Walmart's Vegan Snack Selection: What's Worth Buying

Top TLDR:

Walmart's vegan snack selection includes hundreds of plant-based options across every category, from $2 store-brand chips to $6 premium protein bars, with standout choices offering genuine value and taste. This guide reviews what's actually worth buying based on flavor, nutrition, price, and ingredient quality to help you build a satisfying vegan snack routine without wasting money on disappointing products. Start with proven favorites like Skinny Pop, Larabars, and Great Value hummus before experimenting with newer plant-based innovations.

Shopping for vegan snacks at Walmart presents both opportunity and overwhelm. The selection has exploded in recent years, but not every product delivers on taste, nutrition, or value. Some vegan snacks taste amazing and rival conventional alternatives, while others disappoint with cardboard textures or artificial flavors masking poor quality ingredients.

This honest guide reviews Walmart's vegan snack options across categories, rating what's genuinely worth your money and what to skip. You'll find specific products we've tested, along with taste assessments, nutrition breakdowns, price evaluations, and clear recommendations to help you shop confidently.

Understanding Vegan Labels and Claims

Before diving into specific products, understanding vegan labeling helps you shop efficiently and avoid accidentally purchasing non-vegan items.

Certified Vegan vs. "May Contain"

Products with certified vegan logos from organizations like Vegan Action or BeVegan have been verified to contain no animal ingredients and avoid cross-contamination with animal products during manufacturing. "Plant-based" on packaging doesn't always mean vegan—some plant-based products still contain honey, milk derivatives, or other animal ingredients.

"May contain milk" or "processed in a facility that also processes dairy" warnings indicate cross-contamination risk but don't mean the product contains animal ingredients. For ethical vegans, these warnings matter less than for people with severe allergies. The ingredients list tells you whether a product is truly vegan.

Hidden Animal Ingredients

Common non-vegan ingredients hiding in seemingly plant-based snacks include: honey, whey, casein, lactose, gelatin, confectioner's glaze (made from beetle secretions), carmine (red dye from insects), and certain vitamin D3 sources (derived from lanolin). Reading ingredient lists completely prevents accidentally purchasing non-vegan products.

For families exploring plant-based eating while managing food budgets, understanding food security challenges recognizes that dietary choices intersect with financial realities requiring practical, affordable solutions.

Chips and Salty Snacks: Best Picks

The chip aisle offers abundant vegan options, though quality varies dramatically.

Top Recommendations

Skinny Pop Original ($3.50 per bag) - Rating: 9/10 Light, crispy popcorn with just three ingredients: popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt. Tastes fresh and satisfying without artificial flavors. Single-serve bags run about $1.50 each—better value in full-size bags portioned at home. Genuinely worth the price.

Late July Organic Tortilla Chips ($4.50 per bag) - Rating: 8.5/10 These chips justify their premium price with quality ingredients and exceptional crunch. Sea salt variety offers clean corn flavor. Lime version provides tang without overwhelming. Thicker than standard tortilla chips, they hold up to heavy dips without breaking.

Great Value Tortilla Chips ($2.50 per bag) - Rating: 8/10 Walmart's store brand delivers surprising quality at half the price of premium brands. Comparable crunch and flavor to Tostitos. Original, salted, and unsalted varieties all vegan. Best value-per-ounce ratio in the chip aisle for vegan options.

Kettle Brand Sea Salt Chips ($4 per bag) - Rating: 7.5/10 Thick-cut kettle chips with satisfying crunch. Sea salt flavor clean and not overly salty. Pricier than regular chips but the quality justifies occasional splurges. Jalapeño flavor adds variety when you want heat.

Skip These

Certain Flavored Chips (Various Prices) - Rating: Skip Many flavored chip varieties contain milk derivatives or cheese powder. Sour cream, ranch, cheddar, and similar flavors almost always contain dairy. Always read labels on flavored chips—even "salt and vinegar" sometimes contains milk ingredients.

Overly Processed "Veggie" Chips ($4-5 per bag) - Rating: 5/10 Marketing suggests healthy vegetables, but ingredient lists reveal mostly potato starch and corn with vegetable powder added. Nutritionally similar to regular chips while costing significantly more. If you want vegetables, eat actual vegetables; if you want chips, buy honest chips.

Crackers and Crispy Snacks: What Works

Finding vegan crackers requires label reading, but several excellent options exist.

Winners

Triscuits Original ($3.50 per box) - Rating: 9/10 Three ingredients: whole wheat, oil, and salt. The simplicity creates clean flavor and substantial crunch. Original and some flavored varieties are vegan (check labels as formulations vary). Pair with hummus for a filling snack. Excellent value for whole-grain crackers.

Mary's Gone Crackers ($5.50 per box) - Rating: 8/10 Dense, hearty crackers made from whole grains and seeds—brown rice, quinoa, and flax. The texture takes adjustment if you're used to lighter crackers, but the nutrition profile and satisfying crunch make these worth the premium price. Original and herb varieties both excellent.

Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers ($3.50 per box) - Rating: 8.5/10 Brown rice base studded with seeds creates addictive crunch. About 15 crackers per serving provides substantial snacking. Multiple flavors available—original and rosemary particularly good. Gluten-free if that matters to you. Good value for seed-based crackers.

Rice Cakes (Various Brands, $2-3 per package) - Rating: 7/10 Both Lundberg and Quaker offer vegan rice cakes at affordable prices. Lightly salted variety provides neutral base for nut butter or avocado. Plain rice cakes taste like crunchy cardboard alone, but they're inexpensive vehicles for more flavorful toppings. Caramel varieties satisfy sweet cravings.

Disappointments

Most Buttery or Cheesy Crackers (Various) - Rating: Skip Ritz, Cheese-Its, and similar butter or cheese crackers contain dairy. Vegan versions exist from specialty brands, but Walmart's selection varies by location. Don't assume crackers are vegan without checking ingredients.

Granola Bars and Sweet Snacks: Honest Reviews

The granola bar category offers numerous vegan options with wildly varying quality.

Top Performers

Larabars (All Flavors, $1.25 per bar) - Rating: 9.5/10 The entire Larabar line is vegan, made from dates and nuts. Cashew Cookie and Peanut Butter Cookie flavors taste remarkably like actual cookies. About 190-220 calories with 4-5 grams protein and 3-4 grams fiber. Ingredient lists are refreshingly short—you can pronounce everything. Best vegan bar value at Walmart considering taste, ingredients, and nutrition.

RXBAR (Select Flavors, $2.25 per bar) - Rating: 8.5/10 Egg white protein makes most RXBARs non-vegan, but they offer vegan versions clearly labeled. Date-based sweetness, nut butter, and nuts create dense, chewy texture. About 210 calories with 9 grams protein. More expensive than Larabars but higher protein content justifies the cost if that's your priority.

GoMacro Bars ($2.50 per bar) - Rating: 8/10 Certified organic and vegan with substantial portions. About 270-290 calories provides more food than typical bars. 11-12 grams protein from nuts and seeds. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Sunflower Butter varieties particularly delicious. Premium price reflects premium ingredients—sprouted seeds, organic nuts, and fair-trade chocolate.

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars (Select Varieties, $3.50 for 6-count) - Rating: 7.5/10 Not all Nature Valley bars are vegan, but oats-and-honey varieties surprisingly are (despite the name, they use synthetic "honey" flavor). Crunchy texture contrasts with chewy bars. About 190 calories with 3 grams protein. Not the healthiest option but familiar taste satisfies at reasonable price.

Overrated

Some "Superfood" Bars ($3+ per bar) - Rating: 5/10 Trendy ingredients like acai, goji berries, and spirulina drive up prices without meaningfully improving nutrition. These bars often taste medicinal while costing double standard options. Unless you specifically love the flavors, stick with simpler bars offering better value.

Chocolate-Covered Bars (Various, $2-3 per bar) - Rating: 6/10 The chocolate coating significantly increases sugar and calories while often tasting waxy rather than genuinely chocolatey. Plain versions of the same bars typically taste better and cost less. Save chocolate bars for occasional treats rather than daily snacking.

For creative vegan recipes that extend beyond packaged snacks, Kelly's Kitchen provides tested formulations using accessible ingredients.

Protein-Rich Options: What Delivers

Meeting protein needs on a vegan diet requires intentional choices. These options actually deliver.

Standout Choices

Roasted Chickpeas (Various Brands, $4.50 per bag) - Rating: 8.5/10 Biena and Good Bean brands both available at Walmart. Crunchy, satisfying, and genuinely filling. About 130 calories and 6 grams protein per serving with 5 grams fiber. Ranch and sea salt flavors least artificial-tasting. More expensive per serving than dried chickpeas roasted at home, but convenience justifies the price for many people.

Hummus (Multiple Brands, $3.50-5 per container) - Rating: 9/10 Sabra, Tribe, and Great Value all offer vegan hummus at Walmart. Classic hummus provides about 70 calories per 2-tablespoon serving with 2 grams protein and healthy fats. Roasted red pepper and garlic varieties add flavor without excessive calories. Pair with vegetables or vegan crackers. Great Value brand offers best value—comparable taste at lower price.

Peanut Butter (Natural Varieties, $3.50-5 per jar) - Rating: 9.5/10 Natural peanut butter listing only peanuts and salt is vegan, affordable, and nutritious. About 190 calories and 7 grams protein per 2-tablespoon serving. Great Value, Jif Natural, and Skippy Natural all work well. Significantly cheaper than almond or cashew butter while providing comparable nutrition. Works as snack alone or spread on fruit, rice cakes, or vegan crackers.

Sunflower Seed Butter ($6.50 per jar) - Rating: 7.5/10 SunButter provides nut-free alternative with similar nutrition to peanut butter. Slightly different flavor—some describe as slightly earthy or sweet. About 200 calories and 7 grams protein per serving. Higher price than peanut butter but essential for those avoiding nuts. Safe for school snacks.

Disappointing

Some Plant-Based Protein Bars (Various, $2-3 per bar) - Rating: 4/10 Not all vegan protein bars taste good. Some have chalky, gritty textures or artificial sweetener aftertastes. Read reviews before buying expensive bars in bulk. Many taste like sweetened cardboard despite impressive protein numbers on labels.

Processed Soy Snacks ($3-4 per package) - Rating: 5/10 Heavily processed soy products often taste artificial and contain concerning amounts of sodium and preservatives. Simple edamame or tofu-based snacks taste better and provide cleaner nutrition than heavily processed alternatives.

Nuts and Seeds: Quality Check

Naturally vegan, nuts and seeds offer excellent nutrition, but quality and value vary.

Best Buys

Great Value Nuts ($5-7 per pound) - Rating: 9/10 Walmart's store brand nuts deliver quality comparable to name brands at 20-30% lower prices. Plain roasted or raw varieties vegan. Peanuts, almonds, and cashews all good choices. Avoid flavored varieties that might contain milk derivatives or questionable ingredients.

Sunflower Seeds ($3-4 per pound) - Rating: 8/10 David's and Great Value sunflower seeds both affordable and vegan. In-shell varieties provide mindful eating—shelling slows consumption and makes portions last longer. Already-shelled versions convenient for adding to trail mix or eating quickly.

DIY Trail Mix (Variable Cost) - Rating: 9.5/10 Creating your own trail mix from bulk nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and vegan chocolate chips costs about 40% less than pre-made versions. Customize ratios to your preferences. Store in portioned containers for grab-and-go convenience. Total cost about $6-8 per pound versus $10-12 for pre-packaged trail mixes.

Overpriced

Individual Nut Butter Packets ($1+ each) - Rating: 5/10 Single-serve nut butter packets seem convenient but cost $8-10 per pound versus $3-5 per pound in jars. Buy jars and portion into small containers yourself for significant savings. The convenience premium rarely justifies the expense.

"Gourmet" Flavored Nuts ($10+ per pound) - Rating: 6/10 Expensive seasoned nuts often contain excessive sodium and questionable ingredients. Plain nuts seasoned at home taste fresher and cost half the price. Unless you find a specific flavor you absolutely love, skip these.

Understanding accessible cooking techniques helps when preparing your own trail mixes and seasoned nuts at home.

Sweet Treats and Dessert Snacks: Truth Time

Vegan dessert snacks have improved dramatically, but some still disappoint.

Actually Good

Enjoy Life Cookies ($4.50 per package) - Rating: 8/10 Top-allergen-free means these cookies are vegan by default. Crunchy texture and genuine cookie flavor. Snickerdoodle and double chocolate varieties particularly successful. About 120 calories per serving (2 cookies). More expensive than conventional cookies but actually taste like real treats rather than diet food.

Dark Chocolate (70%+ cacao, $3-5 per bar) - Rating: 8.5/10 Many dark chocolate bars are naturally vegan. Check labels as some add milk solids. Lindt and Ghirardelli both offer vegan options at Walmart. About 190 calories per section. Satisfies chocolate cravings with antioxidant benefits. Portion control matters—easy to eat entire bar in one sitting.

Fruit Strips (Various Brands, $1 per strip) - Rating: 7.5/10 That's It and Stretch Island brands make fruit strips from pureed fruit with no added sugar. Kids and adults both enjoy them. About 60 calories per strip. More expensive than whole fruit but convenient for travel or quick energy.

Skip These

Most "Accidentally Vegan" Cookies ($2-3 per package) - Rating: 4/10 Newman-O's and certain store-brand sandwich cookies are vegan but taste aggressively artificial. Chalky filling and bland cookies don't satisfy like real Oreos. If you want cookies, spend extra on purpose-made vegan cookies that actually taste good, or bake your own following dairy-free recipes.

Vegan "Cheese" Puffs ($4 per bag) - Rating: 3/10 These taste nothing like cheese puffs. Nutritional yeast-based flavoring creates odd taste that doesn't satisfy cheese cravings. Unless you genuinely enjoy nutritional yeast flavor, skip these disappointing snacks.

Frozen Treats: What's Worth Freezer Space

Vegan ice cream and frozen snacks have revolutionized in quality recently.

Winners

So Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream ($4.50 per pint) - Rating: 8.5/10 Creamy texture rivals dairy ice cream. Vanilla bean and chocolate varieties both excellent. About 150-170 calories per serving. Cashew milk versions offer slightly richer texture but cost more. Great value for plant-based ice cream that genuinely satisfies.

Outshine Fruit Bars ($3.50 per box) - Rating: 8/10 Real fruit creates refreshing popsicles naturally vegan. Strawberry and mango varieties taste like actual fruit rather than artificial flavoring. About 60 calories per bar. Perfect for summer or post-workout treats.

Great Value Non-Dairy Ice Cream ($3.50 per pint) - Rating: 7/10 Walmart's store brand costs $1 less than premium brands with decent quality. Chocolate and vanilla flavors acceptable, though texture slightly icier than So Delicious. Best budget option for vegan ice cream—good enough while saving money for other priorities.

Disappointing

Some Vegan Ice Cream Bars ($5-6 per box) - Rating: 5/10 Individual vegan ice cream bars often cost double per ounce compared to pints. The convenience premium seems excessive when you can scoop your own servings. Unless you specifically need portion control, buy pints instead.

Budget-Friendly Shopping Strategy

Vegan snacking can cost more than conventional options, making strategic shopping essential.

Money-Saving Tactics

Prioritize Whole Foods: Naturally vegan whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes cost the same regardless of your diet. These should form your snack foundation. A banana costs $0.25 whether you're vegan or not.

Choose Store Brands: Great Value vegan products typically cost 25-40% less than name brands with comparable quality. Try store brands first before paying premium for brand names.

Buy in Bulk and Portion: Large containers divided into single servings save money compared to individually packaged snacks. Initial investment higher but per-serving cost dramatically lower.

Make Your Own: Energy balls, roasted chickpeas, trail mix, and popcorn made at home cost significantly less than packaged versions while tasting fresher.

Watch Sales Cycles: Plant-based products rotate on sale frequently. Stock up on shelf-stable favorites when prices drop to maximize savings.

For families managing tight budgets while maintaining plant-based diets, understanding food security resources helps ensure everyone can access nutritious food regardless of dietary choices.

Reading Labels and Avoiding Traps

Not everything plant-based equals healthy or worth buying.

Red Flags

Sugar Bombs: Some vegan snacks contain shocking amounts of added sugar—20+ grams per serving. Vegan doesn't mean healthy. Check Nutrition Facts panels, not just ingredient lists.

Ultra-Processed: Long ingredient lists with chemicals you can't pronounce indicate heavy processing. Simple ingredient lists generally signal better quality products.

Greenwashing: "Natural," "organic," or "plant-based" on packaging doesn't guarantee vegan, healthy, or good value. These marketing terms sometimes distract from mediocre products.

Portion Deception: Some packages contain 2.5+ servings in what looks like single-serving packaging. Check serving sizes before judging calories and nutrition.

Building Your Vegan Snack Rotation

Creating variety prevents monotony while ensuring balanced nutrition.

Weekly Planning Strategy

Mix Categories: Combine salty snacks, protein sources, sweet treats, and fresh foods throughout the week. Different categories provide different nutrients and textures.

Balance Convenience and Cost: Keep some pre-packaged convenient snacks for busy days while relying primarily on whole foods and homemade options to control costs.

Try One New Product Weekly: Experiment with one new vegan product per shopping trip. This expands your options without wasting money buying multiple disappointing products.

Maintain Emergency Stash: Keep shelf-stable vegan snacks available for when you're caught without food. Larabars, nuts, and dried fruit work well.

Sample Weekly Rotation

Monday: Apple with peanut butter, tortilla chips with hummus
Tuesday: Roasted chickpeas, banana with almond butter
Wednesday: Trail mix, vegetables with guacamole
Thursday: Rice cakes with sunflower seed butter, Larabar
Friday: Popcorn, orange with cashews
Weekend: Experiment with new vegan snack product

Exploring vegan cooking resources expands your snacking repertoire beyond packaged options.

Moving Forward Confidently

Walmart's vegan snack selection offers genuine variety at accessible price points. You don't need to try everything—focus on proven favorites that deliver on taste, nutrition, and value for your specific preferences and budget.

Remember that vegan snacking shouldn't feel restrictive or expensive. The best vegan snacks are often simple whole foods that never contained animal products in the first place. Packaged alternatives add convenience and variety but shouldn't dominate your snacking routine.

Your vegan choices support your values while maintaining health and managing budgets. The growing availability of plant-based options at mainstream retailers like Walmart makes this lifestyle increasingly sustainable and enjoyable.

The journey toward satisfying vegan snacking happens through experimentation, learning from disappointing purchases, and building a rotation of favorites that genuinely work for you. Resources exist to support your efforts with recipe ideas, community connection, and practical guidance.

Bottom TLDR:

Walmart's vegan snack selection offers best value in whole foods like fruits and nuts ($2-7 per pound), store-brand options like Great Value hummus and chips ($2.50-4), and proven packaged items including Larabars ($1.25 each) and Skinny Pop ($3.50 per bag). Success requires reading every label for hidden animal ingredients, prioritizing naturally vegan whole foods, and trying new products gradually rather than bulk-buying unproven items. Start with reviewed favorites like Triscuits, Mary's Gone Crackers, and So Delicious ice cream before investing in expensive plant-based innovations that might disappoint.

This guide reflects honest product reviews based on taste, value, and quality assessments. Individual preferences vary—what works for one person might not work for another. Product availability, formulations, and prices change over time. Always read current labels to verify vegan status.