As a certified personal trainer, I've seen firsthand the impact of dietary choices on fitness and overall well-being.
While indulging in a sweet treat like a glazed delicacy can be incredibly satisfying, especially when that mid-day craving hits, it's important to understand what we're consuming.
In my experience, balancing these indulgences with a healthy lifestyle is key.
Now, let's dive into the heart of the matter: what exactly is beneath that irresistible glaze? And for those following a vegan lifestyle, the big question remains – are these legendary treats vegan-friendly?
Quick Summary
- Krispy Kreme has introduced its first plant-based doughnut, the Original Glazed Vegan Dozen, offering a vegan-friendly option while maintaining the classic taste.
- Despite this addition, the majority of Krispy Kreme's 45 different donut varieties remain non-vegan, necessitating ingredient checks for vegan consumers.
- Per the NCBI study, gluten-free doughnuts with 6% inulin and 75% lupin flour offer a significant nutritional boost, presenting a key opportunity for healthier, fiber-rich options for gluten-sensitive consumers.
- Personally, I find the move towards including vegan options in mainstream outlets like Krispy Kreme a positive step towards catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
2021 UPDATE: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are Now Vegan
The great news is coming from the UK.
Krispy Kreme UK has announced that they will be launching their first plant-based doughnut - Original Glazed Vegan Dozen.
According to the famous doughnut and coffee shop, the Original Glazed Vegan Dozen has the same texture and flavor as its iconic Original Glazed option, which was launched in 1937.
Krispy Kreme's donut shops in London will be the first to add the vegan donut version to their menu, which was introduced on the 21st of December, 2020 [1].
"We are excited to extend our range of iconic irresistibly original doughnuts with the launch of our first-ever vegan offering, available exclusively in the UK."
- Louise Direito, Krispy Kreme UK and Ireland's head of innovation
The price of Krispy Kreme's vegan doughnuts is the same as the regular doughnuts, which will hopefully motivate people to try the plant-based version.
According to the NCBI study, gluten-free doughnuts with 6% inulin and 75% lupin flour offer a significant nutritional boost, presenting a key opportunity for healthier, fiber-rich options for gluten-sensitive consumers. [2].
Ingredients
From my personal exploration into healthier eating, I've delved into the detailed list of ingredients in Krispy Kreme's signature doughnut recipe:
- Enriched wheat flour (contains niacin, reduced iron)
- Dextrose
- Cottonseed or soybean oil
- Water
- Sugar
- Soy flour
- Egg yolks and whites
- Wheat gluten
- Yeast
- Milk powder
- Yeast nutrients (calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate)
- Whey
- Starch
- Ascorbic acid
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Salt
- Mono-and-diglycerides
- Lecithin
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Sodium caseinate
- Corn syrup solids
Understanding these components has been crucial in my discussions with clients about making informed dietary choices. The main ingredient in Krispy Kreme's donuts, like most donuts, is wheat flour. This is the primary component of the dough.
According to another study found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, wheat provides substantial amounts of a number of components that are essential or beneficial for health, notably protein, vitamins (notably B vitamins), dietary fiber, and phytochemicals [3].
"Adopting a vegan diet may help keep your blood sugar in check and type 2 diabetes at bay. Several studies show that vegans benefit from lower blood sugar levels, higher insulin sensitivity, and up to a 78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-vegans [4]."
- Alina Petre, MS, RD (NL), a registered dietitian
FAQs
Does Krispy Kreme Have Eggless Donuts?
The bad news for vegans is that 45 varieties of donuts at Krispy Kreme (except Original Glazed Vegan Dozen) contain eggs.
Are Krispy Kreme Donuts Vegetarian?
Technically, Krispy Kreme donuts are vegetarian. Since the only animal by-products used in their doughnuts are eggs and dairy products, Krispy Kreme donuts are suitable for ovo-lacto vegetarians.
What Is the Environmental Impact of Non-Vegan Ingredients in Donuts?
The non-vegan ingredients in donuts, particularly palm oil, can have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation and habitat loss. Sustainable sourcing and alternatives are crucial to mitigate these effects.
How Do Vegan Donuts Compare Nutritionally to Non-Vegan Donuts?
Vegan donuts often have a different nutritional profile compared to non-vegan ones, potentially offering lower cholesterol and saturated fat levels. However, they can still be high in sugar and calories, so moderation is key.
How Is Veganism Influencing Global Donut Trends?
eganism is increasingly influencing global donut trends, leading to a rise in plant-based options in bakeries worldwide. This shift reflects a growing consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly food choices.
Can You Share Some Simple DIY Vegan Donut Recipes?
Yes, there are many simple DIY vegan donut recipes available that cater to various tastes, using ingredients like almond milk, flaxseeds, and vegan butter. These recipes offer a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought donuts.
What Does the Current Vegan Donut Market Look Like?
The vegan donut market is rapidly growing, with new brands emerging and existing ones expanding their vegan options. This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of health, environment, and animal welfare issues.
References:
- https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/18/rejoice-for-a-vegan-krispy-kreme-doughnut-is-on-the-way-13773730/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9601521/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998136/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-diet-guide#about-the-vegan-diet
About The Author
You May Also Like
