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Can Vegans Eat Bagels? A Guide to Vegan-Friendly Bagels

This article explores one of the most frequently asked questions about vegan-friendly foods: Can vegans eat bagels? Learn which bagels are vegan and how to ensure your bagel fits a vegan diet.

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Can Vegans Eat Bagels? Vegan Bagel Guide
Last updated on August 6, 2025, and last reviewed by an expert on August 4, 2025.

Are bagels vegan?

Yes. Most bagels are made from flour, water, salt, sugar, and yeast. These ingredients contain no animal products and therefore make bagels vegan-friendly.

Can Vegans Eat Bagels? Vegan Bagel Guide

That said, some bagels contain flavor ingredients derived from animal sources.

Vegan vs. non-vegan bagels

Bagels are made from a simple, yeasted dough that’s shaped like a doughnut. They are boiled, dried, and then finished in an oven.

Depending on the ingredients and fillings, a bagel may or may not be vegan.

Regular bagels are vegan

A basic bagel contains the following vegan ingredients:

Vegan bagel recipes may include additional ingredients to add flavor, color, and texture, such as fruits, seeds, grains, nuts, vegetables, berries, herbs, and spices.

What makes a bagel non-vegan?

Some bagel recipes or store-bought products may include non-vegan ingredients, including:

Additionally, many bagel fillings or toppings are not considered vegan, including:

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Essentially, any ingredient derived from an animal makes a bagel unsuitable for vegans.

How to ensure your bagel is vegan

There are a few ways to ensure your bagels are vegan-friendly, including making them yourself, checking ingredient labels, and looking for vegan certification.

Make your own bagels

Most bagel recipes are vegan-friendly, and by making them yourself, you can control exactly what goes into them.

Plus, countless vegan ingredients can add flavor and variety to your bagels.

A basic dough recipe can be enhanced by adding seeds, nuts, onions, garlic, spices, fresh or dried herbs, and grains such as rye and oats.

Vegan toppings include vegan cream cheese, nut butter, vegan patties, meat substitutes, tofu, avocado, hummus, leafy greens, vegetables, berries, and other fruits.

Read the label

If you’re buying bagels from the store, check the ingredient list for any non-vegan items.

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The most important ones to look out for are eggs, honey, honey powder, L-cysteine, milk, and milk products like casein, lactose, and whey.

L-cysteine should be labeled by name or with the number E920. However, it may not be clear from the label whether the source is vegan.

If you’re in doubt about a particular brand, contact the manufacturer to verify the product’s vegan status.

Check for vegan certification

Most countries don’t regulate vegan product labeling by law.

Yet, many independent organizations, such as Certified Vegan, offer vegan certification for products.

If you find a bagel with such certification, it’s a good idea to check that organization’s requirements to see whether they meet your expectations.

Keep in mind that a product may be vegan even if not labeled as such. Thus, it’s still wise to check the ingredient list when deciding whether the product is right for you.

Summary

Basic bagels are vegan and made from flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and sometimes vegetable shortening.

Still, some include non-vegan ingredients such as eggs, milk, honey, or L-cysteine.

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To ensure your bagels are vegan, make them yourself or check packaging for vegan certification or examine the ingredient list for non-vegan items.

Overall, with a little attention to detail, you can continue to enjoy your favorite morning or lunchtime bagel on a vegan diet.

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