Opinion 20+ accidentally vegan food products to pick up in Aussie supermakets

From sweet to savoury to iconic Aussie classics you’d never guess were animal-free, these “accidentally vegan” food products prove that eating plant-based doesn’t have to mean missing out. 

At some point, all new vegans have found themselves standing in the supermarket aisle, scanning the shelves, and wondering what on earth they can actually eat. The good news? Way more than you might think! Beyond the clearly labelled vegan food products, there’s a huge variety of readily available groceries – frozen sides, pantry staples, or grab-and-go snacks – that just happen to be vegan by accident. 

You’ll spot them in every supermarket, often right alongside their non-vegan counterparts – and once you know what to look for, it becomes a bit like a treasure hunt (the treasure being food, of course). 

So, if you love discovering new foodie finds on your grocery trips, we’ve rounded up some of the best secretly vegan food products you can pick up in Aussie supermarkets. Trust us – you’ll want to clear a little extra space in your trolley for these. 

1. Boxed Cake Mixes (lots of them!) 

Need cake and need it now? I completely understand. There’s a surprisingly big range of vegan-friendly boxed cake mixes from Betty Crocker, Greens, and supermarket home brands that bake up beautifully without dairy or eggs. 

Just swap in plant-based milk and your favourite egg replacer when following the instructions. It’s a piece of cake – literally. 

2. Cadbury Drinking Chocolate

Cadbury’s ultra-cosy original drinking chocolate is already a vegan staple, and the Neapolitan flavour joins the list too. Pair either one with warm plant-based milk and a handful of vegan marshmallows for the perfect night in.

3. Foster Clark’s Vanilla Flavored Custard Powder 

Foster Clark’s tried and true classic custard powder is naturally vegan and so delicious you’ll want to dollop it on everything. All you need is some plant milk to mix it with – soy milk or oat milk will give you the best results – and your dessert topping is sorted. 

4. Gravox Supreme & Traditional Boxed Gravy 

Despite gravy’s long-standing association with meaty roasts, Gravox’s Supreme and Traditional boxed gravies are both accidentally vegan and wonderfully rich. They’re easy to find, simple to make, and add instant comfort to everything from Sunday roasts to weekday mash. (Note: These two are the only vegan flavours as of publishing, so always double-check the label.) 

5. Hershey’s Chocolate & Strawberry Sauces 

Not all Hershey’s dessert syrups are dairy-free, but both the Chocolate and Strawberry sauces are – and utterly delicious. Drizzle them over ice cream, pancakes, smoothies, or straight into your mouth. No judgement. 

6. La Famiglia Garlic Bread Slices & Global Bakehouse Garlic Bread 

I did a double-take the first time I checked the ingredients list for these. Both La Famiglia’s Garlic Bread Slices and Global Bakehouse’s Garlic Bread skip the dairy, using melty, garlicky margarine instead. Crunchy, golden, and perfect for pasta night.
(Some other products in these ranges are not vegan-friendly, so always check the label.) 

7. Maggi Noodles

‘Chicken’ or ‘Beef’ might scream animal-based, but Maggi’s Chicken, Oriental, and Beef 2-Minute Noodles are all completely plant-based – flavour sachets included. The magic is all in the seasoning. Perfect for late-night cravings or quick lunches. 

8. Praise Fat-Free Mayonnaise  

Since there’s nothing obvious on the front of the bottle that identifies it as egg-free, you’d be forgiven for looking past this classic-looking mayo – but it’s secretly vegan mayo in disguise, and it’s healthier but just as rich and creamy as the original. 

9. Shortcrust & Puff Pastry 

Some things are simply begging to be wrapped in pastry – and, luckily, both Pampas and Borgs offer vegan-friendly shortcrust and puff pastry options made with vegetable-based fats instead of butter. These accidentally vegan food products bake like a dream and are perfect for pies, sausage rolls, and tarts galore. 

10. Massel Stock & Gravy Range 

It completely blew my mind when someone told me Massel’s “chicken-style” and “beef-style” stocks were entirely plant-based – and their broader range of gravies and stock powders is, too. Available in cubes, liquid stock, and powders, they’re an easy way to add depth to soups, sauces, and hearty dishes. 

11. Nuttelex

It’s not immediately obvious that Nuttelex spreads are dairy-free and vegan, even when you dig into the tub. They melt, spread, and taste remarkably like traditional butter, making them perfect for toast, baking, or cooking. From Original to Olive and their buttery-style range, Nuttelex continues to be one of Australia’s best plant-based pantry staples. 

12. Biscoff Spread & Biscuits 

If you know, you know. This iconic caramel-spiced spread – and the crunchy Biscoff biscuits that started it all – are completely dairy-free. Spread it on toast, swirl it through baking, drizzle it over pancakes, or go straight in with a spoon. We get it!

13. Golden Crumpets

Perhaps one of the most iconic accidentally vegan food products, Golden Crumpets are an Aussie breakfast classic that just so happens to be plant-based. Toast them till they’re crisp and golden, then top with your favourite butter, jam or, of course, Vegemite. You’ll find them at Coles, Woolworths, and most local grocers. 

14. Zooper Doopers

A summer icon! These colourful icy poles have been fuelling Aussie childhoods for decades – and yep, they’re vegan-friendly, too. Grab a mixed pack from Coles or Woolies, freeze, and try not to eat them all in one go (good luck). 

15. Kellogg’s Coco Pops

Another nostalgic Aussie fave – that happens to be accidentally vegan! Enjoy that unbeatable chocolatey crunch with your favourite plant milk or sprinkle them over ice cream for a cheeky treat. Find them at Coles, Woolworths, and most supermarkets. 

16. Indomie Mi Goreng

Perfect for late-night cravings or lazy lunches, the signature combo of salty, sweet, and spicy has made Mi Goreng noodles a pantry must-have. Super easy and satisfying every time! Available at Coles, Woolworths, and most corner stores. 

17. McCain’s Pickers Spicy Onion Rings

Crunchy and golden with a lil’ bit of heat, these spicy onion rings make an excellent snack, side, or party plate – no animal products needed. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in minutes. Find them in the freezer aisle at Woolworths. 

18. Lord of the Fries Mac & Cheese Range 

Okay, so this one isn’t accidental – but it’s too delicious not to include. LOTF’s plant-based mac and cheese range nails that creamy, cheesy comfort food vibe. Ready in minutes and perfect for lazy days or late-night cravings. 

19. Vanilla Cake With Biscoff

Biscoff + cake + plant-based ingredients = An absolute blessing. Featuring a soft vanilla sponge topped with that caramel-spiced Biscoff flavour everyone’s obsessed with, this grab-and-go cake is perfect for special occasions – or just a random Tuesday! Available at Woolworths. 

20. Lucky Kitchen Vegie Gyoza

Dinner sorted with zero fuss, these little dumplings are a freezer hero. Stuffed with a tasty veg filling, they’re quick to cook and ideal for a soup, side, or snack. Find them in the freezer section at Woolworths.  

21. Little Moons Mochi Bites Passionfruit & Mango

Chewy mochi on the outside, tropical ice cream on the inside, these Little Moons bites are like a mini holiday for your mouth. As the weather gets warmer, make sure to keep a box in the freezer for those sweet summer cravings that strike out of nowhere. Available at Woolworths. 

22. Noshu 95% Sugar Free Choc Baking Chips / Dark Baking Chips 

Choc chips that are vegan and super low in sugar? That’s the dream. Both the 95% Sugar Free Choc Baking Chips and the Dark Baking Chips are dairy-free, ideal for cookies, brownies, banana bread, or snacking straight from the bag. 

23. Lemon & Raspberry Jam Tarts

Zingy, jammy, and a bit nostalgic, these little tarts feel like something your Nan might serve on a fancy plate. Great with a cuppa or straight from the box. Available at Coles.  

24. Kong Foo Sing Fortune Cookies

The good fortune continues! Crack one of these cookies open after dinner and get a little vegan-friendly wisdom with your treat. Classic, crunchy, and a fun throwback to family takeaway nights. 

25. Tasty Toobs Puff Snacks

Remember those hollow tube-shaped crunchy snacks from childhood? They’re back, and yes – they’re vegan! Perfect for a late-night snack or when friends drop in unexpectedly. 

Hungry for more? Let’s keep this tasty treasure hunt going! 

If you’re keen to discover even more delicious vegan food products, snacks, treats, and eats, check out our roundups of accidentally vegan snacks, the best vegan lollies, and our top chocolate picks! And don’t forget to refer to our easy vegan grocery list for beginners for tips on nailing your next shop.