Vegan Tempeh Crisps: A Crunchy, Savoury Snack Worth Discoverin

Looking for something a little different from your usual packet of crisps? Meet the humble soyabean, transformed into a crunchy snack with a story to tell.

If you are vegan or vegetarian, you may know the feeling of standing in front of a supermarket snack shelf, looking for something that fits your lifestyle but still feels like a proper treat.

You want something savoury. Something crunchy. Something you can enjoy between meals, tuck into your bag for a busy day or share with friends without making a big occasion of it.

And sometimes, you simply want to try something new.

That is where tempeh crisps come in.

At Calon Tempeh, we make tempeh crisps inspired by Indonesia's long tradition of fermented soyabean foods, produced here in Wales. They bring together the satisfying crunch of a savoury snack and the distinctive character of tempeh, offering a different way to discover this much-loved plant-based ingredient.

You do not have to be vegan to enjoy them. You do not need to know anything about fermentation. And you certainly do not need to change your entire diet to try a packet.

You just need a little curiosity.

What are tempeh crisps?

Tempeh crisps are thin, crunchy snacks made from tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food produced by fermenting soyabeans.

In Indonesia, tempeh is enjoyed in many forms, from everyday meals to crispy snacks known as keripik tempe or tempe chips. At Calon, we wanted to bring this style of snacking to people here in Wales, giving more people a chance to discover tempeh in a familiar, easy-to-enjoy form.

Our tempeh crisps are kettle-cooked in small batches and seasoned for flavour. They are designed to be enjoyed straight from the packet, whether you are having a quiet afternoon at home, taking a break at work or sharing snacks with friends.

Think savoury, golden and crunchy, with a character that comes from fermented soyabeans rather than an ordinary potato crisp.

It is a small change from the familiar, but sometimes that is all it takes to discover a new favourite.

Are tempeh crisps a good snack for vegans and vegetarians?

They can be a useful option for vegans and vegetarians looking for variety in their snack choices.

Many familiar snacks are made primarily from potatoes, corn or other starches. Tempeh crisps offer something different because their main ingredient is fermented soyabean tempeh.

Soyabeans naturally contain plant protein, and tempeh is a recognised source of plant-based protein. However, the amount of protein in a packet of crisps depends on the recipe, the proportion of tempeh, the cooking process and the serving size. Check the nutritional information on the individual product rather than assuming every tempeh crisp is high in protein.

It is also worth remembering that a snack can be enjoyable without needing to be labelled a superfood. Tempeh crisps are still a snack, and their nutritional profile depends on their ingredients and how they are prepared.

For us, the appeal is simple: they offer a different way to enjoy a traditional plant-based food, with plenty of flavour and a satisfying crunch.

Are tempeh crisps healthier than ordinary crisps?

That depends on which products you compare.

Tempeh crisps and potato crisps can differ in their protein, fibre, fat, salt and energy content. Cooking methods and seasoning also affect the final nutritional profile. Being made from soyabeans does not automatically make a snack healthier in every respect.

If you are comparing snacks for a particular nutritional reason, look at the per-100g and per-serving information on the packaging. Pay attention to salt, saturated fat, total fat, energy and protein, according to what matters to you.

If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can enjoy tempeh crisps as one part of a varied diet alongside fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, beans and other foods.

You do not need every snack to do everything. Sometimes, a good snack is simply one you enjoy, understand and choose in a way that fits your overall eating habits.

What do Calon Tempeh Crisps taste like?

One of the first questions people ask about tempeh is whether it tastes strongly of soyabeans.

Tempeh has a distinctive savoury, slightly nutty character. In crisp form, the texture becomes the star: thin, crunchy pieces with seasoning that brings out their savoury flavour.

At Calon, we offer three flavours, each with its own personality.

Original: simple and savoury

Our Original flavour is a good place to begin if you enjoy straightforward savoury snacks. It lets the character of the tempeh shine without a strong seasoning taking centre stage.

Welsh Salt: a little taste of home

Our Welsh Salt flavour features Halen Môn salt, bringing a Welsh ingredient into a snack inspired by Indonesian food traditions. It is a meeting of two places in one little packet.

Black Pepper: bold and peppery

If you prefer a more pronounced savoury kick, Black Pepper offers a distinctive peppery flavour with a satisfying crunch.

Not sure which one you would enjoy most? If all three flavours are available, trying them side by side is a lovely way to discover your favourite.

Are tempeh crisps suitable for vegans?

Calon Tempeh Crisps are intended as a plant-based snack, and our product listings describe our crisps as vegan. If you have specific dietary requirements, always check the current ingredients and allergen information on the product page and packaging.

Soyabeans are an allergen, so tempeh crisps made from soyabeans are not suitable for people with a soy allergy.

If you need to avoid gluten strictly, check the individual product's allergen statement carefully. Our product information notes that the crisps are prepared in a kitchen that is not certified gluten-free and may contain traces of gluten. They should not automatically be treated as suitable for someone with coeliac disease.

We believe clear information matters. You should be able to make an informed choice about the food you buy.

When can you enjoy tempeh crisps?

The lovely thing about a crunchy snack is that it does not need an elaborate plan.

At work or while studying: Keep a packet handy for a savoury break between tasks.

On the go: A 45g pack is a convenient size to take with you when you are out and about.

At home: Put a bowl on the table when friends visit or when you fancy something crunchy while relaxing.

For sharing: Offer tempeh crisps alongside dips or other snacks. Check the ingredients of any accompanying dips if you are catering for particular dietary requirements.

As a little introduction to tempeh: If someone has never tried tempeh before, crisps can be an approachable way to start. They do not need to learn a recipe or prepare a meal first.

They can simply open a packet, have a taste and decide what they think.

What should you look for when buying vegan snacks?

If you are choosing snacks with your dietary needs in mind, here are five useful things to check.

1. Ingredients. Read the ingredient list, particularly if you avoid specific ingredients or additives.

2. Allergens. Vegan does not mean allergen-free. Check for soya, gluten and any other allergens relevant to you.

3. Nutrition. Compare the actual protein, salt, fat, saturated fat and energy values rather than relying on words such as healthy or high-protein.

4. Portion size. Look at both the per-100g figures and the information for the portion you expect to eat.

5. Where it is made. If buying locally matters to you, look for clear information about where the product is produced, rather than assuming that every brand selling in the UK manufactures here.

These simple checks help you choose snacks that suit your preferences and priorities.

Why we make tempeh crisps in Wales

Calon Tempeh began with a small question: why was it so difficult to find the tempeh crisps we loved here in the UK?

That question took us on a journey of learning about tempeh production in Indonesia and exploring how we might make our own crisps closer to home.

Today, Calon Tempeh is a small Welsh food business inspired by Indonesian tempeh-making traditions. We want more people to discover tempeh, not only as an ingredient for cooking but also as a food worth exploring in different ways.

Producing our crisps in Wales is an important part of that journey. It allows us to develop our own product here while continuing to respect the food traditions that inspired it.

We are still a small business, and every customer who tries our crisps helps us learn what people enjoy and how we can grow.

That is why we love meeting people at markets. Some already know tempeh and come looking for it. Others stop because they are curious about the name, the texture or the idea of a crisp made from fermented soyabeans.

Sometimes, one taste is enough to start a conversation.

Where can you buy Calon Tempeh Crisps?

If you would like to try them, you can explore our online collections:

• Calon Original Tempeh Crisps: a simple, savoury introduction.
• Calon Welsh Salt Tempeh Crisps: featuring Halen Môn salt.
• Calon Black Pepper Tempeh Crisps: for those who enjoy a peppery kick.
• Explore all Calon products and bundles: check the current range and available combinations.

Our crisps are sold in multipacks, with pack sizes and prices shown on the relevant product pages. Availability can change, so please check the live listing before ordering.

We also meet customers at selected markets and local events in Cardiff. Visit our Find Us and Markets page to see upcoming dates and opportunities to meet us in person.

What about delivery? Our delivery options depend on the product and the current service available for your address. Please check the product page and checkout for eligibility, delivery charges and estimated dates before placing your order. We do not want to promise delivery across the whole UK unless the service is genuinely available for your order.

If you are local to Cardiff, coming to meet us at a market is also a lovely way to discover the range and ask questions.

What if you enjoy the crisps and want to try fresh tempeh?

Perhaps you try a packet of crisps and find yourself curious about the ingredient behind them.

That is where fresh tempeh comes in.

Unlike crisps, fresh tempeh is an ingredient you cook as part of a meal. You can slice it, season it, pan-fry it until golden and serve it with rice, vegetables, noodles or a sauce you love.

If you would like to explore that next step, visit our Calon Fresh Tempeh collection. Check the current pack sizes, storage instructions and delivery options to find out what suits you.

You do not have to make the leap from a snack to a completely plant-based diet. You can simply try one new food at a time.

A little crunch, a little curiosity

We know that not everyone has heard of tempeh. Some people discover it through a recipe, some through a friend, and others through a packet of crisps.

Whichever way you find us, we hope you discover something you enjoy.

For vegans and vegetarians, Calon Tempeh Crisps offer another option in the world of plant-based snacking. For anyone else who loves trying new foods, they offer a chance to discover an ingredient with a fascinating heritage and a very satisfying crunch.

We make them here in Wales, inspired by Indonesia, and with the hope that more people will become curious about tempeh.

So, if you have been wondering what tempeh crisps taste like, perhaps this is your invitation to find out.

Calon. Protein with a place.

Made where it matters. Inspired by tradition. Shared with heart.