Are bagels vegan? This article explores the most frequently asked questions about bagels, and whether or not they're suitable to include in a plant plant- based diet.
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What Are Bagels Made Of?
Bread products can be amongst the most confusing products for vegans. Many vegans wonder if they include contain dairy or eggs. For more information on the suitability of bread for vegans check out my article Can Vegans Eat Bread?
A basic bagel recipe usually consists of the following ingredients:
- flour
- water
- sugar
- yeast
So, the short answer is yes...vegans can eat bagels!
However, there are a few exceptions. Some bagels contain hidden animal products. In this article I'll show you which non-vegan ingredients to look out for when buying bagels. I'll also answer your most frequently asked questions about popular bagel brands.
Non Vegan Bagel Ingredients To Look For
While a basic bagel recipe is usually vegan, some bagels contain additives or flavors that aren't vegan. Here's the ingredients to look out for:
- Honey: Occasionally honey might be used as a sweetener in bagels. Sometimes this will be obviously noted in the flavor title, such as Panera Bread's honey wheat bagel. At other times, you might have to look at the ingredients label.
- Cheese: Some bagel brands will include cheese in their ingredients. Usually it's the case that cheese will be noted in the flavor title. For instance, Panera Bread's Asagio Bagel obviously includes asagio cheese.
- Milk: Milk is an ingredient to look out for if you're looking for vegan friendly bagels. Check the label to make sure milk or dried milk is not listed amongst the ingredient.
- Eggs: Sometimes eggs are added to the bagel dough to give it more color and flavor. In addition, occasionally bagels will be glazed with eggs. Check the ingredients list for eggs or albumin.
- L-cysteine: L-cysteine is an amino acid that's made from feathers, pig bristles and sometimes human hair. It's sometimes used to in bread products to relax the dough.
Great Vegan Toppings For Your Bagel
FAQS About Bagel Brands
Dunkin' Donuts has several bagel flavors that are vegan friendly. They are Everything, Garlic, Onion, Poppy Seed, Plain, Sesame and Salt.
Some of Panera bagels are vegan, and some are not. Vegan friendly bagels include Everything Bagel, Plain, Blueberry, Sesame and Sprouted Grain . Panera bagels that are not vegan friendly include Cinnamon Crunch, Asagio, Cinnamon Swirl, Chocolate Chip
Most of Thomas bagels are vegan. Vegan friendly flavors include Blueberry, Cinnamon Swirl, Cinnamon Raisin, Everything, Plain, Plain With Whole Grain and 100% Whole Wheat.
Starbucks has a few vegan bagel options. The Plain, Cinnamon and Everything Bagel are all dairy free and vegan. The only bagel that is not currently vegan is the Cheese, Onion And Garlic Bagel.
You Might Enjoy These Vegan Guides
Can Vegans Eat Bread? All Your Questions Answered!
The Five Best Honey Substitutes
The Ten Best Vegan Egg Replacers
Your Guide To Vegan Starbucks Drinks
Jean
I used to get them on SB and glad to know the variations for vegan options which also we can make at home.
Joanna
These bagels look so yummy! Unfortunately, I am very sensitive to grains so I have to stay away from them. Glad to hear they are ok for vegans, otherwise there would not be much left on the allowed list 🙂
Jeanine
WOW... I thought all basic bagels would be Vegan but I can see how the fillings would affect it just not the base formula of the classic bagel...good information thanks for sharing
Keri Bevan
Thank you, Jeanine. I'm happy you found the info helpful.x