Are Skips Vegan?

Skips, the iconic prawn cocktail crisps, likely hold fond memories for many of us. But, are Skips vegan?

Skips are some of the most popular snacks on the market here in the UK. Their signature prawn cocktail flavour and their bright yellow packets make them stand out on any shelf! 

However, by being prawn cocktail flavoured, many of us wonder whether or not Skips are actually vegan snacks. So, let’s get to the bottom of that conundrum!

Are Skips Vegan?

Yes, Skips are vegan! Despite the fact that they are supposed to be flavoured like prawns, they are, in fact, made with completely plant-based ingredients.

Whether or not that was a conscious choice when they were created back in the 70s seems unlikely, making it more of an accidental vegan food. Nevertheless, these crispy wonders are perfectly suitable for vegans.

As you can see from the list of ingredients below, there aren’t even any artificial colours or flavourings. So, as vegan snacks go, Skips are pretty good!

Skips Ingredients UK

Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil (32%), Maize Flour, Prawn Cocktail Flavour [Sugar, Salt, Natural Flavourings, Acid: Citric Acid, Dried Onion, Natural Vinegar Flavouring, Potassium Chloride, Yeast Extract, Spice, Dried Tomato, Natural Pepper Flavourings, Colour: Paprika Extract], Rice Protein, Sugar, Salt, Colour: Paprika Extract

Are Skips Vegan Certified?

While Skips only contain plant-based ingredients, they are only certified as being vegetarian, not vegan. 

This is simply due to the fact that Skips are made in the same factory that handles certain milk products, too. So, while the Skips themselves are free of any animal product, they cannot legally certify them as being vegan, as there is the potential for cross-contamination between the two products. 

That being said, in every way that counts, Skips are indeed vegan and can be enjoyed without the worry of consuming any animal product. That, hopefully, will continue to be the case for some time to come.

Of course, if you are lactose intolerant, the potential for cross-contamination is worth bearing in mind, and it could be wise to avoid these snacks, just in case. 

Always make sure to check whether or not your favourite crisps are made in an environment that uses animal products. Generally, vegan certifications will address this head-on – but it always pays to do your own research wherever possible.

Are Supermarket Own Brand Skips Vegan?

No, not always. What’s more, there may be other prawn cocktail flavoured crisps that aren’t vegan-certified, or may contain animal products.

Many crisp brands you’ll find on supermarket shelves aren’t vegan – such as some of Walkers’ line of snacks, as well as tangy cheese Doritos, and Quavers.

In fact, if you’re tempted to try Pringles’ prawn cocktail crisps, don’t – they contain non-vegan ingredients.

With supermarket own brand crisps, try to look carefully at the ingredients and, where possible, look for the vegan-certified label. If it’s not got the label, it’s probably not vegan – and Skips really are the exception to this rule!

Verdict: Are Skips Vegan?

Skips are certainly vegan-friendly. Again, the only potential issue is for those who are lactose intolerant and do not want to risk any cross-contamination that could derive from the production of dairy products in the same factory. 

If you want to be sure that you are eating vegan prawn cocktail crisps, then always opt for the brand version of Skips. If in any doubt, always read the list of ingredients, and check for any potential allergens before eating. 

However, Skips have remained animal-product free for decades, so they are not likely to change any time soon.

Please note: While full care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of writing, manufacturers may change the ingredients of their products art any time. Please always check the label yourself before consuming.

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