Is the Original Glazed Donut Vegan? Unpacking the Ingredients

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Krispy Kreme, the company first launched its vegan version of the Glazed Ring in 2020 in certain markets. For those wondering about the classic American staple, the question remains: is the original glazed donut vegan?

Quick Summary

The standard version of the original glazed donut from major brands contains animal products, including milk and eggs. Certain regions, however, offer a distinct, certified vegan-friendly version.

Key Points

Standard Original is Not Vegan: The traditional original glazed donut contains eggs and milk powder in the dough recipe, making it non-vegan.
Look for Certified Vegan Versions: Some major brands, like Krispy Kreme in the UK, offer a specific 'Original Glazed Vegan' version with a plant-based recipe.
Regional Differences Apply: The availability and specific ingredients of donuts can vary significantly by country, so always check local product information.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Even certified vegan products may carry a cross-contamination risk due to shared manufacturing equipment, a crucial detail for those with allergies.
Vegan Baking is a Great Alternative: For a guaranteed animal-free treat, baking homemade vegan donuts using plant-based milk and egg replacers is an excellent option.
Read Labels Carefully: Key animal-derived ingredients to look for on labels include casein, whey, lactose, egg yolks, and certain additives.

Decoding the Traditional Original Glazed Donut

For generations, the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth original glazed donut has been a beloved treat. But for individuals following a plant-based diet, this classic confection poses a challenge due to its ingredients. The unfortunate truth is that the traditional original glazed donut, as sold by major chains like Krispy Kreme in many regions, is not vegan.

The primary animal-derived ingredients that make the original recipe non-vegan are milk and eggs. Specifically, nutritional information lists dried milk powder and dried egg yolks among the components of the dough. These ingredients contribute to the donut's signature texture and richness. While the glaze itself is often a simple mix of sugar and water, it is the dough that prevents the standard product from being suitable for a vegan diet.

The Rise of Vegan Alternatives

Fortunately for plant-based eaters, the food industry has recognized the growing demand for vegan options. Several major companies now offer specific, certified vegan donuts. For example, in the UK, Krispy Kreme introduced and certified their 'Original Glazed Vegan' doughnut in 2021 with the Vegan Society. This product uses a completely different, plant-based recipe to replicate the classic flavor and texture.

Crucial Distinction: Recipe vs. Cross-Contamination It is important to understand the difference between a product made with a vegan recipe and one guaranteed to be free of all animal product traces. While the vegan recipes deliberately omit animal products, the manufacturing facilities may still process non-vegan items on shared equipment. For most vegans, this is an acceptable risk, but for those with severe dairy or egg allergies, this potential for cross-contamination is a serious health concern. Always check the specific allergen warnings provided by the manufacturer.

Baking Your Own Vegan Glazed Donuts

For those who prefer to make their own treats or live in an area without commercially available vegan options, baking at home is a delicious and reliable solution. By swapping out animal products for plant-based alternatives, you can achieve a result that is just as satisfying.

Here are some common vegan substitutions for donut ingredients:

Milk: Replace dairy milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Eggs: Use a 'flax egg' (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water), applesauce, or commercial egg replacers as a binding agent.
Butter: Substitute with melted vegan butter or a neutral vegetable oil such as canola.
Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar and a small amount of plant milk creates a classic glaze.

Understanding Label Reading for Baked Goods

Navigating ingredient labels is a key skill for a vegan diet. When considering store-bought baked goods, look out for these non-vegan ingredients:

Casein, whey, or lactose: Milk-derived proteins and sugars.
Dried milk powder or skimmed milk powder: A common additive in baked goods for texture and richness.
Egg whites, egg yolks, or albumen: Common egg ingredients.
Mono- and diglycerides: Can be derived from animal fat; always look for a 'plant-based' note.
Honey: Produced by bees.
Certain food colorings or additives: Such as cochineal (E120), derived from insects.

Comparison of Standard vs. Certified Vegan Glazed Donuts


Feature	Standard Original Glazed Donut	Certified Vegan Original Glazed Donut
Dough Recipe	Contains milk powder and egg yolks.	Uses a specific plant-based recipe.
Key Non-Vegan Ingredients	Dairy (milk powder), Eggs (dried egg yolks).	None (deliberately omitted).
Glaze	Typically contains sugar, water, and stabilizers.	Typically contains sugar, water, and stabilizers.
Certification	Not certified vegan.	Often certified by a body like The Vegan Society (e.g., UK market).
Cross-Contamination Risk	Not applicable; contains animal products.	Yes, due to shared equipment in manufacturing facilities.
Regional Availability	Widely available globally.	Varies by region; check local availability (e.g., available in the UK, Australia in specific instances).

Conclusion: Navigating Your Donut Choice

In conclusion, the answer to is the original glazed donut vegan? is no, for the standard product available in most places. The classic recipe relies on dairy and eggs for its unique characteristics. However, the good news is that due to increased demand, specific vegan versions of the original glazed donut have been developed and are available in certain markets, and many independent vegan bakeries also offer delicious plant-based alternatives. For those concerned with strict veganism or severe allergies, carefully checking for certified vegan products and being aware of cross-contamination warnings is essential. For the most control, making your own delicious vegan donuts at home is always an option.

For further information on navigating vegan products, see the Veganuary label reading guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard Krispy Kreme original glazed donut is not vegan. Its recipe includes dried milk powder and dried egg yolks.

Not necessarily. While some sugar is vegan, some processed white sugar is filtered using bone char, an animal product. Certified vegan donuts will use a bone char-free sugar.

The certified vegan product uses a plant-based recipe with no egg or milk ingredients. However, due to shared equipment in the manufacturing facility, the company cannot guarantee they are suitable for those with egg or milk allergies.

You must check the ingredients list. Look for common animal-derived ingredients such as milk, eggs (including whey, casein, albumen), honey, and certain additives.

Yes, you can easily make vegan glazed donuts at home by substituting ingredients. Use plant-based milk, flaxseed or applesauce as an egg replacer, and vegan butter or oil.

A 'flax egg' is a common vegan egg substitute made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.

Some other chains, like Dunkin' in certain regions, have also started offering specific vegan-friendly options, but availability varies. Always check the menu and product information at your location.