Are wonton wrappers vegan? A guide to finding egg-free options

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Many people are surprised to learn that traditional wonton wrappers are not always vegan, as they often contain eggs to provide a rich texture and characteristic yellow color. The key to navigating this is to always check the ingredients label, a simple step that ensures your dish is entirely plant-based.

Quick Summary

Not all wonton wrappers are vegan; many store-bought options contain eggs for texture and color. This guide details how to identify vegan-friendly brands, which common alternatives are naturally plant-based, and provides instructions to make your own egg-free wrappers at home.

Key Points

Check Labels for 'Egg': Many conventional wonton wrappers contain eggs, so always read the ingredients list carefully.
Look for Vegan-Specific Brands: Certain companies, like Nasoya, offer products specifically labeled as 'vegan' to make your choice easier.
Consider Vegan Alternatives: Gyoza wrappers and rice paper wraps are often accidentally vegan and make excellent substitutes.
Homemade is a Simple Solution: You can make egg-free wonton wrappers at home with just flour, water, and salt.
Yellow Color Isn't a Guarantee: Don't rely on color alone. While some yellow wrappers contain egg, others get their hue from food coloring, so always check the label.
Shop in the Right Section: Look for wrappers in the refrigerated produce or tofu section of your grocery store for the best chance of finding vegan options.

The not-so-simple answer: Why wonton wrappers aren't always vegan

For many aspiring vegan chefs, discovering that wonton wrappers can be a non-vegan ingredient is a common surprise. While a basic dough consists of just flour and water, many commercial and traditional recipes add eggs. These eggs serve a specific purpose: they provide a chewy, springy texture and contribute to a richer, sometimes yellower, color. Different culinary traditions have varying approaches. For instance, while some Shanghai-style wrappers are naturally white and egg-free, many Hong Kong-style wrappers are yellow from eggs or, in the modern US market, food coloring. This variety means you can't assume any wonton wrapper is vegan just by looking at it; scrutiny of the packaging is essential.

How to find vegan wonton wrappers at the store

Successfully purchasing vegan wonton wrappers requires a careful and deliberate approach. Here are the steps to follow:

Read the ingredients list thoroughly: This is the most crucial step. Always scan the ingredients list for the words "egg" or "eggs". If you see it, the product is not vegan. Some products may also list "albumen" which is another name for egg white.
Look for explicit "vegan" labeling: The easiest way to be sure is to find products with a clear "vegan" certification or label on the front of the package. Some brands, like Nasoya, offer specifically labeled vegan wonton wrappers.
Consider simple ingredient alternatives: Many gyoza or dumpling wrappers are accidentally vegan, relying only on flour, water, and salt. Likewise, rice paper, often used for fresh spring rolls, is a naturally vegan and gluten-free alternative.
Check the location: Wonton wrappers are typically found in the refrigerated produce section of grocery stores, sometimes next to tofu and other Asian specialty items. This is also where you might find vegan-friendly alternatives.

What to watch out for

Beyond just eggs, vegans should also be mindful of potential cross-contamination warnings. While not a reason to avoid a product entirely for all vegans, those with severe allergies or who adhere to stricter standards may want to be cautious. Some manufacturers use shared equipment for egg-based and egg-free products, and will often include a warning on the packaging.

Wonton vs. Gyoza Wrappers: A Comparison

Understanding the differences between wonton and gyoza wrappers is helpful for finding the right vegan option, as gyoza wrappers are more frequently egg-free.


Feature	Wonton Wrappers	Gyoza Wrappers
Ingredients	Often contain egg, in addition to flour, water, and salt.	Typically egg-free, made from flour and water.
Thickness	Generally thinner and more delicate, suited for boiling.	Thicker and chewier than wonton wrappers, holding up to pan-frying.
Shape	Usually square.	Typically round.
Primary Use	Ideal for boiling in soup or deep-frying until crispy.	Best for pan-frying and steaming (potstickers) to get a crispy bottom and soft top.

Make your own egg-free wonton wrappers

If you prefer to make your own to guarantee a vegan product, the process is straightforward and only requires a few simple ingredients. You will need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 to 3/4 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cornstarch for dusting

Instructions:

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough as thinly as possible on a surface dusted with cornstarch.
Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares, about 3-4 inches wide.
Stack the finished wrappers, dusting each with cornstarch to prevent sticking.

Your homemade vegan wonton wrappers are now ready to be filled and cooked in your favorite vegan recipe. For more detailed instructions on creating a perfect dough, consider checking out this Homemade Vegan Dumpling Wrappers recipe.

Conclusion: Making the right choice for your diet

While the answer to "are wonton wrappers vegan?" isn't a simple "yes," it's clear that finding or making egg-free versions is entirely possible. By diligently reading labels and understanding that brands like Nasoya offer dedicated vegan products, you can confidently shop for your favorite Asian dishes. If you're willing to venture into the kitchen, a simple homemade recipe using basic ingredients is a rewarding and foolproof way to ensure a completely plant-based meal. Whether you choose a store-bought alternative like rice paper or craft your own dough, you don't have to miss out on delicious wontons while following a vegan diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nasoya is a brand well-known for offering specifically labeled vegan wonton wrappers. You can find them in the refrigerated section of many major grocery stores.

Yes, unlike many wonton wrappers, gyoza wrappers are often made without eggs and are therefore vegan-friendly. They consist of flour and water and are a great substitute.

You can use certain types of spring roll wrappers. Rice paper, which is used for fresh spring rolls, is naturally vegan. For fried wontons, ensure the spring roll wrapper doesn't contain egg, as some varieties do.

The key non-vegan ingredient is typically eggs, which are often added for texture and color. Always check the ingredients list for 'egg' to confirm.

Yes, you can easily make vegan wonton wrappers at home using just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Many recipes are available online.

The color difference can signify the presence of egg. Traditional Hong Kong-style wontons use egg for a yellow color, while Shanghai-style wrappers are often white and egg-free. However, some US brands use food coloring instead of egg for the yellow hue.

Check the refrigerated aisle, typically near the produce, tofu, and other specialty Asian products. This is where you will likely find fresh or ready-to-use wonton and other dumpling wrappers.