Are Fortune Cookies Vegan or Gluten-Free? A Complete Guide

Fortune cookies are a delightful end to many meals at Asian restaurants, offering a sweet treat and a whimsical fortune. 

But if you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, you might wonder if you can enjoy a fortune cookie yourself.

While these crisp, sugary cookies may seem simple, their ingredients and preparation methods can vary significantly between restaurants and brands. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about whether fortune cookies are vegan or gluten-free.

Are Fortune Cookies Vegan?

Most fortune cookies are made with simple, plant-based ingredients like sugar, vanilla, sesame seed oil, and flour. 

These core components don’t contain animal products, making many fortune cookies vegan-friendly at first glance.

However, there are a few considerations:

• Refined Sugar: Some sugar is processed using bone char, which may concern strict vegans.
• Palm Oil: Though plant-based, palm oil is controversial due to its environmental impact.
• Cross-Contamination: In some cases, fortune cookies may be made in facilities that handle dairy or eggs.

Are Fortune Cookies Dairy-Free?

Yes, most fortune cookies are dairy-free, as they do not traditionally contain milk, butter, or other dairy products. 

However, always check for cross-contamination risks or added ingredients, especially in store-bought options.

Are Fortune Cookies Gluten-Free?

Unfortunately, most fortune cookies are not gluten-free. Wheat-based flour is a primary ingredient, which means they contain gluten. Some brands may experiment with gluten-free alternatives, but they are not yet common.

Typical Ingredients in Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies are simple in composition, typically containing:

• Flour: Usually wheat-based, giving the cookies their structure.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness but may be refined using bone char.
• Vanilla: Provides flavor and aroma.
• Oil: Often sesame seed oil, though palm oil may also be used.

While these ingredients are generally vegan, the use of refined sugar, artificial flavors, and controversial oils may pose ethical concerns for some vegans.

Nutritional Content of Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies are light in calories but not particularly nutritious. Here’s a typical breakdown for one cookie (about 20 calories):

• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fats: 0.2g
• Sodium: 8mg

Most of the calories come from sugar and carbohydrates, making them a sweet but nutritionally negligible snack.

Branded Fortune Cookies: Vegan and Gluten-Free Status

Different brands produce fortune cookies with varying ingredients and production methods. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

1. Golden Bowl

• Vegan-Friendly? Generally yes, though some vegans may avoid the FD&C Yellow 5 and 6 used as coloring agents.
• Gluten-Free? No, as they contain wheat-based flour.

2. PF Chang’s

• Vegan-Friendly? No, their fortune cookies contain egg whites.
• Gluten-Free? No, they contain wheat.

3. Panda Express

• Vegan-Friendly? Likely no, due to potential cross-contamination with egg.
• Gluten-Free? No, as wheat is used.

4. Pei Wei

• Vegan-Friendly? No, they contain soy, egg, and wheat.
• Gluten-Free? No.

5. Super K

• Vegan-Friendly? Generally yes, though artificial additives like FD&C Yellow 5 and 6 may concern strict vegans.
• Gluten-Free? No, as wheat flour is used.

6. Baily International Foods

• Vegan-Friendly? Questionable, due to artificial flavors and FD&C Yellow 5 and 6.
• Gluten-Free? No, as wheat is a key ingredient.

Final Thoughts

Fortune cookies are often vegan-friendly if they stick to their traditional ingredients: sugar, vanilla, wheat flour, and sesame seed oil. 

However, cross-contamination and controversial ingredients like refined sugar and palm oil may concern strict vegans.

For those following a gluten-free diet, fortune cookies are typically unsuitable due to their wheat-based flour. If you’re unsure, always ask your server or check the packaging to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions