What Vegans Should Know About Ritz Crackers

There are few snacks as nostalgic — or as delicious — as Ritz crackers. Made by Nabisco, the iconic red box has been around since 1934, says Snack History, and for many of us, was a childhood favorite growing up. Whether you enjoyed the classic crackers topped with a slice of cheddar, or the popular Ritz Bits (bite-sized crackers sandwiched with cheese), Ritz crackers have long been a staple snack in homes across the country. There's just something about that flaky, buttery taste that has you reaching in for one (or two, or three) more of the round, two-inch crackers every time.

There is one big question, however, that some people have to ask before enjoying the beloved snack: Are Ritz Crackers vegan? If you're someone who avoids all animal products, trying to find food in the grocery store (especially packaged snacks) that are vegan can be difficult. To help you save time and prevent you from having to examine the long ingredient list on the back of each Ritz box, we've done the digging for you. Here's what you need to know.

Good news: The original Ritz crackers are vegan. Spoon University thoroughly examined the ingredients to make sure (unbleached enriched flour, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, leavening, high fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin, malted barley flour, natural flavor) and found that none of those listed were from animals. Not only that, but People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) even named Ritz crackers one of the "Top 20 Accidentally Vegan Foods."

While the original Ritz crackers might be vegan, what about all of the other flavors available? You might be surprised to find out that all of the flavors, including Bacon and Garlic Butter, are vegan, with the exception of one offender: Honey Wheat. Vegan Foundry reports that Honey Wheat Ritz include real honey, which is an animal byproduct. As long as you avoid that flavor, if you're a vegan, you can happily enjoy your Ritz crackers guilt- and shame-free. Hooray!