Yes, Original Biscoff Biscuits Are Vegan
For anyone following a vegan diet, finding an accidentally vegan treat is a joyous discovery, and Lotus Biscoff biscuits fit this category perfectly. The original, caramelized biscuits that are commonly served with coffee contain a simple list of ingredients that are entirely plant-based. These ingredients include wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oils (including certified sustainable palm and rapeseed oil), candy sugar syrup, soy flour, salt, and cinnamon. Critically, they contain no milk, eggs, or other animal-derived components, making them suitable for a dairy-free and egg-free diet. Lotus has officially confirmed this on their website, providing peace of mind to vegan consumers.
The Ingredient List Breakdown
To understand why the original biscuits are safe for vegans, it helps to examine the core components:
- Wheat Flour: A standard plant-based ingredient.
- Sugar: White and brown sugar syrups are used, both of which are plant-based.
- Vegetable Oils: Lotus uses a blend of vegetable oils, including rapeseed and palm oil. The palm oil is sourced from certified sustainable plantations (RSPO certified), which is an important consideration for many vegans concerned with environmental ethics.
- Soy Flour: A plant-based flour that acts as an emulsifier and binding agent.
- Leavening Agent: Sodium bicarbonate is a vegan-friendly rising agent.
- Cinnamon and Salt: Plant-based spices and minerals.
Which Biscoff Products Are Also Vegan?
While the original biscuit is safe, the broader Lotus Biscoff product range requires more careful checking. Several other popular Biscoff items are also vegan, but some contain animal products.
- Biscoff Spreads (Smooth and Crunchy): Both varieties of Biscoff spread, often referred to as cookie butter, are also vegan. They are made by crushing the vegan Biscoff biscuits and blending them with other plant-based ingredients.
- Biscoff Sandwich Biscuits: These are biscuits with a cream filling. Fortunately for vegans, the cream filling in both the vanilla and Biscoff cream varieties is also dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- Biscoff Toppings and Syrups: As confirmed on official product pages, Biscoff toppings and syrups are vegan-friendly, containing natural, plant-based ingredients.
The Non-Vegan Biscoff Exception
Not all Lotus products are created equal when it comes to vegan suitability. The main exception to watch out for is any Biscoff product that contains chocolate. For instance, Lotus Biscoff chocolate biscuits are not vegan. The chocolate component includes skimmed milk powder and butter oil, which are both animal-derived ingredients and therefore not suitable for a vegan diet. It is always recommended to check the ingredients list of any new Biscoff product before consumption.
Comparison: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Biscoff Products
| Product Name | Vegan Status | Key Ingredients | Common Concerns | Final Check Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Biscoff Biscuits | Vegan | Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oils, soy flour, cinnamon | Palm oil source (RSPO certified) | Generally safe, but always verify ingredients in new packaging. |
| Biscoff Spread (Smooth) | Vegan | Crushed original biscuits, rapeseed oil, sugar | Cross-contamination risks | Safe; manufactured vegan |
| Biscoff Sandwich Cookies | Vegan | Original biscuits with a vegan cream filling | Cream filling's vegan status | Confirmed vegan-friendly |
| Biscoff Chocolate Biscuits | Not Vegan | Milk powder, butter oil | Dairy ingredients | Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans. |
| Biscoff Toppings/Syrups | Vegan | Crushed original biscuits, oils, sugar | Added flavorings or additives | Confirm labeling, but generally safe |
Ethical Considerations and Veganism
Beyond the ingredients themselves, some vegans may consider the ethical implications of palm oil consumption. Lotus Bakeries addresses this by stating their palm oil is 100% RSPO segregated and certified, meaning it comes from sustainable and certified plantations. This certification ensures that the palm oil production process does not contribute to deforestation or unsustainable practices that harm wildlife. For many vegans, this commitment to sustainability is an important factor in their purchasing decisions.
Conclusion: A Welcome Addition to the Vegan Diet
The original Lotus Biscoff biscuits and their related spreads and sandwich cookies are all confirmed as vegan-friendly, containing no dairy, eggs, or other animal products. However, the key is to read the labels carefully and specifically avoid any product in the Lotus Biscoff range that is flavored with chocolate, as these are known to contain milk-based ingredients. For a sweet, caramelized treat that pairs perfectly with coffee, vegans can enjoy the classic Biscoff products with confidence.
A helpful resource for confirming vegan products is the official Lotus Biscoff website, where they detail their commitment to using natural and vegan-friendly ingredients for their core products.
