Which breads are not vegan?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Surprisingly, a significant portion of commercially available bread is not vegan due to hidden animal-derived ingredients. This guide will explain exactly which breads are not vegan and what to look for on ingredient labels to make an informed choice.

Quick Summary

Many breads, including traditional brioche, challah, and some soft or sweet loaves, are not vegan due to the use of milk, butter, eggs, or honey. Check labels for dairy derivatives and other additives.

Key Points

Enriched Breads: Many rich, soft, or sweet breads like brioche and challah are not vegan due to eggs, butter, or milk.
Dairy Ingredients: Watch for milk, butter, whey, casein, and milk solids on ingredient lists, as these are all dairy-based.
Hidden Animal Products: Unseen ingredients like honey, lard, or certain mono- and diglycerides can render a seemingly simple bread non-vegan.
Reading Labels: Always check the ingredient list carefully, as non-vegan additives can be included for flavor, color, or texture.
Artisan Bread: Traditional, simple loaves from artisan bakeries are more likely to be vegan, but it's always best to confirm with the baker.
Commercial Breads: Mass-produced sandwich breads often contain hidden dairy-based dough conditioners or preservatives.

The basic recipe for bread—flour, water, yeast, and salt—is naturally vegan, but many bakers and manufacturers add extra ingredients for flavor, color, texture, or to extend shelf life. This is why bread isn't always safe for those following a plant-based diet. A crucial first step is to never assume a bread is vegan; always check the ingredients list or ask your baker. Even breads that appear to be simple and rustic can have animal-derived products hidden within them.

Common Breads That Are Not Vegan

Several popular bread varieties are traditionally made with non-vegan ingredients. These are often known as "enriched" breads due to the inclusion of fats, dairy, and eggs.

Brioche and Challah

Both brioche and challah are classic examples of enriched breads and are not vegan. Traditional brioche is a French bread known for its richness and softness, achieved by adding a significant amount of eggs and butter to the dough. Challah, a braided Jewish bread, often contains eggs to give it its distinctive golden hue and rich texture, although vegan versions do exist.

Naan and Other Flatbreads

While many flatbreads are vegan, traditional Indian naan often is not. Authentic naan is commonly made with dairy products like milk, yogurt, or ghee (clarified butter), which contribute to its soft and fluffy texture. When ordering from a restaurant or buying packaged naan, it's essential to confirm the ingredients. Similarly, some pita bread or other flatbreads might contain milk or eggs depending on the recipe.

Sweet Breads, Rolls, and Biscuits

Sweet breads and baked goods like cinnamon buns, dinner rolls, and biscuits almost always contain milk, butter, or eggs to achieve their desired sweetness and soft, tender crumb. This also applies to things like croissants, which are notoriously buttery. If a bread is described as "soft," "rich," or "sweet," it's a strong indicator that it might not be vegan.

Commercial Sandwich Breads

Mass-produced sliced bread, including many white and whole wheat varieties found in supermarkets, frequently contains dairy derivatives. Manufacturers add ingredients like milk powder, whey, or casein to act as dough conditioners, preservatives, or to improve texture. These additions aren't always obvious but are often listed in the allergy information section.

Hidden Animal-Derived Ingredients

Knowing the names of common animal-based additives is crucial for navigating bread labels. Here are some of the most frequent offenders.

Dairy Products

Dairy can appear in many forms on an ingredient list. Watch for:

Milk, milk powder, or nonfat milk powder: Used for softness and added flavor.
Whey or whey protein: A byproduct of cheese production, used as a binding or texturizing agent.
Casein or sodium caseinate: A milk protein often used as an emulsifier or binder.
Butter or butterfat: A common fat source in enriched and sweet breads.
Yogurt or Ghee: Traditionally found in naan and other ethnic flatbreads.

Eggs

Eggs can be used in the dough itself or as a wash applied to the crust for a glossy, golden finish. Ingredients to look for include "egg," "egg whites," and "egg yolks." Some gluten-free breads also use eggs as a binding agent.

Honey

Many multigrain, whole wheat, and artisan-style breads use honey as a natural sweetener, flavor enhancer, or to help feed the yeast. Any bread with "honey" in its name should be avoided, but it can also be a hidden ingredient in products that aren't specifically honey-flavored.

Mono- and Diglycerides

These are emulsifiers used to improve crumb softness and extend shelf life. They can be derived from plant-based oils or animal fats. Without specific labeling or confirmation from the manufacturer that they are plant-derived, it's safer to assume they are not vegan. Read more about their origin and function here: What are Mono and Diglycerides (E471) in Food? Does it contain Trans Fatty Acids?.

Lard

Though less common now in commercially baked goods, some biscuits, donuts, and specialty breads may still use lard, which is rendered pork fat.

Non-Vegan vs. Vegan Bread Comparison


Bread Type	Commonly Vegan?	Common Non-Vegan Ingredients
Sourdough	Yes (generally)	N/A
Baguette	Yes (generally)	N/A
Brioche	No	Eggs, Butter, Milk
Challah	No	Eggs
Naan	No (traditional)	Yogurt, Ghee, Milk
Commercial White/Wheat	Often No	Milk Powder, Whey, Casein, Mono/Diglycerides
Rye	Yes (often)	Honey (sometimes)
Pita	Yes (generally)	Milk (rarely)

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Determining which breads are not vegan requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of potential hidden ingredients. While many classic, simple breads are vegan, the prevalence of animal-derived products in enriched, sweet, and commercially produced loaves means a cautious approach is necessary. By being aware of common non-vegan bread types and memorizing the list of non-vegan ingredients, you can make informed choices to ensure your bread is fully plant-based. When in doubt, stick to artisanal loaves with minimal ingredients or look for clear vegan labeling on packaged products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sourdough bread is typically vegan, as it's made from a simple starter of flour and water, combined with more flour, water, and salt. However, some commercial sourdough may contain additives, so always check the label or ask the baker to be certain.

Yes, many vegan bakers and commercial brands offer plant-based versions of traditionally non-vegan breads like brioche and challah. These use ingredients like mashed potatoes, plant-based milk, or vegan butter substitutes to achieve a similar taste and texture.

Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that can be derived from either plant-based oils or animal fats. Without specific vegan certification on the packaging, it is impossible to know their origin, so it is safest for vegans to avoid them.

Milk and eggs are often used in baking to add richness, flavor, and moisture. Eggs also act as a binding agent and contribute to a golden crust, while milk can tenderize the dough and enhance the crumb's texture.

No, not all flatbread is vegan. While many varieties like simple pita or focaccia are plant-based, traditional recipes for naan often contain milk or yogurt. Always check ingredients, especially for restaurant-made or packaged versions.

The most reliable method is to ask the baker or staff directly for an ingredients list. For traditional, simple loaves like baguette or sourdough, it is generally safer, but more complex or enriched breads require verification.

Many mass-produced sandwich breads are not reliably vegan. They often contain hidden dairy ingredients like milk powder, whey, or casein, even if they don't taste milky. Checking the allergen information for 'Milk' is a quick way to screen them.