You know being a vegan is all about making sure you don’t eat anything that comes from animals, right? Like no meat, eggs, or dairy. But, sometimes it’s hard to tell if baked goods are vegan-friendly because they can have sneaky animal-derived ingredients. So, just be extra careful when you’re buying or eating baked goods, okay?
1. What are Bagels?
Bagels are looks like doughnuts shape bread. They come in all sorts of yummy flavors, from plain to sweet to savory. Plus, you can put all kinds of toppings on them, the possibilities are endless.
2. Can Vegans Eat Bagels?
You might be wondering if bagels are vegan-friendly. In general, most bagels are made from just a few simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, sugar, and yeast, which are all vegan. But, sometimes bakers will add other ingredients for flavor, and some of those can come from animals.
For example, some bagels have honey or eggs in them, which aren’t vegan. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of options for vegans out there. You can always check the ingredient list or look for specially marked vegan bagels at the grocery store or at chain restaurants. And, if you are still unsure, you can always ask the staff for help.
3. Basic Bagel Ingredients
You know what’s great about bagels? All the ingredients that go into making them. You’ve got flour, water, salt, sugar, and yeast, all working together to make the perfect dough. And whether you like your bagels plain or loaded with toppings, it’s the combination of these ingredients that makes them so darn delicious.
| Ingredients | Description |
|---|---|
| Flour | Wheat flour is the most commonly used type for making bagels, and it results in a strong, glutinous dough that gives bagels their dense and chewy texture. |
| Yeast | Yeast is a crucial ingredient in making bagels, as it ferments the sugar in the dough and releases carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise. |
| Liquid | The liquid is also a key component in making bagels. Traditionally, only water is used to create moisture and bind the ingredients together. |
| Sweetener | Some recipes call for a sweetener, (1) such as plain sugar, barley malt syrup, molasses, corn syrup, or malt extract, to give the bagels a touch of sweetness. |
| Salt | It helps to toughen the gluten strands in the dough, regulates the yeast, and adds flavor. |
| Fat | Finally, some recipes call for fat, such as vegetable oil or shortening, to enhance the crumb of the finished bagel. This gives the bagel a more delicate texture. |
Additional Ingredients:
These are some additional ingredients that can be used in vegan bagels for extra flavor, color, and texture. Ingredients include fruits, seeds, grains, nuts, vegetables, berries, herbs, and spices.
4. What Makes Bagels Non-Vegan
Milk, eggs, honey, and L-Cysteine are ingredients that are commonly found in bagels that make them not vegan-friendly. You know Milk is a liquid produced by mammals, such as cows, and is often used in baking as a source of fat and protein. Eggs, of course, come from chickens and are used as a binding agent and to add richness to baked goods. Honey is a sweetener that is produced by bees and L-Cysteine is a dough conditioner which is mostly derived from animal hair or feathers. Toppings and fillings like cream cheese, honey, and butter also make bagel non-vegan.
5. Tips to Make Sure You’re Eating Vegan Bagel
Here are a few tips to help you make sure you’re eating vegan bagels:
- Look for the “vegan” label: Many grocery stores and bakeries now label their vegan products clearly, so be on the lookout for this.
- Check the ingredients list: If a bagel doesn’t have a “vegan” label, take a look at the ingredients list. Avoid bagels that contain milk, eggs, honey, and L-Cysteine.
- Ask the baker (Staff): If you’re not sure if a bagel is vegan, ask the person who made it. They will be able to tell you if it contains any animal-derived ingredients.
- Try making your own vegan bagels: Making your own vegan bagels at home can be a fun and delicious way to ensure that you’re eating vegan.
- Look for special vegan sections in supermarkets or look for online vegan bakery. By following these tips, you can feel confident that the bagels you’re eating are vegan and in line with your dietary choices.
6. Restaurant & Grocery Stores with Vegan Bagel Options
6.1 Einstein Bros. – Vegan Bagels Options
If you’re a vegan, you might be wondering if Einstein’s bagels are a safe option for you. The good news is that most of the bagels on the menu at Einstein Bros. are vegan-friendly. In fact, about 80% of their options are suitable for vegans. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check and ask the staff just to be sure.
One thing to watch out for is cheese-flavored bagels, as they’re not vegan-friendly. But don’t worry, Einstein Bros. has a delicious dairy-free cream cheese alternative for you to enjoy.
6.2 Panera Bread – Vegan Bagels Options
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly bagel at Panera Bread, you’re in luck! Many of their bagels are specifically marked as vegan, including the plain, blueberry, cranberry walnut, and sesame seed varieties. Panera Bread makes it easy for their vegan customers by clearly labeling which menu items are vegan-friendly. So next time you’re at Panera, don’t hesitate to grab one of their tasty vegan bagels.
6.3 Starbucks – Vegan Bagels Options
At Starbucks, you can find a vegan-friendly option for your bagel cravings. Their Sprouted Grain bagel is completely vegan and some of their other flavors like raisin are also vegan-friendly. But, always make sure by double-checking with the barista before ordering. It’s great that a popular chain like Starbucks offers vegan options, so you can grab a quick bite on the go. Next time you need a caffeine boost, you know you can grab a vegan bagel too!
6.4 Dunkin’ Donuts – Vegan Bagels Options
At Dunkin’ Donuts, you’ll find a variety of bagels that are suitable for vegans. Their cinnamon raisin, multigrain, plain, sesame, and everything bagels are vegan-friendly. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy vegan breakfast option, Dunkin’ Donuts might just be the place for you. Just make sure to double-check that your bagel isn’t served with non-vegan toppings like butter or cream cheese. Happy munching!
6.6 Thomas’ – Vegan Bagels Options
Yes, many of the Thomas’ New York Style Bagels are vegan-friendly. You can enjoy their delicious flavors such as blueberry, cinnamon swirl, everything, and plain without any guilt. They are also widely available in most grocery stores, making them a convenient option for vegans. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the ingredients list or ask the store to confirm before purchasing.
6.6 Dave’s Killer Bread – Vegan Bagels Options
Dave’s Killer Bread is known for its delicious, organic, and whole-grain bagels that are also vegan-friendly. They offer a variety of tasty flavors such as cinnamon raisin, booming berry, and epic everything. But, it’s not only their bagels that are vegan-friendly, even their regular bread is vegan-friendly, with the exception of the honey and flax variety. So, vegans can enjoy a wide range of delicious and nutritious options from Dave’s Killer Bread.
6.7 Tim Horton’s
Many Tim Hortons bagels are vegan-friendly, like blueberry, cinnamon raisin, everything, plain, and sesame seed. However, check with staff for 12-grain bagels at some locations that might contain honey.
You can also find vegan-friendly options from other bagel brands at the grocery store like Thomas Bagels, Sara Lee’s Bagels, and Dave’s Killer Bread. Just make sure to check the ingredients before purchasing, as some variants may not be vegan-friendly. Remember, ingredients and availability may vary by location.
Related Articles:
- Are Raisins Vegan? – Updated Guide (2023) – VeganTail
7. FAQs – Are Bagels Vegan or Not
Yes, Most of the bagel buns at Noah’s are vegan-friendly. The only exception is Asiago, Cinnamon Sugar, Good Egg, and Challah Roll bagels. So, you have a variety of options to choose from. Just be sure to double-check the ingredients before purchasing these specific varieties.
Unfortunately, Lender’s bagels are not an option for vegans. They contain a variety of ingredients derived from animals, including monoglycerides, enzymes, natural flavor, and food dyes.
Great news for vegans! New York Bagels are suitable for vegans. All their varieties like plain, cinnamon and raisin, onion, multiseed, and sesame are vegan-friendly. So, you can enjoy a classic bagel without any worries.
No, I couldn’t find any official statement from Aldi regarding vegan-friendly bagels. However, they do offer other vegan-friendly products but as of now, they haven’t specifically mentioned any vegan bagel options.
8. Summary – Bagels Vegan Status
When it comes to veganism, it can be tricky to know for sure if certain foods are off limits. Bagels, for example, might seem like they would be vegan-friendly, but sometimes they can contain non-vegan ingredients like eggs, milk, honey or L-Cysteine.
But don’t worry, it’s easy to make sure you’re enjoying vegan bagels. One tip is to make them yourself using only vegan ingredients.
Another option is to check the package for a vegan certification or read the ingredient list carefully to make sure it doesn’t contain any non-vegan items. With a little bit of extra attention, you can continue to enjoy your favorite bagels while sticking to a vegan diet.
Reference:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-natural-sweeteners
