Vegans choose to refrain from consuming any products derived from animals, which encompasses meat, eggs, dairy, and other food items or additives originating from animals. Determining the vegan status of certain foods can be challenging, especially when it comes to baked goods, as they may contain ingredients that are not easily identifiable. Bagels, a beloved type of bread shaped like a ring, are available in an extensive range of flavors, from plain to sweet and savory. Additionally, they offer a delightful canvas for a virtually limitless selection of toppings.

This article aims to provide insights on how to identify whether a bagel qualifies as vegan.

Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Bagels

Bagels are crafted from a straightforward, yeasted dough that takes on a delightful doughnut shape. This dough is boiled, dried, and subsequently baked to perfection in an oven. Whether a bagel is vegan or not largely relies on its specific ingredients and fillings.

Standard Bagels are Vegan

A classic bagel is composed of the following plant-based ingredients:

• Flour. Typically, wheat flour is used, which produces a robust, glutinous dough with a dense and chewy texture.
• Yeast. This component ferments the sugars within the dough, generating carbon dioxide that allows the dough to rise.
• Salt. This mineral is essential for strengthening gluten strands, regulating yeast activity, and enhancing flavor.
• Liquid. Traditionally, only water is utilized to provide moisture and bind the ingredients together.
• Sweetener. This can come from various sources, including plain sugar, barley malt syrup, molasses, corn syrup, or malt extract.
• Fat. Some bagel recipes may incorporate vegetable oil or shortening to improve the texture of the finished product.

Vegan bagel recipes can also feature additional ingredients that enhance flavor, color, and texture, such as fruits, seeds, grains, nuts, vegetables, berries, herbs, and spices.

What Makes a Bagel Non-Vegan?

Certain bagel recipes or commercially produced options might incorporate non-vegan ingredients, such as:

• Honey. Some recipes substitute honey or honey powder for sugar or malt. While a few vegans consume honey, the majority do not.
• Eggs. Occasionally, eggs are added to the dough to enhance flavor and color, or used as a glaze to give the bagel a glossy finish.
• Milk. In certain recipes, milk replaces water as a primary liquid.
• L-cysteine. This amino acid, often used as a dough conditioner, is sometimes found in commercial bagel products and is typically sourced from human hair or poultry feathers, although vegan production methods exist as well.

Moreover, numerous bagel toppings or fillings are not vegan-friendly, including:

• Dairy Products: such as cream cheese, hard cheese, whipped cream, and more.
• Meat: including beef, ham, turkey, chicken, and others.
• Fish: like smoked salmon, canned tuna, caviar, among others.
• Eggs: found in sauces such as hollandaise or mayonnaise.

While standard bagels are inherently vegan, certain varieties may include additional flavors, additives, or fillings that contain animal products, such as honey, eggs, or dairy in the dough, and cheese, meats, or fish in the toppings.

How to Ensure Your Bagel is Vegan-Friendly

There are several effective methods to make certain your bagels are suitable for a vegan diet. You can either prepare them at home, scrutinize the ingredient labels, or look for a vegan certification to guide your choices.

Prepare Your Own Bagels

Many bagel recipes are inherently vegan-friendly, allowing you to have full control over the ingredients you use. This homemade approach not only guarantees that your bagels are free from animal products but also opens up a world of flavor and variety. Enhance a basic dough recipe by incorporating a range of vegan-friendly ingredients, such as seeds, nuts, onions, garlic, spices, fresh or dried herbs, and whole grains like rye and oats. For toppings, consider options like vegan cream cheese, nut butters, plant-based patties, meat alternatives, tofu, avocado, hummus, leafy greens, assorted vegetables, berries, and various other fruits.

Examine the Label

When purchasing bagels from a store, it's crucial to read the ingredient list carefully for any non-vegan components. Pay close attention to ingredients such as eggs, honey, honey powder, L-cysteine, milk, and dairy derivatives like casein, lactose, and whey. 

Look for Vegan Certification

In many countries, there are no strict legal guidelines governing the labeling of vegan products. However, numerous independent organizations, including Certified Vegan, provide certification for vegan items. When you come across a bagel with such certification, it’s beneficial to research the specific requirements of that organization to ensure they align with your expectations. Remember, a product might still be vegan even if it lacks an official label. Therefore, always check the ingredient list when determining if a product meets your dietary needs.

To guarantee that your bagels are vegan, either prepare them at home or carefully inspect the labels for vegan certification and ingredients. In cases of uncertainty, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer to confirm if the product is appropriate for your vegan lifestyle.

The Final Thoughts

Traditional bagels are naturally vegan, typically consisting of basic ingredients such as flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt, and occasionally include vegetable shortening for texture. However, it is important to note that some varieties may contain non-vegan components like eggs, milk, honey, or L-cysteine. To ensure that your bagels align with a vegan lifestyle, consider making them at home where you can control the ingredients, or carefully examine the packaging for vegan certifications and the ingredient list to avoid non-vegan elements. With a bit of mindfulness and creativity, you can savor your beloved morning or lunchtime bagel while adhering to a vegan diet.