Vegans have their pick when it comes to plant-based breads, and sourdough often tops the list. That’s because almost all sourdough bread is vegan-friendly. With very few exceptions, sourdough doesn’t include any non-vegan ingredients. It is full of naturally occurring yeast and bacteria that give sourdough its unique texture and taste and keep baked goods that have sourdough fresher for longer.
We explore what makes sourdough unique from other commercially produced breads and what ingredients to watch for when examining food labels or menu options.
Why Most Sourdough Bread Is Vegan
Sourdough begins humbly with a mix of vegan-friendly flour and water. Left at room temperature, this starter, as it's often called, begins to acidify and ferment, giving sourdough its signature sour flavor and chewy texture.
The starter becomes home to a community of naturally occurring microbes, including yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Both yeast (a member of the fungi family) and lactobacillus (which, contrary to its name, is not a dairy derivative) are generally considered vegan, even if neither of them is technically made from plants.
These microbes then devour the flour.The bacteria produce lactic acid, giving sourdough its tangy taste, and the off-gassing creates the carbon dioxide sourdough bread needs to rise without additional leavening agents.
For this reason, traditional sourdough bread (also known as Type I) doesn't include additional yeast to help rise it. Some sourdough does use baker's yeast as well as a sourdough starter. The starter enhances the texture, flavor, and shelf life in these Type II sourdoughs, but it is not the primary leavening agent. Type III sourdoughs use freeze-dried powder from either Type I or Type II sourdough, and this is the type most typical of commercially produced bread.
Regardless of its type, though, whether it's made from baker's yeast or not, sourdough is still almost always vegan.
On occasion, additional ingredients may find their way into a basic—and vegan—sourdough bread recipe. You’re more likely to encounter these non-vegan ingredients in more highly processed or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, homemade bread.
In highly processed sourdough sandwich bread, you may find eggs, although that’s relatively uncommon. Certain types of sourdough milk bread use both milk and butter. These sweet sourdough breads will often indicate their non-vegan status in their name, making it easy for vegans to identify and avoid them.
Additionally, some recipes for whole-wheat sourdough call for honey to add sweetness. Vegans will want to check the label or ask the server about the contents of any whole-wheat sourdough bread.
Types of Vegan Sourdough Bread
Sourdough appears in many more kinds of bread than just a traditional wheat flour loaf. When shopping for sourdough, keep in mind that these varieties are usually vegan-friendly as well. (But always check the label.)
Borodinsky. This Russian sourdough is made with rye instead of wheat, sweetened with molasses, and rich with caraway and coriander.
Butterbrot. As the name says, this German sourdough bread is usually topped with butter, cheese, or meat, but the bread itself is typically vegan.
Injera. A gluten-free Ethiopian spongy, sour flatbread that is usually made from teff.
Pumpernickel. A slightly sweet, dense, dark vegan sourdough made with rye and wheat flour.
Certain sourdough varieties regularly include non-vegan ingredients, but you can occasionally find vegan versions in both stores and restaurants.
Amish friendship bread. This cinnamon-and-sugar sweet bread often includes milk in the starter.
Coppia ferrarese. This non-vegan Italian sourdough uses lard, malt, olive oil, and flour. It is also known as pane ferraese, ciopa, or ciupeta.
Panettone. This Italian candied sourdough loaf is popular during the holidays. Panettone often contains honey, butter, milk, and eggs, although vegan versions exist.
Sourdough milk bread. Popular in Asian cuisine, variations of sourdough milk bread recipes include non-vegan ingredients including milk, butter, and sometimes honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sourdough bread suitable for vegans?
Nearly all sourdough bread is vegan-friendly. Some non-vegan ingredients, including dairy, honey, and eggs, can appear in sourdough, but those are outstanding exceptions to the rule. Check the label or ask your server if you have concerns over the contents of your sourdough bread.
What kind of bread is vegan?
Fortunately for vegans, most kinds of bread are vegan. Beyond sourdough, vegans can enjoy bagels, focaccia, pita, and more.
Is sourdough dairy-free?
Generally speaking, sourdough is dairy-free. The essential ingredients of sourdough don’t require dairy, but certain sweet sourdough milk bread varieties replace water with cow’s milk. If so, the dairy will likely be labeled.
Is Dunkin’ Donuts sourdough bread vegan?
Yes, the sourdough bread used as the base for Dunkin’s avocado toast is indeed vegan. Since Dunkin’ doesn’t have a vegan donut yet, we love this plant-based breakfast option.
With very few exceptions, sourdough doesn't include any non-vegan ingredients. It is full of naturally occurring yeast and bacteria that give sourdough its unique texture and taste and keep baked goods that have sourdough fresher for longer.
Is sourdough bread vegan? Yes, sourdough bread is generally vegan-friendly as it has very few ingredients, all of which are vegan – bread flour, water salt, and sometimes sugar.
Because sourdough does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, it fits perfectly into any of the plant-based diets. It's a great vegan bread to make at home. Sourdough's nutritional benefits vary depending on the type of flour used in the recipe.
Vegans can eat bread that does not contain animal products or byproducts. This includes breads that only use some variation on flour, water, yeast, and salt including ciabatta, baguette, focaccia, sourdough, pita, and ezekiel breads.
Despite the fact that traditional sourdough ingredients are flour, water, and salt, many store-bought versions include added yeast, ascorbic acid, vinegar, and oil. So, although many grocery stores may carry bread labeled “sourdough”, more often than not they are in fact fake sourdough.
A type of fermented bread made from flour, water, salt, and sometimes commercial baker's yeast. Though uncommon, some varieties use milk instead of water, making them non-vegan.
Many of the bread options at Panera are vegan! Vegan options include the classic, rustic, and whole grain sourdough breads, black pepper and sea salt focaccia breads, ciabatta, french baguette, and some of their bagels.
It is easier to digest than other breads and does offer some gut health benefits due to its small prebiotic content and lactic acid content, so it could contribute to a healthy diet where a healthy gut microbiome is prioritized as one component of weight loss.
Fermentation can reduce lectins. Fermentation of beans, in one study resulted in a 95% reduction of lectins. Sourdough bread and fermented soy products have become popular, where the fermentation process allows for easier digestion. Sprouting destroys some lectins.
Vegans have an abundance of choices when it comes to vegan-friendly breads. As always, check the label to confirm your bread is animal-product-free. Bagel (Most, but certainly not all, varieties are vegan.) English Muffin (Some contain dairy and eggs.)
Most types of peanut butter are free of animal products and can be enjoyed as part of a vegan diet. However, some varieties are made in facilities that also process animal products or contain refined sugar that was produced using bone char or non-vegan ingredients like honey or fish oil.
Q: Are your products vegan? A: All DKB bread products are considered vegan and do not contain any animal products, however, our limited edition DKB Snack Bars (Trail Mix Crumble and Oat-Rageous Honey Almond™) are NOT considered vegan as they contain organic honey. Q: Do you make a gluten-free bread?
For consumers concerned about artificial ingredients in food, Aldi's sourdough is a solid choice. Per the label, this bread consists of just three main ingredients, which are salt, water, and flour. It's also free of artificial flavoring, preservatives, and colors.
White sourdough is healthier than white bread made with commercial yeast. But the healthiest sourdoughs are made with wholegrain flour, sourdough starter, water, and a little salt. Intact grains, herbs, spices, or nuts and seeds can also give the breads distinct flavors.
Genuine sourdough bread is NOT made using additives, baker's yeast (usually listed simply as yeast) or chemical raising agents (eg baking powder). If there isn't a label (or you just fancy a chat) then... Ask the baker / salesperson for a copy of the ingredients list.
In summary, sourdough bread is inherently dairy-free because it is primarily made from flour, water, a sourdough starter (which is usually dairy-free), and salt. The fermentation process relies on wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, which are also dairy-free.
If you are making or purchasing traditionally baked sourdough bread that is made using just flour, water and salt (and a vegan sourdough starter) then you can be sure that this sourdough is vegan friendly.
No.This product is not vegan as it lists 3 ingredients that derive from animals and 8 ingredients that could derive from animals depending on the source.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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