Bagels are a beloved staple, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. But as a vegan, you might wonder: Can I safely enjoy a bagel?
The good news is that most bagels are naturally vegan, made with simple, plant-based ingredients like flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar.
However, some bagels—and their toppings—may contain non-vegan ingredients like dairy, eggs, or meat.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about vegan bagels, from typical ingredients to vegan-friendly brands and restaurants.
Are Bagels Vegan?
Most plain bagels are vegan by default. The basic recipe includes just five simple ingredients:
- Flour
- Water
- Yeast
- Salt
- Sugar
None of these contain animal products, making bagels a safe and delicious choice for vegans in most cases. However, bagels with added flavors or toppings, like cheese, meat, or eggs, are not vegan.
Bagel Ingredients to Watch Out For
While many bagels are plant-based, some variations include non-vegan ingredients. Here’s what to look for:
Non-Vegan Additions in Dough
- Eggs: Sometimes used for texture or richness.
- Milk or Butter: Occasionally added to enrich the dough.
- Honey: Used as a natural sweetener in some recipes.
Non-Vegan Toppings
- Egg Wash: Brushed on top to give bagels a shiny finish.
- Cheese or Meat: Common in specialty bagels, like cheddar or bacon-flavored varieties.
To avoid non-vegan ingredients, check the packaging or ask your server when buying bagels from a bakery or restaurant.
Vegan-Friendly Bagel Toppings
Traditional bagel toppings like cream cheese, lox, or ham are not vegan, but there are plenty of plant-based alternatives to enjoy:
- Hummus
- Avocado
- Vegan Cream Cheese
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
- Jams and Jellies
- Fresh Veggies: Tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, or onions
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings to turn a plain bagel into a flavorful vegan treat!
Restaurants That Offer Vegan Bagels
If you’re dining out, these popular chains offer vegan-friendly bagel options:
Starbucks
Starbucks offers a variety of vegan bagels, including:
- Plain
- Cinnamon Raisin
- Blueberry
These bagels are typically vegan, but always double-check with your server to ensure no animal products are used in preparation.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts boasts several vegan bagel options, including:
- Plain
- Everything
- Cinnamon Raisin
- Sesame
Pair your bagel with Dunkin’s vegan-friendly spreads or coffee options for a complete meal.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a go-to for affordable and vegan-friendly bagels. Popular flavors include:
- Plain
- Everything
- Cinnamon Raisin
- Blueberry Bran
- Cranberry Orange
Einstein Bros Bagels
Einstein Bros offers an impressive range of vegan bagels, including:
- Plain
- Ancient Grain
- Blueberry
- Cinnamon Raisin
- Garlic
- Onion
- Poppy
- Whole Wheat
The best part? They also offer vegan cream cheese, making it easy to enjoy the classic bagel experience!
Best Brands for Vegan Bagels
If you’re shopping for bagels, here are some vegan-friendly brands to look out for:
Thomas Bagels
Most of Thomas’ bagels are vegan-friendly, including:
- 100% Whole Wheat
- Plain
- Everything
- Cinnamon Raisin
Their mini and bagel thin options also include vegan varieties.
Rudi’s Organic Bakery
Every bagel from Rudi’s Organic Bakery is vegan, so you can pick any flavor with confidence.
Sara Lee Bagels
The majority of Sara Lee bagels are vegan except for those labeled “Soft & Smooth,” which contain cream or butter.
Western Bagel
Most bagels from Western Bagel are vegan, except for their whole wheat, egg, and original bagelette wheat varieties.
Final Thoughts
So, can vegans eat bagels? The answer is a resounding yes—most bagels are vegan by default, made from simple plant-based ingredients.
While some variations may include animal products, like egg wash or cheese, it’s easy to find vegan-friendly bagels with a bit of label reading or asking your server.
Whether you’re grabbing breakfast at Starbucks or picking up bagels from Trader Joe’s, there are plenty of vegan options to enjoy. Pair your favorite bagel with plant-based toppings for a delicious snack or meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Plain Bagels Vegan?
Most plain bagels are vegan, but some may contain honey or be topped with egg wash. Always check the label or ask to confirm.
Are Bagels Healthier Than Bread?
Bagels and bread have similar ingredients, but bagels are denser and often larger, making them higher in calories and carbs.
Can Vegans Eat Gluten-Free Bagels?
Yes, many gluten-free bagels are also vegan, but check the ingredient list to ensure no animal products are included.
