Is Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn Vegan?
Not Vegan
Not certifiedSmartfood White Cheddar Popcorn contains multiple dairy ingredients including cheddar cheese, buttermilk, and whey. Smartfood's own FAQ confirms that no current flavors carry a vegan classification. This product is not vegan in any of its standard formulations.
The catch: The signature white cheddar coating is built on real dairy: cheddar cheese (made with milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes), buttermilk, and whey are all listed on the label. There is no plant-based version of this product.
Category
Snacks
Verdict
Not Vegan
Brand
Smartfood (PepsiCo)
The full ingredient list for Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn reads: popcorn, vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil), whey, maltodextrin (made from corn), cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), buttermilk, natural flavors, salt. Three distinct dairy components appear (whey, cheddar cheese, buttermilk), so this is not a borderline case.
Smartfood also sells a Flamin' Hot White Cheddar variety, a movie theater butter variety, and a Cheetos Cheddar co-branded variety. All of these also contain dairy.
The brand does not offer any dairy-free or vegan-certified popcorn flavor as of 2025-2026. com directly states that no Smartfood flavors are classified as vegan and points shoppers to PepsiCo's vegan product page for alternatives within the broader portfolio.
What makes it non-vegan
- ✕Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- ✕Buttermilk
- ✕Whey
Vegan alternatives
- ✓ SkinnyPop Vegan White Cheddar Popcorn (dairy-free, clearly labeled vegan)
- ✓ LesserEvil Organic White Cheddar Popcorn (uses nutritional yeast-based coating, certified vegan)
- ✓ Angie's Boomchickapop Sea Salt Popcorn (simple vegan ingredients, no dairy)
- ✓ 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Popcorn White Cheddar Flavored (check label for current vegan status)
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Other snacks
Frequently asked
Is Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn Vegan?
Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn contains multiple dairy ingredients including cheddar cheese, buttermilk, and whey. Smartfood's own FAQ confirms that no current flavors carry a vegan classification. This product is not vegan in any of its standard formulations.
What is the catch with Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn?
The signature white cheddar coating is built on real dairy: cheddar cheese (made with milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes), buttermilk, and whey are all listed on the label. There is no plant-based version of this product.
What can I use instead of Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn?
Vegan options include SkinnyPop Vegan White Cheddar Popcorn (dairy-free, clearly labeled vegan), LesserEvil Organic White Cheddar Popcorn (uses nutritional yeast-based coating, certified vegan), Angie's Boomchickapop Sea Salt Popcorn (simple vegan ingredients, no dairy), 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Popcorn White Cheddar Flavored (check label for current vegan status).
Is Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn certified vegan?
Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn does not carry a third-party vegan certification, so the verdict here is based on its current ingredient list and manufacturer information.
Sources
Last verified June 20, 2026. See how we verify. Always confirm on the current product label, since recipes change. Product photo via Open Food Facts.
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