Is Osmania Biscuit Vegan? A Guide to the Hyderabadi Treat

Originally, traditional Osmania biscuits are not vegan because they are typically made with butter, milk, and sometimes milk powder. However, the demand for plant-based options has led many bakeries and home cooks to develop delicious vegan versions of this classic treat.

Quick Summary

Traditional Osmania biscuits contain dairy products like butter and milk, making them non-vegan. Modern vegan adaptations, however, substitute these ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and plant-based milks, ensuring a delicious, cruelty-free version of the Hyderabadi favorite.

Key Points

• Traditional vs. Vegan: Original Osmania biscuits are not vegan, as they contain butter and milk, while modern versions use plant-based substitutes.

• Check the Label: Always check the ingredients list on packaged Osmania biscuits, as some bakeries offer specifically labeled vegan options.

• Common Vegan Substitutes: For baking vegan Osmania biscuits, common substitutes include vegan butter, plant-based milk (like soy or almond), and vegan milk powder.

• Karachi Bakery Vegan Option: The famous Karachi Bakery offers a vegan version of their Osmania biscuits, made with plant-based ingredients.

• DIY Vegan Osmania Biscuits: You can easily make vegan Osmania biscuits at home by following recipes that replace dairy with vegan alternatives.

• Flavor Profile: With quality substitutions, vegan Osmania biscuits can maintain the rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture of their traditional counterparts.

The Traditional Recipe: Why Osmania Biscuits Are Not Vegan

Traditional Osmania biscuits, beloved for their crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture and mildly sweet flavor, rely on several key dairy ingredients. Classic recipes commonly call for butter, milk, and milk powder. These components contribute significantly to the biscuit's signature richness and tender crumb. The high fat content from the butter and the proteins from the milk and milk powder are essential for achieving the traditional taste and texture that enthusiasts of this Hyderabadi delicacy expect. For those following a vegan diet, these animal-derived products are explicitly excluded, rendering the traditional recipe unsuitable.

The Rise of Vegan Alternatives

The increasing popularity of plant-based diets has spurred innovation in the food industry, with many traditional recipes being reimagined in vegan-friendly forms. This is true for Osmania biscuits, with major bakeries now offering dedicated vegan versions. Karachi Bakery, a famous name associated with this treat, has explicitly launched vegan Osmania biscuits made with 100% plant-based ingredients. These modern versions use a variety of plant-based substitutes to mimic the texture and taste of the traditional biscuit while adhering to vegan principles. The key is to find effective replacements that provide the necessary fat, moisture, and binding properties without relying on animal products.

Veganizing Osmania Biscuits: Ingredients and Substitutions

Creating a vegan Osmania biscuit involves swapping out the dairy and egg products for plant-based alternatives. Fortunately, modern vegan baking has developed excellent substitutes that can replicate the functions of traditional ingredients.

Ingredients for Vegan Osmania Biscuits

• Refined All-Purpose Flour (Maida): The primary dry ingredient for the biscuit's structure.
• Vegan Butter: Crucial for achieving the rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. Brands like Miyoko's or Earth Balance are popular choices. The butter should be very cold and cut into the flour to create the desired flakiness.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a fine, delicate texture.
• Custard Powder & Vegan Milk Powder: Often included for flavor and color. These can be replaced with vegan alternatives made from plant-based milk solids, such as almond or soy.
• Plant-Based Milk: Soy milk is an excellent choice for its protein content and viscosity, but other plant milks like oat or almond milk also work well. It's mixed with a little vinegar to create a vegan 'buttermilk' effect, which aids leavening.
• Leavening Agents (Baking Powder/Baking Soda): Essential for a light and fluffy texture.
• Cardamom Powder & Saffron: Provides the signature aroma and delicate flavor of traditional Osmania biscuits.

A Step-by-Step Vegan Recipe

1. Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk: Mix plant-based milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and set aside for 5 minutes to curdle.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, custard powder, vegan milk powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and powdered sugar. Sift them together to ensure no lumps.
3. Incorporate Vegan Butter: Cut the very cold vegan butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is a critical step for a flaky texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the prepared vegan buttermilk into the flour-butter mixture and mix gently until a soft, pliable dough forms. Do not overwork the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps firm up the vegan butter, which contributes to the final texture.
6. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a small glass to cut out the biscuits.
7. Bake: Arrange the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For a golden sheen, brush the tops with a little plant-based milk before baking. Bake in a preheated oven (typically around 150-180°C or 300-350°F) for 15-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool: Allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool.

Traditional vs. Vegan Osmania Biscuits: A Comparison

Feature	Traditional Osmania Biscuit	Vegan Osmania Biscuit
Key Ingredients	Butter, Milk, Milk Powder	Vegan Butter, Plant-Based Milk, Vegan Milk Solids
Flavor Profile	Rich, buttery, creamy	Can be equally rich and buttery with quality vegan substitutes
Texture	Melt-in-the-mouth, crumbly	Crumbly, can be slightly different depending on substitutes used
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegans or lactose-intolerant individuals	100% plant-based, suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies
Nutritional Profile	Contains cholesterol and saturated fats from dairy	Often lower in cholesterol and saturated fats, depending on fat substitute
Availability	Widely available in bakeries and stores	Increasingly available, often labeled clearly as 'vegan'

Conclusion

So, is Osmania biscuit vegan? While the traditional recipe is not, the good news is that truly delicious and authentic-tasting vegan versions are now readily available from bakeries like Karachi Bakery and can also be made easily at home with accessible plant-based ingredients. The ability to adapt this classic treat for a plant-based diet means that everyone can enjoy the mild sweetness and delicate texture of Osmania biscuits, regardless of their dietary choices. By understanding the key ingredient swaps and following a straightforward recipe, you can ensure this beloved Hyderabadi snack remains a part of your culinary tradition in a cruelty-free way.

Homemade Vegan Osmania Biscuit Recipe

Yields: 24-30 biscuits Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp Vegan custard powder
• 2 tbsp Vegan milk powder (soy or almond based)
• ½ tsp Baking powder
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ½ cup Powdered sugar
• ½ cup Cold vegan butter, cubed
• ¼ cup Cold plant-based milk (soy is best for richness)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, vegan custard powder, vegan milk powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cubed cold vegan butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
4. Stir in the powdered sugar until well combined.
5. Pour in the cold plant-based milk and vanilla extract. Mix with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
6. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
7. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about ½ inch. Cut out biscuits using a round cookie cutter.
8. Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and lightly golden on the bottom. They should not brown too much on top.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade vegan Osmania biscuits with a cup of hot tea or coffee!

A Link to More Information

For further reading on how to successfully substitute common baking ingredients for vegan alternatives, check out this guide on Big Box Vegan.

Citations

• Karachi Bakery Vegan Osmania Biscuits - 400g. (n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2025, from Global Food Hub: https://globalfoodhub.com/products/karachi-bakery-vegan-osmania-biscuits
• Karachi Bakery Vegan Osmania Biscuits 400gm - Spice Village. (n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2025, from Spice Village: https://www.spicevillage.eu/products/karachi-bakery-vegan-osmania-biscuits-400gm
• The Best Damn Vegan Biscuits - Minimalist Baker. (2025, April 30). Retrieved October 9, 2025, from Minimalist Baker: https://minimalistbaker.com/the-best-damn-vegan-biscuits/
• Baking without eggs and dairy guide - Big Box Vegan. (2025, September 3). Retrieved October 9, 2025, from Big Box Vegan: https://bigboxvegan.com/2025/09/03/baking-without-eggs-and-dairy-guide/
• Karachi Bakery - 400g Vegan Osmania Biscuits - Jamoona. (n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2025, from Jamoona: https://www.jamoona.com/products/karachi-bakery-400g-vegan-osmania-biscuits
• Hyderabadi Osmania Biscuit Recipe - Gastronomic BONG. (2020, October 11). Retrieved October 9, 2025, from Gastronomic BONG: https://thegastronomicbong.com/hyderabadi-osmania-biscuit-recipe/

Optional Section: Authoritative Outbound Link

For more information on the history and cultural significance of Osmania biscuits, you can read more here from a reputable source, like a well-known food blog or historical article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes traditional Osmania biscuits non-vegan?

Traditional Osmania biscuits are not vegan because they are typically made with dairy products, including butter, milk, and sometimes milk powder, which are derived from animals.

Can I buy vegan Osmania biscuits from bakeries?

Yes, due to increased demand, many bakeries now offer vegan versions. The renowned Karachi Bakery, for instance, produces explicitly labeled vegan Osmania biscuits.

What is the key ingredient difference between vegan and traditional Osmania biscuits?

The main difference is the substitution of dairy products. Vegan versions use plant-based ingredients like vegan butter and plant-based milks instead of dairy butter and cow's milk.

Are vegan Osmania biscuits available in major stores or online?

Yes, vegan versions from bakeries like Karachi Bakery are available both online and in stores that carry international foods. Always check the product label or description for 'vegan' certification.

How can I tell if a pre-packaged Osmania biscuit is vegan?

To confirm if a packaged biscuit is vegan, you should always check the ingredients list. Look for terms like 'vegan butter,' 'plant-based milk solids,' or '100% vegan' on the packaging.

What are some good vegan substitutes for butter in Osmania biscuits?

Vegan butter sticks from brands like Miyoko's or Earth Balance are excellent for replicating the buttery flavor and flaky texture. Coconut oil can also be used, but it may impart a subtle coconut flavor.

Is it possible to make vegan Osmania biscuits at home?

Yes, it is entirely possible and straightforward to make vegan Osmania biscuits at home by following recipes that substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

Does a vegan version taste different from a traditional one?

A well-made vegan version can taste very similar to the traditional biscuit, offering a rich, buttery, and crumbly texture. While minor flavor differences may exist, a quality recipe will capture the classic taste effectively.

Are there eggless options available for traditional Osmania biscuits?

Most traditional Osmania biscuit recipes are already eggless, though they contain dairy. Many home cooks and bakeries offer eggless, dairy-full versions, so if you are only avoiding eggs, these are readily available.