We all know that a diet packed with fruits and vegetables is healthy for our bodies. But sometimes, we also want to enjoy a bag of potato chips in front of the TV or treat ourselves to ice cream, pizza, or a hot dog. But is doing so seriously damaging our health, or is it okay to indulge every now and again? Let’s dive in.
Why ultra-processed ‘junk’ foods might damage your health
There are plenty of nutritious plant-based foods out there (find out more about those by following our guide to a whole foods, plant-based diet), but French fries and nuggets usually aren’t among them.
In fact, recent research has shown that ultra-processed foods can seriously damage our health. In 2023, for example, one study from the University of Bristol and the International Agency for Research on Cancer suggested that people who consumed more ultra-processed foods, including vegan options like potato chips and breakfast cereals, had a higher risk of head, neck, and esophageal cancer. Ultra-processed products have also been linked with an increased risk of cognitive decline, stroke, and premature aging.
“The ones to watch out for are those calorie-heavy, nutrient-light snack foods that leave you hungry for more,” Sapna Peruvemba, MS, RDN of Health by Sapna, previously told VegNews. “Chips, candy, soda—you know the drill. Even some frozen meals, cereals, and vegan meats can be culprits, often packed with added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.”
Is junk food always ‘bad’?
However, the biggest issue with ultra-processed foods is the amount we’re eating. Research suggests that they make up more than half of the average American’s diet. But if you’re eating them occasionally, more experts agree this isn’t going to do you much harm.
“Sometimes we just want a treat,” says Peruvemba. The key is to indulge mindfully.”
If you’re reaching for plant-based ultra-processed foods rather than animal-based ones, this may be better for your health, too, research suggests.
In 2022, Chris Bryant, PhD, from the University of Bath, conducted a review of 43 studies into the health and environmental impacts of plant-based foods. He found that all of these alternatives are not only better for the planet than animal products, but they’re also better for human health. After all, processed meats, like bacon, are classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization.
Impossible Foods
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According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, junk food can be defined in two ways. The first is “food that is high in calories but low in nutritional content.” And the second is “something that is appealing or enjoyable but of little or no real value.”
Some people might refer to junk food—which includes things like French fries, ice cream, and candy—as “bad food,” but now, many registered dietitians reject categorizing foods in this way.
Whataburger
Stefani Sassos MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, told Good Housekeeping in 2021 that while some foods do have ingredients “that aren’t nutritious for the body” (like trans fats), one of the healthiest ways to approach diet is to eat without strict rules. Like Peruvemba, she agrees that eating ultra-processed foods every now and again isn’t something most people need to worry about.
“Listen to your body; if you are craving a food and want to enjoy it, then know it’s okay to eat your favorite foods in moderation without guilt or judgment,” she says. “Every single meal doesn’t have to be the most perfect, most nutritious meal of your life.”
Tasty vegan junk food to buy right now
For the days when you are craving the occasional “junk food” treat, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite vegan options below. Happy snacking.
Daiya
1 Daiya Cheeze Lover’s Pizza
Pizza is one of the world’s most loved foods, but it doesn’t have to be loaded with dairy cheese to be tasty. This Daiya pizza (which is also gluten-free) is satisfyingly gooey, but it’s topped with two types of vegan cheese: mozzarella and cheddar. Prefer your pizzas meaty? The brand also offers vegan pies topped with plant-based pepperoni and sausage crumbles.
FIND IT HERE
Simulate
2Simulate Dino Nuggs
Dinosaur nuggets are arguably most kids’ favorite Friday night dinner. You can give them the same experience, just without the meat, by keeping these plant-based dino nuggets from Simulate stocked in the freezer. Also, there’s no rule that says adults can’t enjoy these, too!
FIND IT HERE
Doritos
3 Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili
Doritos are one of the best snacks for sharing with friends and family during a movie or game night. While not all of the flavors are vegan, there are a handful of animal-free options to choose from, including these Spicy Sweet Chili-flavored chips.
FIND IT HERE
Oreo
4 Oreos
Yes, the rumors are true: Oreos are accidentally vegan. They might be branded as “milk’s favorite cookie,” but there’s no actual dairy in the recipe. And they taste just as delicious when paired with a tall glass of oat milk.
FIND IT HERE
VGAN
5 VGAN chocolate
Is there anything better than sitting down in the evening with a bar of chocolate and streaming your favorite show? Chocolate bars from VGAN are the perfect accompaniment to your next Netflix binge. They’re not only milk-free, but also gluten-free and certified organic. Plus, VGAN offers a variety of delicious flavors.
FIND IT HERE
Moving Mountains
6 Moving Mountains Hot Dogs
When grilling season hits, it’s time to break out the hot dogs. But you don’t have to go for the animal-based option, because these vegan sunflower seed-based hot dogs from Moving Mountains look, cook, and taste just like the real deal.
FIND IT HERE
Skittles
7 Skittles
If you’re questioning whether Skittles are actually vegan, we’re thrilled to tell you that the answer is a big yes! Most varieties of this popular colorful candy don’t contain any animal ingredients.
FIND IT HERE
Magnums
8 Non-Dairy Magnums
Since 2019, the much-loved ice cream brand Magnum has offered non-dairy versions of its iconic frozen treats in the US. Just like the original, they’re covered in delicious Belgian chocolate.
FIND IT HERE
Arby’s
9 Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries
Ok, so fast-food chain Arby’s isn’t really known for being the most vegan-friendly destination (its tagline is literally “we have the meats”). But its tasty Seasoned Curly Fries, which can be bought frozen in grocery stores, are totally animal-free.
FIND IT HERE
Pop-Tarts
10 Unfrosted Pop-Tarts
Most Pop-Tarts are not vegan, and that’s because they’re frosted with icing that contains gelatin (and this means that they’re not vegetarian either). But there are a handful of options that come without the frosting, including Strawberry, Blueberry, and Brown Sugar Cinnamon.
FIND IT HERE
For more on vegan junk food, read:
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
