Are Grits Considered Vegan? The Complete Guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Grits, a traditional Southern staple, are made from dried, ground corn. This fact is the foundation for a common question among plant-based eaters: Are grits considered vegan? While the corn base is inherently vegan, the dish's final status depends entirely on the preparation.

Quick Summary

Plain grits are naturally vegan, as they are simply ground corn. However, traditional recipes often include non-vegan ingredients like dairy milk, butter, and cheese, rendering them non-vegan. Easily adaptable for a plant-based diet with simple substitutions.

Key Points

Base Ingredient: Plain grits are 100% ground corn and are naturally vegan.
Preparation Matters: The vegan status of grits is determined by how they are cooked and the ingredients added, not the raw grain itself.
Common Non-Vegan Additions: Traditional grits often include non-vegan ingredients such as dairy milk, butter, and cheese.
Easy Vegan Swaps: Plant-based milk (oat, cashew) and vegan butter are excellent substitutes for creating creamy texture.
Restaurant Caution: When ordering at a restaurant, always ask if the grits are made with dairy or meat products.
Nutritional Yeast for 'Cheese': Nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy, nutty flavor to savory vegan grits.
Versatile Toppings: Vegan grits can be customized with a variety of toppings, from savory veggies to sweet fruits.

The Vegan Verdict on Grits: It's All in the Preparation

The simple answer to whether grits are vegan is both yes and no. The foundational ingredient—grits themselves—are made from dried, ground corn and are completely plant-based. The confusion and non-vegan status arise from the ingredients traditionally added to create the rich, creamy texture and flavor beloved in Southern cooking. A typical restaurant-style or home-cooked batch of grits often contains butter, milk or cream, and cheese, making them unsuitable for vegans. For the plant-based enthusiast, the good news is that with a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious, creamy bowl of vegan grits that rivals the traditional version.

Understanding What Grits Are

Before delving into the vegan preparation, it's helpful to understand the different types of grits and what they're made of.

Stone-Ground Grits: These are old-fashioned grits made from whole, dried corn kernels that have been coarsely ground between two stones. The grind can vary in texture, and they take longer to cook but offer a richer, more pronounced corn flavor.
Hominy Grits: Made from corn that has been treated with an alkali process (nixtamalization) to remove the hull and germ. This results in a softer, finer grain.
Quick Grits: These are finely ground and cook much faster than stone-ground grits, typically in under 10 minutes.
Instant Grits: The most processed type, instant grits are precooked, dehydrated, and re-hydrated quickly.

For a truly authentic taste and texture, many chefs and home cooks prefer stone-ground grits. No matter the type, the raw grain is always vegan; the animal products are added later.

Transforming Grits into a Vegan Delight

The key to veganizing grits is to replace the dairy with plant-based alternatives that still deliver on creaminess and flavor.

Liquid Base: Instead of water, use a combination of unsweetened, plain plant-based milk and vegetable broth. Oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk work wonderfully to achieve a creamy consistency.
Creaminess and Fat: Replace dairy butter with a high-quality vegan butter or a swirl of olive oil or coconut oil.
Cheesy Flavor: For a savory, cheesy flavor without the dairy, add nutritional yeast. This flaky, inactive yeast has a naturally cheesy, nutty taste and is often fortified with B12.
Seasoning: Salt and black pepper are essential. For a savory bowl, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.

Delicious Vegan Grits Topping Ideas

Once you have a perfectly creamy bowl of vegan grits, the topping possibilities are endless. Both sweet and savory options can take your dish to the next level.

Savory Toppings

Sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Vegan sausage crumbles or plant-based 'shrimp' for a classic take on shrimp and grits.
Black beans and avocado.
Sautéed leafy greens like kale or collard greens.
Chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley.

Sweet Toppings

Fresh or dried fruit.
Nuts or seeds like pistachios or almonds.
A drizzle of maple syrup.
Cinnamon and sugar.

How to Ensure Your Grits are Vegan at Restaurants

If you're dining out, especially in the American South, it's crucial to ask specific questions about the grits on the menu. Don't assume they are prepared with water and salt. Most establishments use butter, milk, or cream for richness. Politely ask your server to confirm the ingredients or if they can prepare a batch using only water and a plant-based fat alternative. Even dishes like "shrimp and grits" may be cooked with animal broth, so clarifying is always the safest bet.

Comparison Table: Vegan vs. Traditional Grits


Feature	Vegan Grits	Traditional Grits
Liquid Base	Water, vegetable broth, plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy)	Water, dairy milk, cream
Fats	Vegan butter, olive oil, coconut oil	Dairy butter
Flavoring	Nutritional yeast, vegetable stock, herbs, spices	Cheese (cheddar, etc.), meat stock
Creaminess	Achieved through plant-based milk and stirring	Achieved through dairy milk, cream, and butter
Toppings	Plant-based toppings like avocado, beans, sautéed veggies	Bacon, shrimp, eggs, cheese, meat

A Final Look at the Grits Controversy

Grits, at their core, are a nutritious and versatile base for countless meals. The choice to make them vegan is entirely in the hands of the cook. By swapping out dairy products for plant-based versions, you can still enjoy the creamy, comforting texture and flavor of this Southern classic. It's a simple, delicious transition that proves that a plant-based diet doesn't mean sacrificing comfort food. For more inspiration on delicious plant-based cooking, check out this recipe for creamy vegan grits(https://cadryskitchen.com/vegan-grits/).

In conclusion, if you buy plain, unprocessed grits, they are vegan. If you consume a finished dish, you must inquire about the cooking method and ingredients to ensure no animal products were used. Whether prepared sweet or savory, making grits vegan is both easy and rewarding.

Conclusion

The fundamental components of grits are inherently vegan, sourced from ground corn kernels. The key to enjoying a plant-based version of this Southern classic lies in the preparation method and substitutions made. By opting for plant-based milks, vegan butter, and savory nutritional yeast, it is simple to create a dish that is both creamy and delicious without any animal products. When dining out, always confirm the preparation to avoid hidden dairy. With countless vegan topping options available, from savory sautéed vegetables to sweet fruit and spices, grits can easily be adapted for a vegan diet while retaining all the comforting, hearty qualities that make them so popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, instant grits are typically vegan in their plain form. Like other types of grits, the dry grain is made from corn. However, watch out for flavored instant grits packets, which may contain non-vegan ingredients like butter or cheese powders.

Yes, you can use only water, but the result will be less creamy. For best results, use a combination of water and unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or cashew milk) to achieve a rich, creamy consistency without dairy.

For butter, you can use a high-quality vegan butter, olive oil, or coconut oil. For a cheesy flavor, add nutritional yeast, which provides a nutty, savory taste without dairy.

To achieve creamy vegan grits, cook them with a high-fat, unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or cashew milk instead of water. Cooking for a longer time while stirring frequently also helps create a creamier texture.

Both are ground corn, but they typically use different types. Grits are traditionally from white corn or hominy, while polenta comes from yellow flint corn. Grits are also often ground more coarsely. However, they can often be used interchangeably.

Savory vegan toppings include sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. You can also add black beans, avocado, or a plant-based meat alternative for a heartier meal.

No, grits with shrimp is not a vegan dish. Shrimp is an animal product. Even if the grits were made without dairy, the inclusion of shrimp makes the meal non-vegan.