Salsarita’s is a popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain known for its build-your-own burritos, tacos, nachos, and more. One of the protein options offered is chorizo, a spicy Spanish pork sausage. So is Salsarita’s chorizo vegan?
The Short Answer
No, Salsarita’s chorizo is not vegan. It contains pork, which is an animal product. Vegans do not eat any animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, etc.
What is Chorizo?
Chorizo is a spicy pork sausage originating from Spain and Portugal. Traditional chorizo is made by coarsely grinding pork and pork fat and seasoning it with smoked paprika, garlic, herbs, and other spices. It is then stuffed into casings and cured. Mexican-style chorizo uses fresh (uncured) pork, and is loose rather than in links or casings.
The key ingredients in chorizo are:
- Pork
- Pork fat
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic
- Vinegar
- Spices like oregano, cumin, chili powder
There are also beef, turkey, and chicken versions of chorizo, though pork is most common. The spicy, vivid red color and zesty flavor of chorizo makes it a popular ingredient in Mexican and Spanish cuisine.
Is Pork Vegan?
No, pork is not vegan. Pork comes from pigs, which are animals. Vegans do not consume animals or animal byproducts, as using animals for food is considered unethical. Other meats like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, etc. are also not vegan.
Are There Vegan Substitutes for Chorizo?
Yes, there are several brands that make vegan chorizo using plant-based ingredients like soy protein, vital wheat gluten, mushrooms, beans, etc. Some popular brands include:
- Tofurky Chorizo Crumbles
- Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo
- Yves Veggie Chorizo
- Garden Gourmet Sensational Soyrizo
- Lightlife Gimme Lean Sausage
These chorizo substitutes mimic the texture, spice, and flavor of real chorizo fairly well. They can be used in recipes just like traditional chorizo. Home cooks can also make DIY vegan chorizo with ingredients like vital wheat gluten, veggie broth, paprika, garlic, cumin, etc.
What Other Menu Items are Not Vegan at Salsarita’s?
In addition to chorizo, here are some other menu items at Salsarita’s that are not vegan:
- Steak
- Chicken
- Carnitas (braised pork)
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Guacamole (contains dairy)
- Chips with cheese sauce
- Desserts containing dairy like flan, tres leches cake
Vegans would need to avoid all meat, dairy, and egg ingredients at Salsarita’s. Some menu items that are more likely to be vegan include:
- Bean burritos or tacos
- Salads without meat, cheese, or creamy dressings
- Nachos with guacamole and refried beans (hold the cheese)
- Rice
- Salsa
- Tortillas
How Can Vegans Customize Items at Salsarita’s?
Salsarita’s is set up for easy customization, as customers can choose exactly what they want in their burritos, bowls, salads, quesadillas, nachos, etc. Here are some tips for vegans ordering at Salsarita’s:
- Ask for rice, beans, grilled veggies, guacamole, salsa, etc. as the filling/toppings
- Skip the meats, cheese, sour cream, and creamy dressings
- Ask for chipotle or tomatillo salsa instead of cheese sauce on nachos
- Specify no dairy in guacamole
- Ask for vegan dessert suggestions like fresh fruit
- Tell staff you are ordering vegan so they can help guide choices
With some modifications, vegans can enjoy tasty Tex-Mex inspired meals at Salsarita’s.
Nutrition Info for Salsarita’s Chorizo
Here are the nutrition facts for Salsarita’s chorizo, according to their website:
| Nutrition Facts | 2 oz serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
As you can see, a 2 oz portion of Salsarita’s chorizo packs 20g of fat and 480mg of sodium, which is quite high. It provides protein from the pork as well.
Nutrition of Vegan Chorizo
In comparison, here is the nutrition for the same 2 oz serving of Tofurky vegan chorizo:
| Nutrition Facts | 2 oz serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
The vegan chorizo is significantly lower in calories, fat, and sodium. It swaps the pork for soy protein, providing a comparable amount of protein. The carbs come from added vegetables.
Health and Environmental Benefits of Vegan Diets
Beyond just diet, there are some compelling health and environmental reasons for choosing vegan:
- Lower risk for chronic disease – Vegans tend to have lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Ethical reasons – Veganism avoids cruelty and exploitation of animals in factory farms.
- Reduce environmental impact – Animal agriculture generates more greenhouse gases than all transportation combined.
While vegan chorizo may not be authentic, it allows more people to enjoy the spicy, savory flavors of Mexican cuisine in a healthier, more ethical way.
Conclusion
In summary, Salsarita’s chorizo is made from pork, so it is definitely not vegan. But with some simple substitutions and customizations, vegans can still enjoy tasty meals at Salsarita’s. The chain offers plenty of plant-based fillings like beans, rice, guacamole, and grilled veggies to build satisfying vegan burritos and tacos. And thanks to the rise of creative vegan chorizo brands, anyone who wants to can recreate their favorite chorizo dishes at home as well. So while Salsarita’s actual chorizo is off limits for vegans, there are still plenty of ways they can partake in the spicy chorizo flavor profile.