People thinking about adopting plant-based diets can get confused about what foods are vegan. Get off to a tasty start by knowing what kind of bread is vegan.
Food-lovers considering a switch to veganism often think they must give up foods they love to maintain a plant-based diet. Not so! Although some vegans may also pursue gluten-free diets, bread is still very much an option for vegans, including those who wish to go gluten-free. The question is not whether vegans can eat bread, but rather—what kind of bread is vegan?
Most—But Not All—Bread Is Vegan
Traditionally, all you need to make a loaf of bread is flour, water, yeast, and salt. After that, it can get complicated. For people trying to exclude animal products from their diets, certain types of bread will be off-limits. Breads made with eggs (such as challah), egg bagels, breads with an egg glaze, or recipes that incorporate milk can take choices off the vegan menu. The same goes for breads that contain butter, cream, and whey. Bakery products that lean more toward cakes or pastries but that are labeled “bread” may contain these unwanted ingredients. Commercially produced bread can also contain chemical additives and fats, emulsifiers, or preservatives from animal sources.
Check the labels—when in doubt, select bread that’s clearly marked as vegan. Fortunately, many bakeries have found that offering vegan alternatives to ingredients such as eggs and milk attracts more customers and sets them apart from the competition. If you prefer freshly baked bread, just ask which of their available breads are vegan.
Delicious Vegan Breads to Start On
Everyone is baking sourdough bread nowadays, and for good reason. It’s delicious, and the starter is a type of renewable resource. Just watch out for versions made with milk. Ezekiel bread uses sprouted grains and legumes, which together provide an extra punch of protein. Ciabatta, focaccia, and pita are types of flatbreads that, in their basic forms, are usually vegan. For many people, the classic French baguette is the best and only bread they’ll ever need. Usually made from the four pillars of breadmaking—flour, yeast, water, and salt—these baguettes feature crispy crust and yummy, soft insides. However, as we mentioned, some versions of bread add milk, eggs, butter, or sweeteners—so again, read the labels or ask the bakery about ingredients.
Plenty of breads and baked goods are acceptable to the vegan way of eating. Reading labels is always wise, and ask bakers about their ingredients to decide what kind of vegan bread to use for your sandwiches and rolls.
