Crumbl's Official Stance on Vegan Cookies
For anyone following a plant-based diet, a visit to Crumbl can be a confusing experience. While the weekly rotating menu might feature cookies with intriguing, seemingly vegan-safe names, the reality is that no Crumbl product is truly vegan. As confirmed by official communications from the company, Crumbl does not offer any consistently vegan, dairy-free, or egg-free options. In a social media post, Crumbl explicitly stated, "We currently do not offer keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, sugar-free[,] or kosher options as a consistent part of our menu".
Why Crumbl Cookies Are Not Vegan Friendly
There are several critical reasons why Crumbl's products are unsuitable for vegans, extending beyond the obvious milk and butter.
Animal-Derived Ingredients in Standard Recipes
The foundation of most Crumbl cookies relies on traditional baking ingredients that are not vegan. These include:
- Butter and Milk: Most cookie bases and frostings contain dairy products.
- Eggs: A crucial binding and leavening agent in nearly all baked goods, eggs are a staple in Crumbl's cookies.
- Cream Cheese: Used extensively in their frostings and cheesecakes, this is a prominent dairy component.
Hidden Animal Byproducts and Additives
Beyond the obvious culprits, Crumbl recipes may contain less apparent animal-derived ingredients.
- Glycerin and Mono- and Di-glycerides: These emulsifiers, which help blend ingredients and maintain texture, can be sourced from either plants or animal fats. Crumbl does not specify its source, making it a risk for strict vegans.
- Gelatin: Cookies featuring marshmallow or other jelly-like components have been confirmed to contain gelatin, which is often derived from pork or cows.
The Risk of Cross-Contamination
Crumbl's "open-concept kitchen" design means that cross-contamination with animal products is a constant risk. Even if a specialty cookie were formulated without animal products, it would be prepared on the same surfaces and with the same equipment as non-vegan cookies, making it unsafe for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
What About Crumbl's Weekly Rotating Menu?
The weekly rotating menu is Crumbl's defining feature, but it poses a unique challenge for vegans. Each week's offerings are almost certain to contain animal products, whether it's through dairy in the cheesecake base, eggs in the dough, or gelatin in the fillings. Relying on the weekly lineup for vegan-friendly options is a gamble and not recommended based on company policy.
Vegan Alternatives to Crumbl Cookies
Fortunately, for those craving a high-quality vegan cookie, many options exist.
Finding Vegan Options at Other Bakeries
- Insomnia Cookies: This chain offers dedicated vegan options, such as their vegan chocolate chunk and vegan double chocolate chunk cookies. They have stated procedures to minimize cross-contamination, though risks can still exist.
- Local Vegan Bakeries: Many cities have dedicated vegan bakeries that specialize in plant-based treats, ensuring no animal products are used.
Popular Copycat Crumbl Vegan Recipes
For those who prefer to bake at home, numerous copycat Crumbl recipes have been created by vegan food bloggers. These recipes use plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, aquafaba (chickpea liquid) instead of eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese to replicate the flavors and textures of Crumbl's popular cookies without compromising vegan ethics.
Comparison of Crumbl vs. Vegan Alternatives
| Feature | Crumbl Cookies | Vegan-Friendly Alternatives | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Widely available via numerous franchise locations. | Varies by brand (e.g., Insomnia, Sweet Loren's) or local vegan bakeries. | Varies; Crumbl has more locations, but vegan options are growing. |
| Vegan Options | None officially certified or consistently offered. | Dedicated vegan menu items or entirely vegan bakery products. | Clear Winner; Dedicated vegan brands are the safest choice. |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Uses standard dairy, eggs, and potential animal additives. | Uses plant-based ingredients (vegan butter, flax eggs, dairy-free alternatives). | Major Difference; Crumbl uses animal products standardly. |
| Cross-Contamination | High risk due to shared kitchen environment. | Often minimized by separate equipment or dedicated facilities. | Crucial; Safe for those with severe allergies or strict veganism. |
| Freshness | Freshly baked cookies daily in-store. | Varies; some baked fresh, others pre-packaged. | Subjective; Freshness is a Crumbl selling point, but not a dealbreaker for most vegans. |
Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Vegans
In conclusion, despite the company's popularity and creative cookie flavors, Crumbl Cookies is not a vegan-friendly establishment. From its use of animal-derived ingredients like butter, eggs, and gelatin to the high risk of cross-contamination in its open-concept kitchens, there are no assurances for those following a strict vegan diet. For a truly safe and delicious plant-based dessert, vegans are better off exploring dedicated vegan bakeries, brands like Insomnia Cookies or Sweet Loren's, or baking their own homemade copycat recipes. While Crumbl may be a fun novelty for omnivores, it remains a no-go for the vegan community.
