Are 7 Days Croissants Vegan? A Comprehensive Ingredient Breakdown

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a detailed ingredient list from 7 Days, their soft croissants are not vegan due to the inclusion of several animal-derived products. This guide delves into the specific components that make 7 Days croissants unsuitable for a vegan diet and offers satisfying plant-based substitutes.

Quick Summary

A breakdown of 7 Days croissant ingredients reveals multiple animal-derived components, including dairy and eggs, making them not vegan. The article explains the specific non-vegan ingredients, details what makes a traditional croissant non-vegan, and provides options for plant-based alternatives.

Key Points

Not Vegan: 7 Days croissants contain animal-derived ingredients such as skimmed milk powder, whey powder, lactose, and sometimes dried egg yolk, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Flavors Vary: Different flavors, like vanilla and strawberry-vanilla, explicitly list egg yolk, while others contain various milk-based ingredients.
Traditional Croissants Non-Vegan: Classic croissants are made with large amounts of dairy butter and often eggs, which is why they are inherently not vegan.
Plant-Based Alternatives Exist: Many commercial vegan croissant brands are available, and homemade recipes using plant-based butter and milk are becoming more common.
Ingredient Scrutiny is Key: For all packaged foods, it's essential for vegans to check the label for non-vegan ingredients, especially derivatives of milk and eggs.
Look for Certification: Searching for products with a clear 'Certified Vegan' label is the safest bet for ensuring a product is free from all animal ingredients.

Why 7 Days Croissants are Not Vegan

The primary reason that 7 Days croissants are not vegan is their inclusion of dairy and, in some flavors, eggs. This is consistent across many variations, including the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors. While the dough itself contains vegetable oils, the fillings and other ingredients use animal-derived products.

Dairy Components

Skimmed Milk Powder: A key ingredient in the filling of many varieties, like the cocoa and vanilla versions.
Whey Powder: Mentioned in some ingredient lists, whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is a definite non-vegan component.
Milk Proteins / Milk Solids: These are also used and come directly from dairy.
Lactose: This milk sugar is explicitly listed in the vanilla-flavored filling.

Egg Components

Dried Egg Yolk / Egg Yolk Powder: Some flavors, such as the vanilla or strawberry-vanilla combination, specifically list egg yolk in their ingredients.
May Contain Eggs: Other variations may have a 'may contain' warning for eggs, indicating a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

The Role of Animal Products in Traditional Croissants

Traditional croissants are almost never vegan, with key ingredients being butter and sometimes eggs or milk. The signature flaky texture is achieved through lamination, a process of folding butter into the dough. This process is central to the identity of a classic croissant, which relies heavily on high-fat dairy butter.

Comparison Table: Traditional vs. 7 Days vs. Vegan Croissants


Feature	Traditional Croissant	7 Days Croissant	Vegan Croissant
Flakiness	High, from butter lamination	Medium-low, soft and brioche-like	Varies, high when made with quality vegan butter alternatives
Dairy	High (Butter, Milk)	High (Milk powder, Whey, Lactose)	None
Eggs	Often contains eggs	Some flavors contain egg yolk	None
Primary Fat	Dairy Butter	Palm oil, Sunflower oil	Plant-based butter alternatives (shea butter, margarine)
Accidentally Vegan	No	No	Yes, if using specific brands; many recipes exist

Finding Vegan Alternatives to Croissants

For those seeking a flaky, buttery pastry without animal products, several options are available. The rise of veganism has led to a growing market for plant-based baked goods, both in stores and with simple recipes for homemade versions.

Commercial Vegan Croissants

Brand-specific options: Some bakeries and major supermarkets offer explicitly labeled vegan croissants. Companies like La Boulangère have been noted for creating palm oil-free vegan croissants. Cafés like Pret and Caffè Nero have also introduced plant-based options in the past.
Checking ingredients: Always read the ingredients list thoroughly. Look for vegan certification labels and check for common animal derivatives like milk solids, whey, casein, or lactose. Some products may be accidentally vegan, but a careful check is necessary.

Homemade Vegan Croissants

Vegan butter alternatives: The key to a successful homemade vegan croissant is a high-quality plant-based butter stick. Vegan butter sticks mimic the consistency of dairy butter, which is crucial for the lamination process. Brands like Earth Balance or Melt are popular choices.
Plant-based milk: Substitute traditional milk with a non-dairy alternative like soy, almond, or cashew milk. Unsweetened, unflavored varieties are generally best for baked goods.
Egg wash alternative: A simple vegan egg wash can be made by mixing maple syrup and a splash of non-dairy milk, giving the croissants a shiny, golden-brown finish.

Final Verdict: Why Vegans Must Avoid 7 Days Croissants

It is clear from multiple ingredient analyses that 7 Days croissants are not suitable for a vegan diet. The presence of milk derivatives and, depending on the flavor, egg products means they contain animal ingredients. Fortunately, the vegan food landscape offers plenty of delicious alternatives that provide a similar satisfying pastry experience without compromising on dietary values.

Outbound Link to Authoritative Source: https://www.veganfriendly.org.uk/is-it-vegan/croissants/

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ingredient lists for several 7 Days croissant varieties, including cocoa, vanilla, and strawberry, confirm the inclusion of dairy products like skimmed milk powder, lactose, and whey powder.

No, a review of the company's ingredient lists shows that all flavors of 7 Days croissants contain animal-derived products, so they are not accidentally vegan.

Whey powder is a byproduct of the cheese-making process and is derived from milk. Since it comes from an animal source, it is not considered vegan.

Traditional croissants are not vegan because they are made with butter and often contain milk and eggs. The 7 Days brand specifically uses milk powders and egg yolk in some varieties.

Yes, some supermarkets now carry explicitly labeled vegan croissant options. Look for brands that specialize in plant-based products or check the ingredients list carefully for certification.

While the lamination process can be technical, many recipes for homemade vegan croissants are available. Using high-quality plant-based butter sticks is key to achieving a flaky texture.

Solid vegan butter sticks, such as those made by Earth Balance or other plant-based margarine brands, are the best substitutes for creating the layered, flaky texture of a traditional croissant.