegan dips out there for you to enjoy!

Is Fritos Bean Dip Cruelty Free?

Yes! Fritos Bean Dip is cruelty free.

Fritos Bean Dip is not tested on animals at any point in its production, nor does it contain any ingredients that are routinely tested on animals, such as artificial colors.

PepsiCo, Frito-Lay’s parent company, has a strict policy against animal testing. This means that neither Frito-Lay nor any of its suppliers test their products on animals unless required by law.

Animal testing is an outdated and inhumane practice that causes immense suffering to millions of animals every year. There are many alternatives to animal testing that are more reliable and humane so there is no reason for companies to continue this cruel practice.

What Is Fritos Bean Dip Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Fritos Bean Dip:

  • Water
  • Pinto beans
  • Vinegar
  • Corn oil
  • Salt
  • Maltodextrin (made from corn)
  • Dried onion
  • Sugar
  • Jalapeño peppers
  • Spice
  • Chili pepper
  • Dried garlic
  • Natural flavors

Let’s break down each ingredient of Fritos Bean Dip:

Water

Water is used as a solvent to create the desired consistency in sauces. Water is vegan.

Pinto beans

Pinto beans are a type of legume that is often used in Mexican cuisine. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Pinto beans are vegan friendly.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a sour liquid that is made by fermenting alcohol. It is commonly used as a condiment or to add flavor to food. Vinegar is vegan friendly.

Corn oil

Corn oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from corn kernels. It is high in polyunsaturated fats and has a neutral taste. Corn oil is vegan friendly.

Salt

Salt is a mineral composed of sodium and chloride. It is used to add flavor or as a preservative. Salt is vegan friendly.

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a type of carbohydrate that is made from cornstarch. It is often used as a thickening agent or to add sweetness. Fritos Bean Dip’s maltodextrin is vegan friendly because they are made from corn.

Dried onion

Dried onion is a type of seasoning made from onions that have been dried and ground into a powder. It is used to add flavor to food. Dried onion is vegan friendly.

Sugar

Sugar is technically vegan, but it is often processed using bone char. Unless the sugar is labeled “raw,” “organic,” or “vegan,” it is not considered vegan.

Jalapeño peppers

Jalapeño peppers are a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They add a spicy flavor to food. Jalapeño peppers are vegan friendly.

Spice

Spice is a broad term that can refer to any dried and ground plant material that is used to add flavor to food. Fritos Bean Dip contains a spice blend that is vegan friendly.

Chili pepper

Chili pepper is a type of spice that is made from the dried and ground fruit of chili peppers. It is used to add heat or spice to food. Chili pepper is vegan friendly.

Dried garlic

Dried garlic is a type of seasoning made from garlic that has been dried and ground into a powder. It is used to add flavor to food. Dried garlic is vegan friendly.

Natural flavors

Natural flavors are substances that are extracted from plants or animals to add flavor to food. Natural flavors are always hidden ingredients, so it is difficult to know if they are vegan or not.

Why Isn’t Fritos Bean Dip Vegan?

Fritos Bean Dip is not because is not vegan because it contains refined sugar. Sugar is naturally vegan because it is derived from sugar beet or sugarcane plants. However, many sugar manufacturers use bone char to process and refine their sugar. Bone char is made from the bones of cows and other animals and is used to filter impurities from sugar. For many vegans, this is simply not acceptable.

Fortunately, there are many brands of dip that are vegan friendly. To be sure, always check the ingredients list to make sure that the product does not contain refined sugar.

Is Frito-Lay French Onion Dip Vegan?

No. Frito-Lay French Onion Dip contains refined sugar, whey protein concentrate, butter oil, sour cream, and milk.

This dip is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Dip Vegan?

No. Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Dip contains mono- and diglycerides, milk, and cheese.

This dip is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Fritos Hot Bean Dip Vegan?

No. Fritos Hot Bean Dip contains refined sugar.

This dip is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Fritos Mild Cheddar Cheese Dip Vegan?

No. Fritos Mild Cheddar Cheese Dip contains milk, cheese, and mono- and diglycerides.

This dip is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Lay’s Smooth Ranch Dip Vegan?

No. Lay’s Smooth Ranch Dip contains refined sugar and whey protein concentrate.

This dip is not safe for vegan consumption.

Vegan Alternatives to Fritos Bean Dip

Suddenly craving some Fritos Bean Dip but don’t want to consume animal products? Don’t worry, there are plenty of vegan dips to choose from. Here are some of my favorites:

Or you can try these making your own Frito-Lay Bean Dip with these bean dip-inspired vegan recipes:

These options will let you enjoy the taste of Fritos Bean Dip without the guilt. With just some refried beans, spices, and a few other ingredients, you can have a delicious dip in minutes. 

Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, there are plenty of delicious vegan dips to choose from.

Final Words

So, there you have it! Fritos Bean Dip is not vegan because it contains refined sugar that is very likely processed with animal bone char. The good news is, if you are looking for a vegan-friendly dip, there are plenty of options to choose from so you can still enjoy your favorite snacks. 

Just be sure to check the ingredients list to make sure that the product is completely free of animal products. Happy dipping!