Is Almond Paste Vegan? What to Look For

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

While almonds are a plant-based food, many traditional and commercial almond paste recipes surprisingly include non-vegan ingredients, such as egg whites or dairy. For those following a plant-based diet, this means a careful check of the ingredients list is necessary to ensure your baked goods remain vegan.

Quick Summary

Almond paste may or may not be vegan, depending on its specific ingredients and binding agents. Commercial brands often use egg whites or dairy, so checking the label is essential. Many vegan-friendly brands exist, and making a homemade version with plant-based binders is also a reliable option.

Key Points

Not Always Vegan: Traditional almond paste commonly uses egg whites as a binder, making it non-vegan.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list for non-vegan binders such as eggs, butter, or milk derivatives in store-bought versions.
Look for Vegan Binders: Plant-based almond paste typically uses corn syrup, aquafaba, or agave as a binder instead of eggs.
Homemade is Safest: The most reliable way to ensure your almond paste is vegan is to make it yourself using a simple plant-based recipe.
Marzipan Can Also Be Non-Vegan: Like almond paste, marzipan often contains egg whites and requires label checking, but can also be made vegan at home.
Vegan Alternatives Exist: Many vegan almond paste brands are available, and homemade versions are easy to create.

Is Almond Paste Inherently Vegan?

Almond paste is a versatile baking ingredient made from a combination of ground almonds, sugar, and a binding liquid. The primary ingredients—almonds and sugar—are both plant-based, which can lead to the assumption that all almond paste is vegan. However, the use of binders is where the distinction arises, making the answer to the question, "Is almond paste vegan?" more complex.

Traditional almond paste recipes often use egg whites to bind the ground almonds and sugar into a pliable paste. This makes these versions inherently non-vegan. Another potential non-vegan addition is dairy, which can be found in some variations as a way to achieve a creamy texture. Therefore, for a product to be considered vegan, any animal-derived binders or additives must be replaced with plant-based alternatives.

How to Identify a Vegan Almond Paste

For those who prefer not to make their own, finding a vegan store-bought almond paste requires diligence. It is essential to read the ingredient list carefully, as the front of the packaging may not explicitly state if it is vegan.

Key Ingredients to Watch For:

Egg Whites: This is the most common non-vegan ingredient in traditional recipes and some commercial products. Look for "egg white" or "pasteurized egg whites" on the label.
Dairy: Ingredients like butter, milk, or cream should also be checked for, though they are less common in standard almond paste compared to other almond-flavored products like frangipane.
Honey: Some homemade and specialty recipes use honey as a binder, which is not considered vegan.
Casein or Whey: These milk derivatives are sometimes used in food processing as additives and should be avoided.

Look for Vegan-Friendly Brands

Thankfully, many manufacturers now cater to the growing demand for plant-based products. Some brands will explicitly label their products as "vegan" or "egg-free". When in doubt, you can use a food scanning app or check the brand's website for specific dietary certifications. Ingredients in vegan versions often replace egg whites with binders like corn syrup, agave nectar, aquafaba (chickpea liquid), or simply water.

Making Your Own Vegan Almond Paste

Creating your own almond paste at home is a surefire way to ensure it's 100% vegan. It's a straightforward process that offers complete control over the ingredients and flavor.

A Simple Vegan Almond Paste Recipe

Ingredients:
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup aquafaba (chickpea liquid) or light corn syrup
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor.
2. Add the aquafaba or corn syrup and almond extract.
3. Process until the mixture forms a thick, pliable paste. If it's too sticky, add more powdered sugar; if too dry, add a few more drops of aquafaba.
4. Wrap the paste tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

Almond Paste vs. Marzipan: The Vegan Difference

While often confused, almond paste and marzipan have important distinctions that affect their vegan status. Both are almond-based confections, but they differ significantly in their sugar content, texture, and how they are used.

Almond Paste: Contains a higher almond-to-sugar ratio, resulting in a nuttier, less sweet flavor and a coarser texture. It is typically used as a filling for pastries and cakes.
Marzipan: Has a higher sugar content, leading to a much smoother, sweeter, and more pliable paste. It is used primarily for decorative purposes, such as covering cakes or shaping into figures.

Many commercial marzipan products also contain egg whites, similar to traditional almond paste. As with almond paste, you must read the labels to find a vegan version. The good news is that you can easily make vegan marzipan at home by simply adding more powdered sugar to your homemade vegan almond paste.

Vegan Almond Paste Ingredient Comparison Table


Feature	Traditional Almond Paste	Homemade Vegan Almond Paste	Vegan Marzipan (Homemade)
Almonds	Blanched almonds	Blanched almond flour	Blanched almond flour
Sugar	Powdered sugar	Powdered sugar	Higher ratio of powdered sugar
Binder	Egg whites, sometimes dairy	Aquafaba, corn syrup, or water	Aquafaba, corn syrup, or water
Key Non-Vegan Items	Eggs, butter, milk	None	None
Texture	Coarser, less sweet	Coarser, less sweet	Smoother, sweeter, more pliable
Primary Use	Pastry filling	Pastry filling	Decorations, cake covering

Conclusion

In summary, the vegan status of almond paste is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the binder used. While traditional recipes often rely on egg whites, modern alternatives, including many store-bought options and simple homemade recipes, are entirely plant-based. The key is to always check the ingredient label for non-vegan components like eggs or dairy. For complete peace of mind, making your own vegan almond paste at home is a simple and rewarding process. Whether for fillings or decorative confections, a delicious, cruelty-free almond paste is well within reach for every baker. For more ideas on vegan baking, consider resources like this Vegan Almond Paste Recipe on Allrecipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common non-vegan ingredients include egg whites, which are often used as a binder, and sometimes dairy products like butter or cream.

You must read the ingredients label thoroughly. Look for certifications like 'vegan' or 'egg-free' on the packaging. Avoid products containing eggs, dairy, or honey.

Excellent vegan substitutes for egg whites include aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), light corn syrup, or agave nectar.

No, marzipan is generally sweeter and smoother with a higher sugar content than almond paste, though some brands can be vegan. Many marzipan recipes also use egg whites, so you still need to check the label.

Yes, making homemade vegan almond paste is simple and ensures all ingredients are plant-based. You will need blanched almond flour, powdered sugar, a plant-based binder like aquafaba, and almond extract.

For a similar texture and nutty flavor, you could try substituting cashew or macadamia nut paste. For a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter is a good option.

No, while almonds themselves are plant-based, many almond-based food products, including almond paste, may have non-vegan ingredients added during processing, so checking the label is always necessary.