This article looks into one of the most frequently asked questions regarding foods that are vegan friendly: Can vegans eat bagels?
The short answer: In general, most bagels are made from flour, water, salt, sugar and yeast. These ingredients contain no animal products and therefore make bagels vegan friendly. With that said, some bagels contain ingredients for flavor that are derived from animal sources. The following sections breakdown possible non-veg bagel ingredients and provide a list of veg friendly bagels in grocery stores and chains.
Ingredients
The basic ingredients in bagels are are flour, water, salt, sugar and yeast. In general, each of these ingredients are not derived from a animal source and making traditional bagels vegan.
Possible non-vegan ingredients come into play when bagels are a non-plain flavor. These ingredients can include milk, eggs, cheese, and possibly meat. Usually it is easy to tell which bagels are vegan because of their name (ex. Asiago Cheese bagel from Einstein Bros), but some others may be unknown. For example, the cinnamon sugar bagel from Einstein Bros is not vegan because it includes milk, even though you wouldn’t guess it from its name or appearance.
All store bought packaged bagels should disclose their ingredients on the label, allowing you to ensure your bagels are vegan friendly before purchase.
Toppings
Most traditional bagel toppings are non-vegan. Two of the most popular bagel toppings, cream cheese and lox (brined salmon), are both derived from animal sources. However, due to the rapid increase of dairy-free products on the market these days, dairy-free cream cheese can be found at most major retailers. Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives are available from Daiya, Go Veggie, Kite Hill, Tofutti, and WayFare Foods.
Vegan Friendly Bagel On The Go
Are you looking to grab a vegan bagel on the go? The following restaurant chains have vegan options available.
Einstein Bros Bagels
Classic Bagels
- Ancient Grain
- Cinnamon Raisin
- Cranberry
- Everything
- Garlic
- Onion
- Plain
- Poppy
- Pumpernickel
- Sesame
Signature Bagels
- Blue Berry
- Chocolate Chip
- French Toast
- Potato
- Pretzel
Thintastic Bagels
- Ancient Grain
- Plain
- Whole Wheat
Gourmet Bagels
- Apple Cinnamon
- Power Protein
As of January 1st, 2019, Einstein Bros has also sold vegan Daiya plain cream cheese in select stores. The full nutrition and allergen information for Einstein Bros Bagels can be found here.
Starbucks
The world’s most popular coffee chain carries a variety of vegan options. According to their website, their vegan options include Blueberry, Plain, Sprouted Grain, and Raisin.
Panera Bread
Several of the bagels at Panera are vegan, these include: Blueberry, Cranberry, Plain, Poppy-seed, and Walnut. In addition to their bagels, Panera has tons of other vegan options to choose from.
Dunkin’ Donuts
America’s favorite donut chain offers several vegan bagels on their menu. These include: Cinnamon Raisin, Everything, Garlic, Onion, Plain, Poppy-seed, Salt, and Sesame.
Vegan Friendly Grocery Store Bagels
Many generic brands in the grocery store also provide vegan bagel options. These include Sara Lee and Thomas brand bagels.
Sara Lee
All of Sara Lee’s bagels are vegan, except the “Soft and Smooth” varieties.
Thomas’ Bagels
Most of Thomas’ bagels are vegan (including bagel thins and mini bagels). Their vegan flavors include Blueberry, Cinnamon Swirl, Cinnamon Raisin, Everything, Onion, Plain, Plain made with Whole Grain, and 100% Whole Wheat.
Summary
Overall, vegans definitely can eat bagels as most bagels are dairy-free. Some contain milk, eggs, or honey, but overall most major chains and grocery stores offer a variety of vegan bagels to choose from. If you are looking for a great way to spruce up your vegan bagels, Peta has compiled a great list of bagel toppings here.
