Are Beanfields Vegan?
Unveiling the Truth About Your Snack Choices
Beanfields chips are a snack option that caters to consumers looking for plant-based and vegan choices. Marketed as 100% vegan, these chips are made without any animal products or by-products, which include dairy, eggs, or honey, common ingredients found in numerous snacks. They are designed to appeal to vegans who avoid all forms of animal exploitation, whether in their diet or lifestyle products such as clothing.
These chips not only serve the needs of vegans but are also an option for those with common food allergies. Beanfields chips are produced without the top eight food allergens identified by the FDA: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, (What wine goes well with shellfish?) soy, and wheat, making them a suitable snack for individuals with allergies to these particular ingredients.
Additionally, Beanfields emphasizes environmental consciousness in their production process. By using beans as the primary ingredient, the company claims to utilize less water and fertilizer compared to traditional snack production. This aspect of sustainability is increasingly valued by consumers who are conscious of their environmental impact through dietary choices.
Beanfields Brand Overview
Beanfields is a brand that stands out in the snack industry for offering a line of bean-based chips that are 100% plant-based and vegan. These chips are marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional snacks, providing consumers with a product that is not only tasty but also caters to various dietary restrictions.
History of Beanfields
The Beanfields journey began in 2011 in the United States, originating as a family enterprise. The founders leveraged beans as a core ingredient to create a range of snacks that diverged from common corn-based chips. With a commitment to health and environmental mindfulness, they've developed their brand around products that are gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from the top eight allergens which align with the increasing consumer demand for such attributes in the USA.
Beanfields' Market Presence
As of its last reported status, Beanfields' products were available in approximately 7,000 retail locations nationwide in the US. The brand fortifies its physical market presence with robust online availability, including their own website and popular online retailers like Vitacost and Amazon. Their offerings have undergone an expansion in recent years, with the acquisition by Boosh Plant-Based Brands Inc., a testament to Beanfields' significant growth within the vegan snack segment.
Health and Nutrition
Beanfields products are known for their nutritious components. They are a beneficial snack option with a profile high in fiber and protein.
Nutritional Profile
Protein: Beanfields chips are a good source of healthy protein, derived from beans which constitute the primary ingredient.
Fiber: Each serving of Beanfields chips provides a substantial amount of dietary fiber, a crucial nutrient for digestive health.
Total Fat: They contain a moderate amount of total fat, with the emphasis on maintaining a low level of saturated fat and eliminating trans fat.
Sodium: Designed to be flavorful while keeping the sodium content reasonable.
Total Carbohydrate: The chips have a balanced amount of carbohydrates, primarily complex carbs due to their bean content.
Calories: They offer a satisfying crunch with a lower calorie content compared to many conventional snacks.
Sugars: Beanfields snacks contain minimal sugar, making them a smarter choice for those monitoring sugar intake.
Health Benefits
Weight Management: Beanfields chips are lower in calories, which can aid in weight management as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrient-Rich: Enhanced with nutrients like iron and calcium, Beanfields chips contribute to the overall nutritional value of a diet.
Digestive Health: The high fiber content supports digestive health and can help maintain a feeling of fullness.
Heart Health: A lower intake of saturated fat and zero trans fats is associated with better heart health.
Product Ingredients
Beanfields snacks stand out for being based on a foundation of nutritious, plant-based elements that support a vegan diet. Their processing maintains the authenticity of the natural flavors and nutritional value, presenting a wholesome option for those seeking vegan-friendly snacking.
Core Ingredients
The primary elements in Beanfields chips are black beans and navy beans, which contribute to a rich profile in protein and fiber. These leguminous ingredients are coupled with brown rice and tapioca maltodextrin to lend the product a desirable texture. Opting for grain-free binders, Beanfields also includes cassava flour, further enhancing the crunchiness of the chips.
Seasonings and Flavorings
Beanfields chips are seasoned with a special blend of spices, sea salt, and yeast extract, which orchestrate the savory tones across their product range. For the nacho flavor, specifics like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato powder, yeast extract, and ancho chili deliver a spicy kick. Notably, Beanfields employs Himalayan pink salt for its mineral-rich properties. Safflower or sunflower oil is utilized to ensure each chip has a satisfyingly crunchy finish. Additionally, natural flavor, lactic acid powder, and natural smoke flavor are integrated for an authentic taste without the use of artificial additives, aligning with the product's vegan certification.
Certifications and Dietary Compliance
Beanfields snacks offer consumers transparency and assurance through various certifications that align with dietary preferences and requirements.
Vegan Certification
Beanfields Bean Chips are certified through Vegan Action, indicating that they contain no animal products or byproducts and comply with vegan dietary standards. This certification is important for consumers adhering to a vegan lifestyle, ensuring the absence of ingredients such as milk, which is commonly found in snack products.
Non-GMO and Allergen Information
Beyond their vegan commitment, Beanfields Bean Chips are Non-GMO Project Verified, guaranteeing that the ingredients used have not been genetically modified. In addition to being Non-GMO, the chips are certified Gluten-Free and Certified Kosher Parve. They are manufactured without common allergens, including wheat, sesame, and soy, making them a suitable snack for individuals with specific dietary restrictions and allergies.
Product Variants
Beanfields provides a diverse selection of flavors and packaging options for consumers looking for plant-based, protein-rich snacks. The brand takes pride in offering options that cater to different taste preferences and convenience needs.
Flavor Assortment
The flavor range of Beanfields chips is extensive, accommodating a variety of palates. They famously offer vegan alternatives to traditional flavors that are typically associated with non-vegan snacks, such as cheddar and spicy nacho. Some of the bold flavors they present include:
Nacho Cheese: A dairy-free rendition of the classic flavor with a cheesy and slightly spicy profile.
Ranch: A creamy and herbaceous option for fans of this popular American flavor.
Spicy Queso: A zesty and warm flavor for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Black Bean: A flavor focused on the rich and earthy notes of black beans.
White Bean: A subtle and mild option for those preferring a less intense taste.
Jalapeño Nacho: A spicy twist on the traditional nacho flavor.
In comparison to traditional Doritos, Beanfields chips offer a vegan alternative with flavors such as Spicy Nacho, which provides the similar kick of heat with none of the animal products.
Packaging Options
Beanfields snacks are packaged with both convenience and sustainability in mind. They provide various packaging formats to cater to different snacking scenarios:
Single-Serve Bags: Ideal for on-the-go snacking or portion control, allowing consumers to enjoy a salty treat without over-indulging.
Shareable Bags: Larger bags suited for gatherings or for consumers who prefer a bigger quantity for at-home snacking.
Unsalted Options: Catering to those with dietary restrictions or who are simply watching their sodium intake, Beanfields offers unsalted versions of their popular chips.
The packaging is designed to keep the chips fresh, ensuring that the bold flavors Beanfields Snacks are known for are delivered in every bite.
Consumer Experience
Consumers are consistently impressed with Beanfields chips for their ability to deliver both a satisfying taste and texture that cater to vegan dietary preferences without compromising on the sensory experience of traditional snacks.
Taste Profile
The flavor profile of Beanfields chips is described as both flavorful and decadent. They offer a range of tastes designed to mirror familiar snack flavors, like sour cream, cheese, and spicy nacho. This allows vegans and those on a plant-based diet to enjoy a guilt-free snack that doesn’t fall short in the flavor department. These chips challenge the notion that vegan snacks are bland, proving that a snack can be both cheesy in taste and vegan in nature.
Texture and Crunchiness
The texture and crunchiness of Beanfields chips are distinctive. Customers often note the pork-rind-like crunchiness, which is quite an achievement for a plant-based snack. The use of ingredients like beans and cassava flour contributes to a crispy, satisfying crunch that echoes the textural pleasure of traditional snacks. This level of crunchiness ensures that these chips provide a snacking experience that even non-vegans find appealing and remarkably similar to their non-vegan snack counterparts.
Usage and Servings
Beanfields vegan snacks offer nutritional value with their fiber and protein content per serving, making them a sensible choice for those looking for a plant-based snack. Their serving sizes are designed to align with a balanced diet.
Serving Suggestions
Beanfields vegan snacks are versatile in their use. They can be incorporated into meals as a crunchy side or used as an appetizer at gatherings. Their variety of flavors, from savory to spicy, allows them to complement a wide range of dishes.
Snack Time: Enjoy them straight from the bag.
Meal Pairing: Add as a crispy topping on soups or salads.
Party Food: Serve them as part of a vegan snack platter.
Serving Size Information
Beanfields snacks communicate their nutritional content based on a specific serving size. The suggested servings provide a guideline for consumption, which is helpful for dietary planning.
Serving Size: A typical serving size is 45 pieces.
Servings Per Bag: Packaging often indicates around six servings per bag, although consumer habits may vary.
Availability
Beanfields snacks are widely available both in physical retail outlets and through online purchase platforms, ensuring that consumers across the United States and Canada have access to their vegan snacks.
Retail Outlets
Beanfields products are stocked in various retail locations, including grocery stores and convenience stores. They are accessible to consumers who shop in locations where health-conscious products are sold.
Grocery Stores: Consumers can find Beanfields in numerous grocery store chains throughout the United States and Canada.
Convenience Stores: For a quick snack on the go, Beanfields are also available in selected convenience stores, facilitating easy access to plant-based snacking options.
Online Purchase Options
For shoppers preferring the convenience of online ordering, Beanfields provides several avenues:
Official Beanfields Website: Consumers can directly purchase the entire range of Beanfields products from the company's official website.
E-commerce Platforms: Beanfields snacks can also be found on popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Vitacost, which offer a broad array of Beanfields' flavors and package sizes.
Comparative Analysis
In evaluating Beanfields' vegan chips, one considers how they stack up against other vegan chips and traditional snack chips, paying particular attention to flavor profiles, nutritional value, and ingredient quality.
Against Other Vegan Chips
Beanfields chips differentiate themselves in the vegan market with their unique use of beans as the primary ingredient, offering a notable protein advantage. Protein Content is a significant factor where Beanfields offers roughly 4 grams of complete protein per serving, setting themselves apart from other vegan chip options that may rely on potatoes or grains with less protein. When compared to other vegan nacho chips, Beanfields' product line is noted for its gluten-free and non-GMO status, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, being free from the top eight allergens conveys a sense of safety and inclusivity for those with dietary restrictions.
Versus Traditional Snack Chips
Traditional snack chips, such as the widely popular tortilla chips, are often paired with dips like guacamole but may not provide substantial nutritional benefits. Beanfields chips, in this comparison, offer a healthier alternative with lower fat content and more significant dietary fiber. It's worth noting that Beanfields has almost 29 percent less fat than the average tortilla chip. This places Beanfields in a favorable light as a health food within the snacking category.
Nutritional comparison (per serving):
Total Fat: Beanfields (~5g) | Average Tortilla Chip (~7g)
Protein: Beanfields (4g) | Average Tortilla Chip (2g)
Traditional chips might have a slight edge in taste due to their established flavors and textures, but Beanfields has been recognized for creating a satisfying vegan alternative without sacrificing taste, especially with their take on nacho chips, offering consumers the savory experience they expect from a snack chip.
