What do vegans eat with bagels for delicious breakfasts and snacks?

November 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Over 79 million people globally follow a vegan diet, and they have a wealth of delicious options to enjoy with a classic bagel. So, what do vegans eat with bagels? Instead of traditional cream cheese or smoked salmon, vegans can enjoy a variety of rich, creamy, and flavorful plant-based spreads and toppings, from homemade cashew cheese to savory veggie combinations.

Quick Summary

Explore a wide range of plant-based bagel toppings, including both savory and sweet options like hummus, avocado, vegan cream cheese, nut butters, and fruit spreads. Get creative and satisfying ideas for transforming a simple bagel into a flavorful vegan meal or snack.

Key Points

Savory Alternatives: Enjoy bagels with plant-based spreads like hummus, homemade or store-bought vegan cream cheese, or rich cashew-based spreads.
Hearty Fillings: For a more filling meal, create bagel sandwiches with protein-rich fillings like tofu scramble, chickpea salad, or flavorful tempeh bacon.
Sweet Combinations: Indulge your sweet tooth with nut butters paired with sliced fruit, vegan butter and jam, or rich vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread.
DIY Options: You can easily create your own spreads at home, such as cashew cream cheese or chickpea salad, for a healthier, whole-food approach.
Endless Creativity: The versatility of bagels allows for endless flavor combinations, from classic cream cheese and veggies to decadent Biscoff spreads.
Nutrient-Dense Toppings: Add a healthy boost by piling on fresh veggies like avocado, tomato, and sprouts, or by using a protein-rich hummus.

Savoring the Savory: Plant-Based Spreads and Fillings

Vegans have a wide array of savory options for bagels.

Creamy and Cheesy Alternatives

Replacing dairy cream cheese is easy with many delicious vegan options available.

Store-Bought Vegan Cream Cheese: Popular brands include Violife, Kite Hill, and Tofutti.
DIY Cashew Cream Cheese: Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt.
Savory Hummus: Classic hummus is a great start, and you can enhance it with varieties like roasted red pepper, garlic, or sun-dried tomato.

Hearty Sandwich Fillings

A bagel can be a base for a substantial vegan sandwich:

Vegan “Lox” Bagel: Marinated carrots can mimic smoked salmon when served with vegan cream cheese, red onion, capers, and dill.
Tofu Scramble: Seasoned with black salt and nutritional yeast, a tofu scramble makes a hearty filling.
Chickpea Salad: Mashed chickpeas, vegan mayo, celery, and herbs create a plant-based alternative.

Indulging Your Sweet Tooth: Fruity and Nutty Combinations

Sweet bagel toppings are perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Classic Spreads and Jams

Nut and Seed Butters: Peanut, almond, or cashew butter offer protein. Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free choice.
Vegan Butter and Jam: A simple and satisfying combination.
Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: A decadent option.

Creative Sweet Toppings

Spiced Apple or Pear Slices: Sautéed with cinnamon and maple syrup.
Coconut Yogurt and Granola: Creamy yogurt with granola and berries.
Biscoff and Crumbs: Spread Biscoff cookie butter and add crushed vegan biscuits.

The Ultimate Vegan Bagel Sandwich: A Quick How-To

Make a great vegan bagel sandwich in a few steps:

Toast: Toast your bagel.
Spread: Apply a creamy base like hummus or vegan cream cheese.
Protein: Add a protein source such as tofu scramble or chickpea salad.
Veggies: Layer with fresh vegetables like tomato and spinach.
Finish: Top with seasoning or herbs.

Comparison of Popular Vegan Bagel Toppings


Topping	Best For	Flavor Profile	Pros	Cons
Vegan Cream Cheese	Savory and sweet	Tangy, creamy, versatile	Good substitute for dairy cream cheese; flavored options available.	Can be processed; quality varies by brand.
Avocado	Savory and healthy	Creamy, mild, rich	Healthy fats and nutrients; easy to prepare.	Can brown quickly; needs ripe avocados.
Hummus	Savory, hearty	Earthy, savory, protein-rich	Source of protein and fiber; many flavor options.	Can be messy; some may find it heavy.
Nut Butter	Sweet and filling	Nutty, creamy, satisfying	Good protein source; pairs well with fruit.	May contain added sugar; potential allergen.
Tofu Scramble	Savory, full meal	Eggy, flavorful, hearty	High in protein; great for breakfast.	Requires cooking; best fresh.

Conclusion: Endless Vegan Bagel Possibilities

A vegan diet offers diverse and satisfying bagel topping options. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, from creamy spreads to hearty fillings and fruity combinations, there are many ways to enjoy a bagel. A vegan bagel can be a creative and delicious meal or snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most plain bagels are vegan, but flavored varieties like egg bagels, or those made with honey or cheese, are not. It's always best to check the ingredients list to be sure.

For a store-bought option, brands like Violife, Kite Hill, or Tofutti offer excellent vegan cream cheese alternatives. For a homemade version, blending soaked cashews with lemon juice and nutritional yeast creates a rich and tangy spread.

Yes, you can. Use a toasted bagel as a bun and fill it with options like a tofu scramble, vegan cheese slices, veggie sausage patties, sliced avocado, and fresh spinach or tomato.

Hummus is an excellent option for a low-calorie, high-protein spread. Pair it with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and sprouts for added flavor and nutrients without many extra calories.

To mimic the classic cream cheese and lox bagel, use vegan cream cheese topped with smoked carrot lox. Thinly sliced, marinated carrots and capers give a similar briny, smoky flavor.

For a delicious sweet option, try spreading peanut or almond butter on your bagel and topping it with sliced banana, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. A quality fruit jam is another great choice.

Yes, mashed or sliced avocado is a very popular vegan bagel topping. It adds a creamy texture and healthy fats. Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice.