Figuring out whether wonton wrappers are vegan can be a challenge, especially because the answer is, “Well, it depends.”
It all comes down to what ingredients are in the wrapper and whether those ingredients were produced without any animal products or exploitation.
To make sure you are only eating foods that align with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production methods of wonton wrappers.
Here’s what I found.
Are All Wonton Wrappers Vegan?
No. Wonton wrappers are not always vegan. In fact, most commercially available wonton wrappers contain eggs and/or dairy.
The good news is that there are some brands that make vegan wonton wrappers! And, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own vegan wonton wrappers at home with just a few simple ingredients.
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free option, then your best bet is to either make your own wonton wrappers at home or buy them from a vegan-friendly restaurant.
Are Wonton Wrappers Cruelty-Free?
Wonton wrappers aren’t tested on animals at any stage of their development, nor do they use any ingredient that is tested on animals, such as food dyes or flavorings. However, the animal-derived ingredients used in some wonton wrappers may not be cruelty-free.
The egg and dairy industry is rife with animal cruelty. From the inhumane conditions that hens are kept in to the way cows are treated and milked, these industries cause immense suffering to billions of animals every year.
So, if you’re looking for a cruelty-free option, make sure to choose a wonton wrapper that is made with only plant-based ingredients.
What Are Wonton Wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are a type of pastry dough that is used to make dumplings, fried wontons, egg rolls, and spring rolls. Traditionally, wonton wrappers are made using a mixture of flour, salt, water, and eggs. Then they are stretched out into thin sheets and cut into small squares.
What Are Wonton Wrappers Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of wonton wrappers:
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
Let’s break down each ingredient of wonton wrappers:
Flour
Flour is a powder that is made by grinding wheat, rye, barley, or rice. It is the main ingredient in bread, pasta, pastry, etc. Flour is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Water
Water is used to make the dough for wonton wrappers. It is a vegan ingredient.
Salt
Salt is a mineral that is composed of sodium and chloride. It is used to add flavor to food or as a preservative. Salt is vegan friendly.
Eggs
Eggs are used as a binding agent in wonton wrappers. Eggs are from animals and are, therefore, not vegan friendly.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a powder that is made from the endosperm of corn kernels. It is used as a thickening agent in sauces and gravies. Cornstarch is vegan friendly.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is fat that is extracted from plants. It is used in cooking and baking. Vegetable oil is vegan friendly.
Why Aren’t Wonton Wrappers Vegan?
Wonton wrappers are not vegan because they contain eggs and, sometimes, milk. Eggs and dairy are animal products and are, therefore, not vegan-friendly.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re looking for a vegan option, then your best bet is to either make your own wonton wrappers at home or buy them from a vegan-friendly restaurant.
You can find wonton wrappers that are made without eggs in some stores. Many brands have started to produce eggless wonton wrappers, gyoza wrappers, or vegan egg roll wrappers to accommodate the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian options. All you have to do is check the ingredients list before purchasing.
Are Wonton Wrappers and Dumpling Wrappers the Same Thing?
Wonton wrappers and dumpling wrappers are made from the same dough. The only difference is that wonton wrappers are usually square while dumpling wrappers are circles.
Dumplings can be made with either round or square wrappers, so it really depends on your preference. Wonton wrappers are typically used for soup dumplings while dumpling wrappers can be used for both fried and steamed dumplings.
Making Your Own Wonton Wrappers
If you want to make sure that your wonton wrappers are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, then your best bet is to make them at home. Making wonton wrappers is actually quite simple and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
There are many vegan recipes for wonton wrappers that you can find online. So you can choose the recipe that best suits your needs.
Are Nasoya Vegan Wonton Wraps Vegan?
Yes. Nasoya Vegan Won Ton Wraps are a vegan product. They make eggless wonton wrappers with wheat flour, water, and salt. Read their ingredients list to make sure that it is the vegan variety because Nasoya also produces products that contain eggs.
Are Dynasty Won Ton Wrappers Vegan?
Yes, Dynasty Won Ton Wrappers are vegan. They make eggless wonton wrappers with wheat flour, oil, water, and salt. Read their ingredients list to make sure that they are vegan.
Are Twin Dragon Won Ton Wrappers Vegan?
Yes, Twin Dragon Won Ton Wrappers are vegan. They make eggless wonton wrappers with plant-based and synthetic ingredients.
Are Wing Hing Wonton Wrappers Vegan?
No, Wing Hing Wonton Wraps are not vegan. They contain eggs and are, therefore, not suitable for vegans.
Are Twin Marquis Wonton Wrappers (Shanghai Style) Vegan?
Yes. Twin Marquis Wonton Wrappers (Shanghai Style) are vegan. They make eggless wonton wrappers that are suitable for vegans.
Vegan Alternatives to Traditional Wonton Wrappers
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to traditional wonton wrappers, there are many brands that make vegan-friendly wonton wrappers. Here are some of the best vegan wonton wrappers that you can buy:
- Nasoya Vegan Won Ton Wraps
- Twin Marquis Vegetable Wonton Wrappers
- Twin Dragon Won Ton Wrappers
- Dynasty Won Ton Wrappers
If you’re looking for wonton wrappers, spring roll wrappers, potsticker wrappers, or egg roll wrappers that are vegan friendly, these brands are a great option.
Final Words
And there you have it! Traditional wonton wrappers are not vegan. Most of them contain eggs. However, there are many recipes for vegan wonton wrappers that you can make at home using vegan-friendly ingredients.
If you’re craving some vegan wonton soup or some fresh egg roll wrappers for your stir-fry, make sure to look out for the products listed above.
But as always, double-check the ingredients list to make sure that it is vegan.