Vegans follow a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products, including eggs, dairy, meat, fish, honey, gelatin and more. When it comes to bagels, there are many vegan-friendly options available.
Can vegans eat plain bagels?
Yes, plain bagels without any eggs, dairy or other animal products are typically vegan. Plain bagels are a good base that vegans can customize with vegan toppings and spreads.
What ingredients make bagels not vegan?
Here are some common non-vegan ingredients found in many bagels:
- Eggs – Used to help bind and provide structure.
- Milk or cream – Adds richness and moisture.
- Butter or ghee – Provides flavor and a smooth texture.
- Honey – A sweetener sometimes used instead of sugar.
- Whey or casein – Milk-derived proteins.
- L-cysteine – A dough conditioner that may be animal-derived.
Always check the ingredient list for any of these before purchasing bagels if following a vegan diet.
What are the best vegan bagel brands?
Here are some popular vegan bagel brands:
- Thomas’ Bagels – Offers plain, everything and sesame bagels.
- Dave’s Killer Bread – Try their plain and seeded varieties.
- Einstein Bros – Ask for vegan bagels without honey or eggs.
- Trader Joe’s – Their plain and sprouted bagels are vegan.
- Bruegger’s Bagels – Ask them to make any variety without eggs.
- Panera Bread – Their plain, sesame and poppyseed bagels are vegan.
Check ingredients regularly as formulations can change. Many local bakeries also offer vegan bagels, so ask about ingredients if unsure.
What vegan toppings and spreads can I use?
Here are some delicious vegan-friendly ways to top and fill your bagels:
Spreads
- Nut butter – Try almond, cashew, peanut or sunflower.
- Hummus – Classic chickpea or other bean-based hummus options.
- Avocado – Mash it up with lemon and salt.
- Jam – Many jams, especially berry, are vegan.
- Apple butter – Sweet and a bit tangy.
- Tapenade – Olive-based spread.
- Pesto – Go for vegan pesto without cheese.
- Vegan cream cheese – Brands like Kite Hill and Tofutti make dairy-free versions.
Toppings
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced onion
- Sliced cucumber
- Sprouts
- Leafy greens like spinach or arugula
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted red peppers
- Pickled vegetables
- Fresh herbs like basil or dill
- Toasted nuts or seeds
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper
Condiments
- Mustard
- Ketchup (check for added honey)
- Hot sauce
- Vegan mayo like Just Mayo or Vegenaise
- Oil and vinegar
- Balsamic glaze
Can I make my own vegan bagels?
Yes! Making vegan bagels at home is totally doable. Here is a basic vegan bagel recipe:
Ingredients
- 3⁄4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 1⁄4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon molasses or brown sugar
- 1 egg replacer (like Ener-G) prepared according to package directions
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the water, yeast and sugar. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, oil, molasses and prepared egg replacer.
- Stir to form a shaggy dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges into the center. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Create a hole in the center of each ball by gently spinning a finger around. Stretch to widen holes to about 2 inches wide.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to lower each bagel into the water for 30 seconds, flipping once.
- Remove bagels and return to the baking sheet. If desired, top with seeds or seasoning.
- Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden brown. Enjoy fresh or split and toast before adding toppings.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to vegan bagel flavors. Try adding roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, peppers or other mix-ins to the dough. The egg replacer helps bind and add structure in the absence of eggs. Let your creativity run wild!
Are vegan bagels healthier?
Bagels made without animal products can be just as unhealthy or healthy as non-vegan varieties. Here are some factors that determine how healthy vegan bagels are:
- Ingredients – Whole grain flours like whole wheat are healthier than refined white flour. Added sugar should be minimal.
- Portion size – Bagels are calorie-dense, so enjoy just one portion rather than overeating.
- Preparation – Toasting adds flavor with few extra calories vs schmearing on lots of fatty cream cheese.
- Toppings – Pile vegetables high rather than just loading on dense avocado or nut butter.
- Accompaniments – Pair with protein-rich foods and healthy fats instead of sugary drinks.
Vegan does not automatically equate to healthy. But it can be an opportunity to make nutritious choices like using whole food ingredients, watching portions and picking healthy toppings.
What nutrients do vegan bagels provide?
Bagels made from nutrient-rich whole grain flours deliver:
- Fiber – Keeps you full, aids digestion and gut health.
- B vitamins – Essential for energy, brain function and more.
- Minerals – Provide iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
- Protein – Especially high when using whole grains, beans or seeds.
- Antioxidants – Found in whole grains and certain toppings like blueberries.
Be mindful of limiting refined carbs. Pair with protein sources like nut butter, hummus or avocado and use healthy toppings to make your vegan bagel nutritious.
| Vegan Bagel Type | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain bagel | 1 medium (4″ diameter) | 245 | 1g | 53g | 10g |
| Blueberry bagel | 1 medium (4″ diameter) | 260 | 1g | 55g | 10g |
| Cinnamon raisin bagel | 1 medium (4″ diameter) | 270 | 1g | 56g | 9g |
| Everything bagel | 1 medium (4″ diameter) | 260 | 3.5g | 51g | 11g |
| Sprouted whole grain bagel | 1 medium (3.5″ diameter) | 180 | 1g | 36g | 7g |
Nutrition data per 1 medium bagel without toppings or spreads.
Are there vegan bagel options at restaurants and cafes?
Yes! Many restaurants, coffee shops and cafes now offer vegan bagel options. Some places to find plant-based bagels include:
- Panera Bread – Vegan blueberry, asiago and cinnamon crunch bagels available.
- Einstein Bros – Ask for an egg-free Everything or Harvest bagel.
- Bruegger’s Bagels – Can make many varieties without egg upon request.
- Tim Hortons – Sesame and multigrain bagels are vegan.
- Starbucks – Plain and sprouted grain bagels available.
- Local bakeries – Many offer pre-packaged vegan bagels and can make custom orders.
The biggest considerations when ordering are egg, dairy and honey. Always ask about ingredients when in doubt so you can enjoy vegan bagels from your favorite breakfast spots.
What is the healthiest vegan bagel order at a cafe?
When ordering a vegan bagel sandwich, bowl or platter at a cafe, aim for maximum nutrition with these tips:
- Choose a whole grain bagel for extra fiber and protein.
- Pick veggie-based toppings like avocado, tomatoes, sprouts, spinach.
- Add plant-based protein like hummus, nut butter or tofu.
- Get sauces and spreads on the side to control portions.
- Opt for mustard or oil and vinegar instead of cream cheese or mayo.
- Avoid added sugars in flavored bagels, jams or sweet spreads.
- Pair with a nutritious beverage like coffee, tea, juice or smoothie.
Being mindful when customizing your bagel order can make a big difference in its nutrition profile.
Vegan bagel recipe ideas
Take your vegan bagel game up a notch with these delicious recipe ideas:
Pizza bagels
Toast bagel halves, top with tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella, onions, peppers and mushrooms. Broil until melty.
Veggie cream cheese
Blend silken tofu, roasted garlic, salt, lemon juice and sautéed onions and spinach for a savory spread.
Rainbow bagels
Make colorful bagels at home with beet, carrot, turmeric or blueberry in the dough for fun flavors and nutrition.
Jalapeño cheddar
Knead smoked jalapeños and vegan cheddar into whole wheat dough. Top baked bagels with more cheese.
Banana split
Toast a cinnamon raisin bagel, top with banana slices, chocolate chips, strawberries and coconut whipped cream.
BBQ jackfruit
Pile pulled jackfruit, sautéed onions and BBQ sauce atop an everything bagel for a savory treat.
Mediterranean
Schmear hummus on a bagel half, top with cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, olive oil and fresh herbs like dill or basil.
Are frozen vegan bagels available?
Yes, there are some vegan frozen bagel options to enjoy the convenience of just heating and eating. Some brands to look for include:
- Trader Joe’s – Their plain bagels and multigrain with flax and sunflower bagels are vegan-friendly.
- Lenders – Offers an onion and chive variety that is egg and dairy-free.
- Ezekiel 4:9 – Their sprouted whole grain cinnamon raisin bagels are vegan.
- Whole Foods 365 – Plain, everything and sesame bagels made without animal products.
Be sure to check labels carefully since formulations can change. Defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave briefly to thaw. Then toast or pan fry and customize with your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
From plain to everything to rainbow, there are so many tasty vegan bagel options to enjoy. With some ingredient savvy and creative additions like hummus, avocado and nut butter, you can make plant-based bagels that are just as delicious and satisfying as traditional versions. Exploring different brands, flavors and recipes will add variety to your morning routine or anytime snack.
