Why Classic Disneyland Churros Are Not Vegan
For many years, the delicious and nostalgic churros sold from the carts throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure have been off-limits to vegan guests. This is because the standard recipe used by the park includes both milk and eggs, making them non-vegan. While Disney has made tremendous strides in expanding its plant-based menu with a wide variety of meals and snacks across its parks, the churros have remained one of the few long-standing traditions that have not yet received a vegan makeover. Guests with dietary restrictions or allergies are always advised to speak to a cast member or a chef to confirm ingredients, but for now, the answer regarding the classic churro is a consistent 'no'.
Vegan Churro Alternatives In and Around Disneyland
While you won't find a vegan churro straight from a park cart, there are excellent alternatives to satisfy your craving for that cinnamon-sugar flavor, both inside and just outside the park gates. This is a great way to still get that magical taste while sticking to your vegan diet.
1. Don Churros Gomez: The Authentic Off-Site Option
Just minutes from Disneyland, a legendary food truck named Don Churros Gomez offers authentic, handmade churros that happen to be 100% vegan. Their family recipe from 1969 is naturally free of cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat. This is a fantastic option for those seeking a true fried-dough experience. They also offer a variety of plant-based ice cream options to pair with your churro.
- Location: In Anaheim, near Disneyland.
- Availability: They are typically open Thursday through Sunday evenings, so it's wise to check their social media for current hours before you visit.
- Experience: This is an excellent choice for a snack on your way back to your hotel or for an evening treat after leaving the park.
2. Churro-Flavored Snacks In the Parks
Keep an eye out for packaged 'Snacks with Character' at stores throughout Disneyland Resort. Recently, a new lineup of vegan snacks was introduced at Walt Disney World, including 'Churro Flavored Puffs'. While availability can vary, Disneyland often features similar products. These puffs provide that familiar cinnamon sweetness in a crunchy, shelf-stable form and are labeled vegan on the packaging. This is a great, easy-to-find option for a quick vegan churro-like experience without leaving the park.
Other Great Vegan Snacks at Disneyland
Missing out on a traditional churro doesn't mean you have to miss out on other fantastic vegan snacks. Disneyland has a wide array of options clearly marked with a plant-based icon (a green leaf) on menus.
Some of the best vegan snacks available include:
- Dole Whip: The classic Pineapple Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland is famously vegan. You can even mobile order it to skip the line.
- Mickey-shaped Pretzels: The standard Mickey-shaped pretzels found at various carts are vegan-friendly. Just be sure to ask for no cheese sauce.
- Popcorn: The buttered popcorn from the carts also uses a dairy-free flavoring, making it a safe and delicious snack.
- Fresh Fruit: Snack carts and many quick-service locations offer fresh fruit, including grapes and pineapple spears.
- Blue and Green Milk: Found at Oga's Cantina and the Milk Stand in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, both are dairy-free and vegan.
Using the Disneyland App to Find Vegan Food
The Disneyland mobile app is your best friend for navigating plant-based options. Many restaurants allow you to filter the menu by 'plant-based' items. For instance, you can find the Felucian Kefta & Hummus Garden Spread with Impossible Meatballs™ at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or the Cauliflower Tacos at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante by using the app. Always consult with a cast member at a food cart or quick-service restaurant to confirm ingredients.
Comparison Table: Vegan Churro Options
| Feature | Park Churros | Don Churros Gomez | Churro Flavored Puffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan | No | Yes | Yes |
| Location | In-park Carts | Food Truck near park | In-park Stores |
| Freshness | Freshly Fried | Freshly Made to Order | Packaged |
| Availability | All day | Thursday-Sunday Evenings | Variable |
| Price | Standard Park Price | Competitive | Standard Park Price |
| Texture | Crispy Outside, Soft Inside | Handmade, Authentic | Crunchy, airy puff |
| Experience | Classic Disney Treat | Authentic Food Truck | Convenient Snack |
Conclusion
While the disappointment of not having a vegan version of the classic Disneyland churro can sting, the good news is that plant-based visitors still have excellent ways to get their churro fix. Whether you're seeking a freshly made churro from a local food truck like Don Churros Gomez or a convenient churro-flavored snack inside the park, you can find a delicious alternative. Combined with the growing number of plant-based entrees, snacks, and treats across the resort, your vegan visit to the Happiest Place on Earth will be a truly magical and delicious one.
Learn more about finding vegan options by checking out comprehensive dining guides, like this one from Healthy Happy Life.
