Vegetarian Food Find: Marty’s Vegetarian Chicharon

Vegetarian chicharon? The first time that the PETA Asia team saw Marty’s Vegetarian Chicharon from the Oishi brand in our local convenience store in the Philippines, we were understandably skeptical. Traditional chicharon is made from pig’s skin, but Marty’s Chicharon is healthier and more animal-friendly. A look at the ingredients verified that this chicharon was totally free of any animals, and one bite verified that it was also totally tasty! Masarap!

Why choose Marty’s? In addition to being crunchy and delicious, lower in fat than regular chicharon, cholesterol-free, and available at almost every convenience store and supermarket in the Philippines, Marty’s is a friend to pigs! Many people don’t realize that pigs are curious and insightful animals thought to have intelligence beyond that of an average 3-year-old human child. Pigs dream, recognize their names, play video games, and lead social lives with other pigs.

If you don’t live in the Philippines, you won’t be able to munch on Marty’s (yet—we’re hoping they’ll export soon!), but Oishi is just one of the excellent companies recognizing the growing demand for vegetarian food. Tell us about your delicious vegetarian food find by leaving a comment below. And if you aren’t already vegetarian (and there’s really no reason not to be, thanks to Marty’s!), take the pledge to go vegetarian today.

Posted by Edward Basse