Cracker Barrel is a popular American restaurant chain known for its homestyle country cooking. One of their classic side dishes is fried apples, which are served warm and topped with cinnamon and sugar. But are Cracker Barrel’s fried apples actually vegetarian?
The Ingredients in Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
According to the Cracker Barrel website, the ingredients listed for their fried apples are:
- Apples
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon
There is no mention of any meat products or animal-derived ingredients. The apples themselves are a plant product. Brown sugar is simply white refined sugar with added molasses, which comes from sugarcane plants. Cinnamon also comes from the bark of cinnamon trees. So the only potential non-vegetarian ingredient in Cracker Barrel’s fried apples seems to be the butter.
Is Butter Vegetarian?
Butter is a dairy product made from cow’s milk. Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. are generally considered vegetarian, though not vegan. This is because they are made from animal milk, but don’t actually require killing the animal. So while butter is not vegan, it is still considered vegetarian.
According to The Vegetarian Society’s definition, a vegetarian diet includes:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Pulses (legumes)
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Eggs
- Dairy products
So by this mainstream definition of vegetarianism, butter would be classified as vegetarian. There are some variations of vegetarian diets like lacto-vegetarianism which include dairy, and veganism which excludes all animal products including dairy. But regular vegetarian diets do consider butter vegetarian.
What About Margarine or Vegetable Oil?
While Cracker Barrel uses real butter in their recipe for fried apples, some restaurants may substitute margarine or vegetable oil instead when making dishes for vegetarian customers. So are those options really vegetarian?
Let’s look at the common ingredients:
Margarine
Margarine is made from vegetable oils along with milk products and animal fats in some cases. To be considered vegetarian margarine, it should be free of any animal-based ingredients and made solely from plant oils.
Vegetable Oil
There are many types of vegetable oils including:
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
- Corn oil
- Soybean oil
- Peanut oil
These plant-derived oils are 100% vegetarian and commonly used in vegetarian cooking. So dishes made with vegetable oil in place of butter would be considered completely vegetarian.
What If the Fried Apples are Cooked in Shared Fryer Oil?
One concern when ordering vegetarian dishes at restaurants that also serve meat is the potential for cross-contact with non-vegetarian ingredients. If a restaurant uses the same fryer to cook vegetarian and meat items, it could contaminate the vegetarian food with meat residue.
Cracker Barrel states on their website regarding food allergies and vegetarian preferences:
“Our cooking procedures and training may involve shared cooking and preparation areas and shared cooking equipment, utensils and oils between foods that contain allergens and foods that do not.”
So there is a chance that the oil used to fry the apples may also be used to fry chicken or other meats. For strict vegetarians, this cross-contact may be unacceptable.
However, many restaurants do have dedicated fryers for vegetarian items. So it’s a good idea to ask directly at the restaurant if the fryers are shared or veggie-only.
Are Cracker Barrel’s Fried Apples Vegan?
While Cracker Barrel’s original fried apple recipe can be considered vegetarian, it is not vegan due to the butter. Vegan diets exclude all animal products including dairy like butter or eggs.
However, Cracker Barrel notes on their website that vegan modifications can be requested:
“We care about offering our vegan guests satisfying menu options too. Most menu items can be modified to fit a vegan lifestyle. Simply ask your server for details.”
So it’s possible to order the fried apples with vegetable oil instead of butter to make them fully vegan. But the standard preparation is not vegan due to the dairy ingredient.
How to Order Vegetarian or Vegan at Cracker Barrel
Here are some tips for ordering vegetarian or vegan options when dining at Cracker Barrel:
- Review the menu online and identify vegetarian choices before your visit.
- Ask your server which dishes can be modified or substituted to be vegetarian or vegan.
- Request butter or meat-based ingredients to be removed and replaced with vegetarian alternatives.
- Ask about dedicated fryers to avoid cross-contact with meat.
- Clarify preparation methods, cooking oils, stocks, and seasonings used.
- Be aware that shared cooking equipment is used, according to their website.
- Check labels or ask about ingredients if uncertain if a dish is vegetarian.
With some modifications and special requests, most Cracker Barrel menu items can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets. Being mindful and asking questions is key to ensuring ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Nutrition Info for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Here is the nutrition information for Cracker Barrel’s fried apples based on a single serving (147g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Sugar | 29g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 1g |
Key points:
- 210 calories per serving, so a reasonable side dish option
- 8g of fat, primarily from butter
- 34g carbs, mostly natural sugars from the apples
- 29g sugar is quite high, so not ideal for low sugar diets
- 2g fiber
- Minimal protein at 1g
Overall, while fried apples make a tasty side dish, they are high in sugar and fat from the butter and brown sugar used. Enjoy them as an occasional treat in moderation.
Healthier Vegetarian Alternatives to Fried Apples
If you love the flavor of warm cinnamon apples but want a healthier vegetarian option, consider these alternatives to Cracker Barrel’s fried apples:
Baked Apples
For a lower fat version, bake sliced apples tossed with cinnamon in the oven instead of frying them. Use a small amount of vegetable oil instead of butter for a vegan baked apple recipe.
Broiled Apple Slices
Broil thin slices of apple sprinkled with cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a vegan caramelized apple topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
Apple Compote
Simmer chopped apples, raisins, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider until softened into an apple compote. Delicious served warm or chilled.
Apple and Sweet Potato Hash
Make a savory hash by sautéeing diced apples, sweet potato, onions, fresh herbs, and seasonings. Top with an over easy egg for vegetarian or omit for vegan.
Overnight Apple Oats
Combine old-fashioned oats with diced apples, cinnamon, and plant milk. Cover and refrigerate overnight for apple pie overnight oats to grab for breakfast on-the-go.
Be creative and come up with your own healthy apple recipes to enjoy the wonderful flavors of fall!
Conclusion
To summarize, Cracker Barrel’s standard preparation of fried apples contains solely vegetarian ingredients – apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. While not vegan due to the butter, it can be considered vegetarian under typical definitions of vegetarianism which allow dairy products.
However, the use of shared fryers brings up concerns for strict vegetarians wanting to avoid cross-contact with meat. It’s advised to ask about dedicated fryers when ordering to be safe. And skipping the butter would make the fried apples fully vegan.
Fried apples are high in sugar and fat compared to other apple dishes, so enjoy occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet. With some simple modifications and vegetable oil instead of butter, Cracker Barrel’s fried apples can be a tasty vegetarian or vegan treat!