Which Brands of Puff Pastry Are Vegan?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50% of store-bought puff pastry brands are considered 'accidentally vegan' because they use vegetable fats instead of butter for cost and shelf life reasons. Navigating the options can be tricky, so it's crucial to know which brands of puff pastry are vegan before you buy. This guide provides a definitive list of reliable choices for your plant-based baking needs.

Quick Summary

A guide to popular vegan puff pastry brands, including accidentally vegan options and dedicated plant-based choices. It details how to verify ingredients, highlights common non-vegan additives, and offers tips for successful dairy-free baking.

Key Points

Accidentally Vegan Brands: Popular options like Pepperidge Farm and Jus-Rol are often vegan due to the use of vegetable fats instead of butter.
Check Ingredients Carefully: Always read the ingredients list, as product formulations can change; look for butter, milk solids, or other animal derivatives.
Look for Hidden Ingredients: Watch for mono- and diglycerides or L-cysteine, which can be animal-derived unless specified otherwise.
Dedicated Vegan Brands: Brands like Schär offer specifically formulated vegan puff pastry, with some also being gluten-free.
Know Your Brands: Researching common vegan and accidentally vegan brands is the best way to save time and ensure your pastry is plant-based.
Check for Certifications: Some brands, particularly for foodservice or special dietary needs, explicitly label their puff pastry as vegan and/or kosher.

Your Guide to Finding Vegan Puff Pastry Brands

When searching for vegan puff pastry, the primary animal-derived ingredient to watch out for is butter. Traditional puff pastry relies on butter for its distinct flavor and flaky layers, but many commercial brands use vegetable-based shortenings and margarines instead. This means that many popular brands are inadvertently vegan, but careful label-checking is essential, as recipes can change.

Popular Accidentally Vegan Brands

These mainstream brands are widely available in supermarkets and do not use animal-derived products in their puff pastry dough, though cross-contamination warnings may apply.

Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets: One of the most readily available options in the United States, Pepperidge Farm sheets are accidentally vegan. Their ingredients list includes enriched wheat flour, water, and a blend of palm, soybean, and hydrogenated cottonseed oils. The company also offers bulk frozen puff pastry sheets that are explicitly labeled vegan for foodservice.
Jus-Rol (UK and US): Many of Jus-Rol's puff pastry products are suitable for vegans, including their ready-rolled sheets and blocks. They explicitly state their puff pastry is vegan-friendly on their website. However, it's critical to check the specific product, as some items, like their Crescent dough, contain milk.
Wewalka: This European-style puff pastry is available in the refrigerated section and is suitable for vegetarians, with ingredients that appear vegan, including wheat flour, water, palm, and canola oils. It's always best to check the current label for any recent changes, but it has historically been a reliable choice.

Dedicated Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

For those with stricter dietary needs or who prefer certified vegan products, these brands offer specific solutions.

Schär: For a gluten-free and vegan option, Schär offers a puff pastry dough. This product is free from wheat, dairy, and eggs, catering to those with multiple dietary restrictions.
Orgran All Purpose Pastry Mix: Available online, this dry mix is free from all animal products and is also gluten-free and GMO-free. It can be used to prepare a wide variety of vegan pastries, including puff pastry.
365 by Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods' house brand occasionally carries vegan puff pastry. As with all store brands, ingredients should be confirmed, but their products are often formulated with plant-based ingredients.

Comparison of Vegan Puff Pastry Brands


Brand	Availability	Format	Accidental or Certified Vegan	Notes
Pepperidge Farm	Widespread (US)	Frozen sheets	Accidental (bulk foodservice is labeled)	Contains palm oil; widely available.
Jus-Rol	Widespread (UK, US)	Chilled/Frozen sheets, block	Certified (on select products)	Check labels carefully; some products contain dairy.
Wewalka	Refrigerated aisle	Chilled sheet	Accidental	Vegan ingredients; includes parchment paper.
Schär	Limited/Specialty	Frozen dough	Certified (vegan and gluten-free)	Good for those with gluten and dairy allergies.
Orgran	Online/Specialty	Dry mix	Certified (vegan and gluten-free)	Versatile mix for various pastries.

How to Verify if a Puff Pastry is Vegan

When exploring options beyond these known brands, it’s vital to become a pro at reading ingredient lists. Here's a checklist of non-vegan ingredients to avoid.

Common Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For

Butter or Milk Solids: A primary ingredient to avoid. Look for phrases like 'all-butter' and check the allergen information for milk.
Mono- and Diglycerides: These can be derived from animal fat or plant sources. If the source isn't specified as plant-based, it could be animal-derived, though many vegans consider this acceptable.
Lard or Suet: Animal-derived fats sometimes used in traditional or budget pastry recipes.
Whey or Casein: Milk proteins often used as additives. Whey is a common ingredient in dairy products and must be avoided.
Eggs or L-Cysteine: Some products use egg for richness or shine, or L-cysteine, a dough conditioner that can come from animal sources like hair or feathers.

The Importance of Label Checking

Because a product's formula can change without notice, reading the ingredient list every time is the most foolproof method. Also, check the allergen statement, which legally must declare the presence of milk and egg. For those concerned about palm oil ethics, some brands specify that they use certified sustainable palm oil, while others do not.

Conclusion: Your Vegan Puff Pastry Awaits

With a bit of research and careful label-reading, finding delicious and flaky vegan puff pastry is simple. Whether you opt for a readily available accidentally vegan option like Pepperidge Farm or seek out a dedicated certified brand like Schär, a variety of choices exist to suit your needs. Remember to double-check ingredients for peace of mind, and happy vegan baking!

Where to find vegan puff pastry

Vegan puff pastry is increasingly available in mainstream grocery stores. Check the frozen or refrigerated dough section, often alongside traditional options. Look for brands like Pepperidge Farm and Wewalka in the US, and Jus-Rol in the UK. Specialty brands like Schär or Orgran may be found in health food stores or online retailers. Many store-brand pastries, particularly those not labeled 'all-butter,' are also worth checking.

Authoritative resource for further reading

For more detailed information on common non-vegan ingredients and label reading, consider consulting the Veganuary Label Reading Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in the United States, the standard frozen Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets are considered accidentally vegan. They are made with vegetable oils instead of butter. The company also produces bulk foodservice products that are explicitly labeled vegan.

Many Jus-Rol puff pastry products are suitable for vegans, as stated on their website. However, you must always check the specific product's label, as some items in their range, such as Crescent dough, contain dairy.

Many commercial brands use vegetable shortenings and palm oil instead of dairy butter. This is often a cost-saving measure that also increases the product's shelf life, making it suitable for a vegan diet.

You should check the label for common animal-derived ingredients such as butter, milk solids, whey, casein, eggs, lard, and suet. Also, be aware of potentially ambiguous ingredients like mono- and diglycerides if not specified as vegetable-based.

Yes, brands like Schär offer gluten-free and vegan puff pastry dough, and Orgran sells an all-purpose pastry mix that is also gluten-free and vegan.

Palm oil itself is plant-based, but its production is linked to significant environmental and ethical issues, including harm to wildlife habitats. While it is technically vegan, some strict vegans choose to avoid it for ethical reasons.

Wewalka puff pastry is suitable for vegetarians and is made with plant-based ingredients like palm and canola oils. Its ingredients list does not contain animal products, but as with any accidentally vegan product, it's wise to review the label.