Are Bruegger’s Bagels Vegan and Cruelty-Free? The Hole Truth

June 2, 2023

Figuring out whether Bruegger’s Bagels are vegan can be a bit tough.

Fast-food chains often use many different ingredients, some of which may be of animal origins.

To make sure you are only eating food that aligns with your vegan diet and lifestyle, I’ve investigated the ingredients and menu of Bruegger’s Bagels.

Here’s what I found.

Are Bruegger’s Bagels Vegan?

Yes! Bruegger’s Bagels restaurant is pretty vegan friendly.

The bagels, their main attraction, are mostly vegan. They do have some flavors that are non-vegan, but their vegan bagels outnumber the non-vegan ones by quite a lot.

An important thing to note is that their bagels are manufactured in a facility that also processes eggs, dairy, soy, and wheat. So, if you have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients, avoid Bruegger’s Bagels to prevent cross contamination.

Are Bruegger’s Bagels Cruelty-Free?

Yes! Bruegger’s Bagels is a cruelty-free brand. They do not test their products on animals, and they also do not use ingredients that are tested on animals.

Animal testing is a cruel and unnecessary practice and many vegans boycott products that are tested on animals. It’s great to see that Bruegger’s Bagels is a company that also cares about animal welfare.

What Are Bruegger’s Bagels Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Bruegger’s Everything Bagels:

  • Wheat flour
  • Malted barley flour
  • Niacin
  • Reduced iron
  • Thiamin mononitrate
  • Riboflavin
  • Water
  • Malt
  • Salt
  • Sesame seeds
  • Rock salt
  • Poppy seeds
  • Dehydrated garlic
  • Dehydrated onion
  • Bakers yeast

Let’s break down each ingredient of Bruegger’s Everything Bagels:

Wheat flour

Wheat flour is used as the main ingredient in many baking recipes. It is made by grinding wheat kernels into a powder. Wheat flour is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Malted barley

Malted barley flour is a type of flour that is made from malted barley. Barley is a cereal grain that is used in brewing and distilling.

Niacin

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, helps convert the food we eat into energy. It can be found in many animal and plant-based foods. It can also be made in a laboratory.

Reduced iron

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for growth and development, it is also what our body needs to produce hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen in our blood. It can be found in food, supplements, and multivitamins.

Thiamin mononitrate

Thiamin mononitrate, also known as Vitamin B, helps our bodies convert carbohydrates into energy. It can be found in many animal- and plant-based foods. It can also be made in a laboratory.

Riboflavin

Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B12, helps our bodies convert carbohydrates into energy. It can be found in many animal- and plant-based foods. It can also be made in a laboratory.

Water

Water is used to break down the flour and other ingredients so that they can be combined together. It is vegan.

Malt

Malt is a type of cereal grain that has been sprouted and then dried. It is made by germinating barley, which causes the enzymes in the grain to break down the starches into sugars. Malt can be made from barley, wheat, or other grains. It is often used in brewing, baking, and distilling. Malt is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Salt

Salt is a mineral that is used as a seasoning or preservative. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are a type of seed used as a spice or topping. They are often used in Asian cuisine. Sesame seeds are vegan.

Rock salt

Rock salt is a type of salt that is mined from the earth. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Poppy seeds

Poppy seeds are a type of seed that is used as a spice or topping. They are often used in baking. Poppy seeds are vegan friendly.

Dehydrated garlic

Dehydrated garlic is a type of dried garlic that is often used as a seasoning. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Dehydrated onion

Dehydrated onion is a type of dried onion that is often used as a seasoning. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Bakers yeast

Yeast is a type of fungus that is used in baking to help the dough rise. Yeast is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Why Are Bruegger’s Bagels Vegan?

Bruegger’s Bagels is a fast-food chain where you can find many vegan-friendly options on the menu. Its bagels are mostly vegan, though I can’t say the same for their breakfast and lunch sandwiches

An important thing to note for vegans is that Bruegger’s Bagels products are manufactured in a facility that uses eggs, dairy, and honey. So, cross contamination is a possibility. If you have allergies or are a strict vegan, you should probably avoid Bruegger’s Bagels.

Vegan Food at Bruegger’s Bagels

Brugger’s Bagels has many vegan options, and I’ve listed them below so you can easily find them the next time you’re at one of their stores:

Vegan bagel options

  • Plain
  • Blueberry
  • Everything
  • Garlic
  • Jalapeno (select markets)
  • Onion
  • Poppy
  • Pumpernickel
  • Bruegger Bites
  • Cinnamon Sugar
  • Rosemary Olive Oil
  • Sesame
  • Salt
  • Whole Wheat
  • Apple Cinnamon Sugar

Deli sandwiches

  • Garden Veggie Sandwich (availability depends on location)

Vegetable toppings

  • Lettuce
  • Red onion
  • Tomato
  • Red peppers
  • Green peppers
  • Capers
  • Avocado
  • Cucumber
  • Pickles

Salad dressing

  • Balsamic vinaigrette

Sauce and spreads

  • Sriracha sauce
  • Mustard
  • Strawberry jelly
  • Grape jelly
  • Peanut butter

Beverages

  • Dark roast coffee
  • Decaf house blend coffee
  • House blend iced coffee
  • Hot tea
  • Water

With these many vegan options on their menu, you can be sure to find something to eat next time you’re at Bruegger’s Bagels!

Are Bruegger’s Bagels Twice-Baked Hash Browns Vegan?

No. Bruegger’s Bagels Twice-Baked Hash Browns are not vegan. This menu item includes mozzarella cheese, which is made from milk.

This menu item is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Bruegger’s Bagels Hot Pastrami Sandwich Vegan?

No. The Bruegger’s Bagels Hot Pastrami Sandwich is not vegan. This menu item includes pastrami, which is a type of meat. It also contains Swiss cheese, which is also not vegan friendly.

This menu item is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Bruegger’s Bagels Turkey Chipotle Sandwich Vegan?

No. The Bruegger’s Bagels Turkey Chipotle Sandwich is not vegan. This menu item includes turkey and bacon, which are both meats. It also contains chipotle mayo, which is not vegan.

This menu item is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Bruegger’s Bagels Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich Vegan?

No. The Bruegger’s Bagels Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich is not vegan. This menu item includes smoked brisket, which is a type of meat. It also contains eggs and cheddar cheese, which is not vegan friendly.

This menu item is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Bruegger’s Bagels Chai Tea Vegan?

No. The Bruegger’s Bagels Chai Tea is not vegan. They use Oregon chai tea, which contains honey. Honey is not a vegan-friendly ingredient.

This menu item is not safe for vegan consumption.

Final Words

So there you go! Bruegger’s Bagels is a vegan-friendly restaurant because they offer many vegan options on their menu. The vegan items are clearly labeled on their menu and are very easy to find. However, not all of their menu items are vegan friendly, so be sure to check the ingredients before ordering.

The only gripe I have with Bruegger’s Bagels is that they don’t offer vegan cream cheese. Other than that, I think they’re a great place to eat for vegans and non-vegans alike!