Vegetarian Chicharon: A Complete Guide to a Game-Changing Appetiser

Tired of the same old crisps and pretzels for pre-dinner drinks? If you're looking for a vegetarian option that truly stands out, vegetarian chicharon is sure to blow you away. Directly inspired by a classic from Filipino cuisine, this reimagined snack promises a crunchy, flavourful experience that is 100% meat-free.

Still a relatively hidden gem, this snack nonetheless deserves your full attention. This guide is here to introduce you to this little wonder and help you find the perfect version for your next get-together, complete with our selection of the best products available right now.

How to Choose the Best Vegetarian Chicharon

Before you dive in, here are a few points to consider to make the right choice.

1. Understanding the Ingredients: A Green Pea Base

Forget the fried pork rinds of traditional chicharon. Its plant-based version is crafted from 100% vegetarian ingredients. The most common recipe is based on a blend of green pea chips, tapioca starch, and potato. It's this trio that gives it an incredibly light and airy texture—a crunch reminiscent of the original, yet distinctly different from classic potato chips.

2. Exploring the Different Flavours

Vegan chicharon isn't limited to a single recipe; it comes in several flavours for a variety of tastes. Here are the most common ones:

• Plain (Salted): The ideal option to discover the snack's authentic taste, simply enhanced with a pinch of salt.
• Salt & Vinegar: An Anglo-Saxon classic that brings a sharp, refreshing tang.
• Spicy & Vinegar: For those who love a kick, this version combines the heat of chilli with the acidity of vinegar for a bold result.

3. Allergens and Dietary Needs: Read the Label Carefully

Even if the label says "vegetarian," a quick look at the ingredients list is essential. Indeed, some snacks may contain allergens like soy, wheat, or milk derivatives (such as sodium caseinate). This means they are vegetarian, but not necessarily vegan. This is a crucial point for individuals following a strict diet or with allergies.

Recommended Vegetarian Chicharon Products

To get you started, we've selected three tried-and-true favourites from the Oishi Marty's Cracklin' brand, a true institution in Filipino snacks.

Oishi Marty's Cracklin' Plain Salted Vegan Chicharon 90g

Why we love it: This plain version is the perfect introduction to vegetarian chicharon. Its simple, perfectly balanced salted flavour highlights the product's unique texture, which impresses with a crunch that recalls the original. Perfect for enjoying on its own or dipping in your favourite sauce.

Highlights:

• An authentic taste and a simple recipe.
• Ultra-crunchy and airy texture.
• 100% plant-based (green peas) and vegan.
• Note: contains hydrolysed soy protein.

Who is it for? For the curious who want to try it for the first time and for lovers of classic, subtle flavours.

Oishi Marty's Crackling Salt & Vinegar Chicharon 90g

Why we love it: A great classic of Anglo-Saxon snacking, the salt & vinegar duo works wonderfully here. The sharp acidity of the vinegar tantalises the taste buds and provides a refreshing contrast to the snack's crunch. A zesty flavour that is a real crowd-pleaser.

Highlights:

• A tangy and intense taste that awakens the senses.
• No cholesterol or trans fats.
• Warning: contains wheat, soy, and milk (sodium caseinate), making it vegetarian but not vegan.

Who is it for? For die-hard fans of salt and vinegar crisps looking to switch things up with a new texture, and for all lovers of tangy sensations.

Oishi Marty's Crackling Spicy & Vinegar Chicharon 90g

Why we love it: Here is the version for thrill-seekers! This snack combines the heat of chilli with the biting acidity of vinegar for an explosive result. Each bite offers a festival of flavours that lingers on the palate without overwhelming it.

Highlights:

• A bold and successful chilli/vinegar duo.
• The snack that will spice up any party.
• Warning: contains cereals (wheat), milk, and soy. This product is vegetarian, but not vegan.

Who is it for? For adventurous palates who aren't afraid of a little heat and are looking for a snack with character to wow their guests.

Want to Explore Other Appetiser Horizons?

Vegetarian chicharon is an excellent find, but the world of appetiser snacks is an endless playground. If you're keen to explore other textures and flavours, from Japanese crackers to puffed rice cakes, there's no shortage of options to surprise your guests.

? Discover our full range of savoury crackers

Your Questions About Vegetarian Chicharon

What exactly is vegetarian chicharon?

It's a crunchy snack inspired by Filipino chicharon. But there are no pork rinds here: it's made from 100% plant-based ingredients, most often a mix of green peas, tapioca starch, and potato. The result is an ultra-light and crispy appetiser, available in several flavours.

Is vegan chicharon always free from animal products?

Be careful, not always! While the base of the snack is plant-based, some recipes (especially flavoured versions) may contain animal-derived additives, such as sodium caseinate (a milk protein). This is the case for the "Salt & Vinegar" and "Spicy & Vinegar" versions from the Marty's brand. The rule of thumb: always check the ingredients list if you follow a strict vegan diet. In our selection, only the "Plain Salted" version is guaranteed 100% vegan.

Where can you buy vegetarian chicharon?

This Asian snack is still a rare gem on mainstream supermarket shelves. To get your hands on it, the easiest way is to turn to Asian grocery stores or online shops specialising in world foods, like Joybuy, which deliver directly to your country.