If you’re living a vegan lifestyle, finding the perfect biscuit at the store can sometimes feel like a challenge.
You might have grown up with those warm, fluffy biscuits at family dinners, but nowadays, many store-bought biscuits contain ingredients that aren’t plant-based—whether it’s butter, milk, or hidden animal by-products like whey.
But good news! Thanks to an increase in plant-based options and a few happy accidents, there are more vegan-friendly biscuits available than ever.
In this article, we’ll share our top store-bought vegan biscuits, discuss what to look for when shopping, and share some of our favorite homemade recipes to give your biscuit game an upgrade.
What To Watch Out For When Buying Vegan Biscuits
Before we jump into the vegan biscuit brands, let’s cover some ingredients to watch out for when browsing biscuit options.
While you can find many vegan products, others may contain hidden non-vegan ingredients that might slip past a quick glance at the label.
Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Buttermilk, Skimmed Milk, or Powdered Milk: These are often included in biscuit mixes, especially in those labeled “buttermilk.” Even though they might not scream “dairy,” these are definitely not vegan-friendly.
- Whey: This is a common by-product of cheesemaking. Whey is the liquid that remains after milk has been curdled and strained, and it often makes its way into baked goods to add texture and protein.
- Casein or Sodium Caseinate: Casein is a milk protein, while sodium caseinate is a compound derived from casein. Both are used to improve the texture or shelf life of prepackaged foods, including biscuits.
- Palm Oil: While palm oil is technically plant-based, it can be controversial due to environmental concerns. Many vegans choose to avoid it because its production often leads to deforestation and loss of animal habitats. Check if the product uses sustainably sourced palm oil, or skip it if you prefer to avoid palm oil altogether.
Now that we’ve covered what to watch out for let’s dive into the vegan biscuit brands you can count on!
Vegan Biscuit Brands You Can Count On
Whether you’re rushing to whip up breakfast for the kids or just craving a quick biscuit fix, these store-bought options are convenient and vegan-friendly.
Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Original Biscuits
Pillsbury isn’t known for being a vegan brand, but surprise—these Southern Homestyle Biscuits are accidentally vegan!
They use a combination of soybean oil and baking soda to get that fluffy, biscuit texture we all love.
There’s no dairy or eggs in the ingredient list, making these a solid choice for a fast and easy breakfast.
Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits
The word “buttermilk” might raise an eyebrow, but don’t worry—these biscuits don’t actually contain any real buttermilk. It’s just artificial flavoring, making them dairy-free and vegan by accident.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the ingredient list, but rest assured, we’ve done the research for you, and these are vegan-approved.
Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Sweet Hawaiian Biscuits
These biscuits are a sweeter option if you’re looking for something a little different. Despite their rich flavor, they’re still vegan-friendly.
They do contain palm oil, though, so if you’re avoiding that, keep it in mind. Otherwise, these are a fun option for breakfast or a snack.
Pillsbury Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits
Just like their Southern Homestyle counterparts, these flaky layers biscuits don’t contain any real buttermilk.
They’re smaller in size but just as fluffy, with a light, airy texture. Again, be aware that some flavors may contain non-vegan ingredients, so always check the label.
Annie’s Organic Flaky Biscuits
Annie’s has built a reputation for organic, cleaner ingredients, and their flaky biscuits are no exception. These are free from dairy and eggs, making them a great vegan option.
While they do contain organic palm oil, many vegans feel more comfortable with it when it’s sustainably sourced.
Plus, Annie’s always strives for transparency in its ingredients, so you can feel a bit better about what you’re buying.
Immaculate Organic Flaky Biscuits
Many people swear by Immaculate’s biscuit dough as one of the best pre-made options out there. Their biscuits are organic, vegan-friendly, and delicious.
They also have a commitment to using fewer processed ingredients, making them a slightly healthier choice. If you haven’t tried them yet, they’re definitely worth adding to your shopping list.
Walmart Great Value Buttermilk Biscuits
If you’re shopping on a budget, Walmart’s Great Value Buttermilk Biscuits are another accidentally vegan option. No actual buttermilk here either, just artificial flavoring.
These are a quick and easy option when you want something affordable, and they can be found in most Walmart locations.
HyVee Buttermilk Biscuits
For those living in Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin, HyVee’s Buttermilk Biscuits are a regional favorite. Like some of the others on this list, they don’t actually contain buttermilk, making them vegan-friendly by default.
If you live near a HyVee, these are a solid option that’s both budget-friendly and easy to find.
Value Corner Homestyle Biscuits
SafeWay’s Value Corner Homestyle Biscuits are another budget-friendly, vegan option. These are basic biscuits, perfect for when you need a quick fix.
While they might not have the highest reviews in terms of flavor, they’re still vegan and an affordable option for those shopping on a budget.
Vegan Biscuit Recipes: The Homemade Approach
While store-bought options are great for convenience, there’s something special about making your own vegan biscuits at home.
Not only can you control the ingredients, but the taste and texture of homemade biscuits often surpass anything you’ll find in the store.
Here are some tips and recipes to help you create the perfect batch of vegan biscuits.
Our Tips For Making Vegan Biscuits At Home
- Choose the Right Fat: Traditional biscuits use butter, but in vegan recipes, plant-based fats like vegan butter or coconut oil are perfect substitutes. Vegan butter tends to mimic the texture and flavor of dairy butter, while coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness. Keep your fat cold before mixing it in, as this helps create that flaky texture biscuits are known for.
- Use Non-Dairy Milk: Soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk all work well in place of dairy milk. If a recipe calls for buttermilk, you can make your own vegan version by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of non-dairy milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle, and you’ve got vegan buttermilk ready to go.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: One key to fluffy, tender biscuits is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it can result in tough, dense biscuits. Mix until just combined, then gently pat the dough out before cutting into shapes.
- Use Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are your best friends when it comes to getting the right rise in your biscuits. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, as old baking powder can lose its potency and result in flat biscuits.
Our Favorite Vegan Biscuit Recipes
These biscuits are everything you want—fluffy, golden, and with that slight tang that comes from using vegan buttermilk.
They’re easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Pair them with some vegan butter and jam, and you’re set for a delicious breakfast or snack.
This recipe is perfect when you’re in a hurry but still want something a little fancy. The biscuits come together quickly, and the maple butter adds a touch of sweetness that elevates the whole experience. It’s a great option if you want to impress guests without too much effort.
Yes, this is a bold statement, but we’ve made these biscuits time and time again and can attest that they are, in fact, the best – which is why we’ve saved them for last.
If you want a vegan biscuit recipe that doesn’t scrimp on flavor, give this a try!
Final Thoughts
With so many vegan biscuit options now available, there’s no reason to miss out on this classic comfort food.
Whether you go for a quick and easy store-bought option or whip up a batch of homemade biscuits, you’ll find plenty of vegan-friendly choices to enjoy.
Just remember to check those labels for hidden non-vegan ingredients, and don’t be afraid to experiment with homemade recipes to find the perfect biscuit for your family.
No matter what route you take, vegan biscuits are just as delicious and satisfying as their traditional counterparts.
So go ahead, grab some vegan butter, and enjoy a warm, fluffy biscuit that fits perfectly into your plant-based lifestyle.
