Do Marie biscuits have eggs?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

The inclusion of eggs in Marie biscuits is not universal, with ingredients varying significantly depending on the manufacturer and regional recipe. While some well-known brands explicitly list eggs in their ingredients, others are made with plant-based components, making them vegan-friendly. For consumers with egg allergies or dietary restrictions, checking the packaging is the only reliable method to confirm if Marie biscuits have eggs.

Quick Summary

Ingredient lists for Marie biscuits differ by brand; some contain eggs while others are egg-free or vegan. Consumers should always check product labels for allergens and dietary information, as recipes are not standardized across all manufacturers.

Key Points

Ingredient Dependency: Whether a Marie biscuit has eggs depends entirely on the brand and regional recipe, as there is no universal ingredient list.
Check the Label: For those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet, checking the ingredient list and allergen information on the packaging is essential.
Common Egg-Free Versions: Some brands, such as certain varieties from Arnott's or Bandama, produce egg-free or vegan-friendly Marie biscuits.
Brands with Eggs: Brands like Bakers Blue Label explicitly list eggs in their ingredients and are not suitable for egg-free diets.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Products made in facilities that also process eggs may carry a 'May Contain' warning, which is important for individuals with severe allergies.
Global Recipe Variations: The widespread popularity of Marie biscuits in different countries has led to numerous recipe adaptations, contributing to the variation in ingredients.

Do Marie biscuits have eggs? It depends on the brand

For many, the Marie biscuit is a simple, go-to snack, perfect for dunking in tea. However, the question of whether or not these biscuits contain eggs has a surprisingly complex answer: it varies by manufacturer. The basic Marie recipe, first created by London's Peek Freans in 1874, did not historically include eggs, but modern adaptations have introduced many variations. This divergence means consumers must be diligent in checking the specific product's ingredient list, especially if they have allergies or follow a plant-based diet.

Brands that contain eggs

Several popular brands of Marie biscuits include eggs as part of their recipe. This is often to enhance the texture or flavor, giving the biscuit a slightly richer profile. For instance, Bakers Blue Label Marie Biscuits, popular in South Africa, explicitly list 'Eggs' as an ingredient. This makes these specific biscuits unsuitable for anyone with an egg allergy or those adhering to a vegan lifestyle. The ingredient list also frequently includes other animal-derived products like milk and butter, reinforcing the need for careful label-reading.

Brands that are egg-free and vegan

Conversely, many manufacturers produce Marie biscuits without any animal-derived ingredients, including eggs. The demand for vegan-friendly options has led many companies to use only plant-based components like wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla flavoring. Arnott's Marie biscuits, particularly the newer, cream-colored packaging version, is a notable example that is considered vegan-friendly and does not list eggs. Likewise, Spain's Galletas Bandama brand markets its Maria biscuit as being free of milk, eggs, and nuts, making it suitable for vegans. These products demonstrate that the traditional, simple biscuit can be made successfully without relying on animal products.

Key ingredients and potential cross-contamination

Beyond eggs, the standard Marie biscuit recipe includes several common ingredients that can also be a concern for those with allergies or specific dietary needs. A typical recipe includes:

Wheat flour
Sugar
Vegetable oil (often palm or sunflower)
Raising agents (like sodium bicarbonate and ammonium bicarbonate)
Salt
Flavorings (typically vanilla)
Sometimes, milk solids or whey powder

It is also important to consider the risk of cross-contamination. Even if a product does not list eggs as an ingredient, the packaging may include a 'May Contain' warning if it was processed in a facility that also handles eggs. This is a crucial detail for individuals with severe egg allergies.

Marie biscuit variations: A brand comparison


Feature	Bakers Blue Label Marie (South Africa)	Arnott's Marie Plain (Australia)	Galletas Bandama Maria (Spain)
Contains Eggs?	Yes	No (check packaging)	No
Vegan?	No	Yes (new recipe)	Yes
Other Allergens	Contains milk, soya, wheat	Contains wheat, soy, gluten; may contain milk	Contains wheat, gluten
Primary Oil	Palm Oil	Vegetable Oil (Antioxidant)	High Oleic Sunflower Oil

Global uses and regional variations

Across the world, Marie biscuits are more than just a tea-time snack. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture make them a versatile ingredient in many regional desserts. For example, in Spain, they are a traditional garnish for natillas custard, while in Brazil, they are layered into the popular pavê dessert. In Malaysia, they are a key component in the no-bake kek batik or 'batik cake'. This global popularity and adaptability have contributed to the wide variety of recipes and, consequently, the different ingredient lists, including whether or not a specific version contains eggs.

Conclusion

The question of whether Marie biscuits have eggs cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. The ingredients vary significantly across different brands and countries, with some including eggs for a richer profile while others maintain an egg-free or vegan formulation. The critical takeaway is that consumers must read the specific product's packaging carefully to determine if it aligns with their dietary needs or allergy restrictions. The growing availability of both traditional and vegan options ensures that people can still enjoy these classic and versatile biscuits, but due diligence is required at the time of purchase. For a deeper look at global food product information, Open Food Facts provides a useful resource for comparing ingredients across brands and regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all brands of Marie biscuits are egg-free. While some manufacturers offer egg-free or vegan-friendly versions, others, such as Bakers Blue Label, explicitly include eggs in their ingredients.

If you have an egg allergy, you should not assume that all Marie biscuits are safe to eat. You must carefully check the ingredient list and allergen warnings on the specific product packaging before consumption.

Whether Marie biscuits are vegan depends on the brand. Some manufacturers, like Arnott's (new recipe) and Galletas Bandama, produce vegan versions, while others include animal products like eggs and milk.

Manufacturers may include eggs in their Marie biscuit recipes to achieve a specific texture or to enrich the flavor. It is a recipe variation based on the company's formulation rather than a core requirement of all Marie biscuits.

Typical ingredients in Marie biscuits include wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla flavoring. Some versions may also contain milk solids, whey powder, or eggs, depending on the brand.

Yes, egg-free Marie biscuits, like the classic version, are still perfect for dunking in tea. Their crisp, dry texture is designed to absorb liquid without immediately crumbling.

Yes, even if a product does not contain eggs in its recipe, there can be a risk of cross-contamination if it is produced in a facility that also handles eggs. Always check for 'May Contain' allergen warnings on the label.