Is Bread Vegan?
8 August 2024
It would be great if it was as simple as yes or no. Unfortunately, some are and some are not.
It depends on the recipe simplicity, bread processing, and type.
To get personnalized recommendations, book a discovery call with a vegan dietitian.
Can I eat bread on a vegan diet?
At its essence, bread is suitable for a vegan diet. To make bread in its simplest form, you only need flour, water, salt, and yeast.
Vegan diet
A vegan diet excludes all animal products for ethical reasons. This means someone on this diet would not eat meat, fish, eggs, dairy, gelatin or honey.
However, identifying non-vegan ingredients from labels isn’t always this easy. What fun would it be?
Unfortunately, some additives that you may find in bread can be from animal sources.
Animal-sourced food additives
Some breads might contain eggs or milk. Different sweeteners or fats from animal sources may also be used, such as honey or butter.
In other cases, there is no way to know from the label if the ingredient is vegan. This especially applies to mono and diglycerides, which enhance texture and prevent bread from drying out. Mono and diglycerides can be derived from either plant or animal sources. This distinction is, however, not typically specified on the ingredient list.
Lecithin, found in many products, can be derived from soybeans or egg yolks. Like mono and diglycerides, the label typically doesn’t specify its source, except when derived from soy.
Sounds overwhelming and you don’t know where to start? As plant-based nutritionists, we can help you! We offer many different plant-based nutrition services!
Can I eat a dairy-free bread on vegan diet?
As mentioned, bread recipes can differ a lot. Some bread marketed as dairy-free may contain other animal products, like eggs or honey. That being said, seeing this mention can help by reducing the possible ingredients.
Just keep in mind that it is not by any means a guarantee that this dairy-free bread is vegan. Read the ingredients anyway to make sure!
Does bread contain eggs?
It depends on the bread. Usually, bread does not contain eggs. However, some recipes may require this ingredient, making it very important to always look at the label.
Be mindful about fluffier or brioche-type breads, as they often contain eggs. In these kinds of bread, the egg is what gives this fluffy texture, so be careful.
Is yeast vegan?
It is! Finally a simple answer!
What’s yeast?
Yeast is a fungus, including different organisms such as molds and mushrooms.
As disgusting as it sounds, yeast is very useful in the kitchen! And it doesn’t come from animal sources, so it’s vegan-friendly.
What is yeast used for?
Yeast has an important role to play in fermentation processes and in baking. Yeast is actually what makes the dough rise in various types of baked goods such as bread, bagels, and croissants.
How does it work?
Adding yeast to the dough is what makes it rise. The yeast uses sugar and transforms it into carbon dioxide. With heat and moisture, these tiny air bubbles are stuck in the dough, which causes it to rise. So… What kind of bread can you eat on a vegan diet?
What kind of bread is vegan?
Sourdough
Typically, sourdough bread is vegan.
What are the main ingredients?
This type of bread is usually made with flour, water, salt, and yeast from a sourdough starter. All of these ingredients being vegan, sourdough bread should be fine.
Artisanal sourdough bread might include animal-based ingredients like honey, butter, or milk for flavor and texture.
Pita Bread
The main ingredients for this type of bread are the same as regular bread, which consists of plant-based ingredients.
Some pita breads are sometimes made with seasonings or animal-based ingredients to add flavors, such as cheese.
Naan Bread
Typically, naan bread is not vegan, as it is often made with dairy, such as milk or yogurt. Some naan bread are also made with different flavors and may have cheese in them. However, some naan breads are made with the exact same ingredients as regular bread and do not contain animal products.
This will depend on your location and the recipe.
Each bread type has a unique ingredient list, with variations like dairy, eggs, or honey depending on location. I suggest looking at the nutritional value for your specific location or asking a staff member before ordering.
Types of Subway bread:
– Italian bread is vegan! It does not contain any dairy or eggs.
– Italian herbs & cheese bread is not vegan as there is shredded cheese on the crust.
– 9-grain wheat bread is vegan!
– Honey oad bread is not vegan. As mentioned in it’s name, it contains honey.
– Flatbread is vegan too!
You have quite a few options in terms of Subway bread! If you need help to eat balanced when eating out, speak with a plant-based dietitian!
Ezekiel Bread
It is!
What is Ezekiel bread?
Ezekiel bread is inspired from a recipe mentioned Ezekiel in the Bible. It describes a bread made from only plant-based ingredients: sprouted grains and legumes. Sprouted ingredients boost bread’s nutrition with more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
What is it made from?
Typically, Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted wheat, barley, lentils, millet and spelt.
French Bread
As the traditional recipe only contains flour, water, yeast and salt, it is vegan!
Watch out for artisanal or specialty types, which may include animal-derived ingredients.
Ciabatta Bread
The typical ingredients are the same as previously mentioned plus sometimes olive oil. However, many variations of this type of bread are not vegan and may contain animal-based ingredients. Make sure you read the label and check for milk, butter, eggs or honey.
The plain version should always be vegan.
Wheat Bread
Yes! The basic recipe is vegan as it only contains plant-based ingredients.
Commercially produced bread
Be cautious of additives in commercially produced grocery store bread. Look for mono and diglycerides; labels don’t specify if they’re from plants or animals.
You also want to be careful if you see lecithin on the ingredient list. It may be animal-based. However, it is usually written if it comes from soy. In that case, the product remains vegan.
Is Wonder Bread vegan?
It might be, it it might also not.
All the ingredients are vegan, except for one that might not be. Wonder bread is a commercially produced bread. It contains mono and diglycerides, which are hard to tell if they come from plant or animal sources.
If you’re concerned about these additives, you could probably pick a different brand with less ingredients and less additives.
Focaccia Bread
Some versions are.
What is focaccia bread?
It’s a type of bread similar to flatbread or naan bread. However, focaccia bread is seasoned with spices, herbs, vegetables, or cheese. The seasoning is what will make this type of bread vegan or not.
Classic sesonnings are olive oil, herbs like rosemary and thyme, garlic, onion, sliced olives and tomatoes.
Rye Bread
It should be if you choose the plain version.
The basic ingredients are similar to regular plain bread. However, if you are trying a seasoned variation, ensure it’s vegan by checking the label!
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is often made by spreading garlic butter before baking. This can easily be made vegan at home. However, when commercialy prepared, it’s mostly not. Make sure to always read the label before buying…
Or make your own vegan garlic bread! As vegan dietitians, we aim to help you improve your vegan diet one balanced meal at a time!
Bagels
It varies! When a bagel is made with basic ingredients, such as flour, yeast, and water, it’s vegan. However, some brands and bakeries may add milk or eggs for texture or color. Bagels may also be brushed before cooking to enhance color.
Bagels can also be sold with a variety of flavors. Some will be vegan and some will not! Always ensure the ingredients are vegan by reading the ingredient list.
Try making these easy homemade vegan bagels as a Sunday activity!
As vegan dietitians, we can give you recipes tailored to your needs and preferences!
So, can you eat bread as a vegan?
Of course you can! Most regular and plain breads are vegan actually. Some variations may not be vegan, so read labels, but you probably don’t need to exclude this food!
If you have any more questions or you want personalized recommendations, speak to a plant-based nutritionist! We offer many plant-based nutrition services!
