I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a soft spot for fortune cookies.
You know — that light, golden brown crunch at the end of a takeout meal, complete with a fortune that’s a little vague but still somehow hits a little too close to home.
But as someone who leans into a mostly vegan lifestyle, I started wondering: Are fortune cookies vegan?
Spoiler: Most of the time, yes — but not always.
So if you’ve ever looked down a crinkly little plastic-wrapped cookie at your favorite Chinese place and wondered what you were actually biting into, this blog post is for you.
Fortune Cookie Ingredients
At their core, traditional fortune cookie ingredients are pretty simple: wheat flour (or wheat-based flour), sugar, vegetable oil (like canola oil), and vanilla extract.
Some recipes also use almond extract for that subtle nutty flavor. So far, so good, right?
But here’s where it gets a little weird. Some fortune cookies — especially mass-produced ones — include egg whites to help give them structure and that classic snap.
So while many are technically dairy-free, they’re not always egg-free, which means not vegan.
If you’re looking for totally vegan fortune cookies, check the ingredient list carefully for anything suspicious like egg whites, animal products, or artificial flavor that may be derived from animal testing. This is where it really pays to read the fine print.
So… Are Fortune Cookies Vegan?
The answer is: sometimes. It depends on the brand and the bakery.
Some companies, like Golden Bowl Fortune Cookies (yes, that’s a real brand), make cookies that are 100% vegan. Others may not be so clear about their product information or may include ingredients like egg whites or other animal-derived components.
What about those Panda Express fortune cookies? According to their website, they’re free of animal products — which is great — but again, it’s always smart to double-check ingredients, especially if you’re strict about avoiding animal testing or artificial additives.
Fortune Cookie FAQs
A: Nope! Some use egg whites or animal-based flavoring. Always check the ingredient list.
A: Yes! You can swap in gluten-free flour blends, but be warned: achieving that signature fortune cookie shape takes a little finesse. I’ve had better luck using a mix that includes xanthan gum to help with structure.
Q: What gives them their flavor?
A: Mostly vanilla extract and sometimes almond extract. A few brands sneak in artificial flavor, which may or may not be vegan depending on sourcing.
Q: Do they contain any sneaky additives?
A: Some mass-produced cookies may include folic acid or thiamine mononitrate — both are usually vegan, but always good to do your own research.
Tips & Tricks for Making Your Own Vegan Fortune Cookies
If you want to skip the guessing game altogether, making your own vegan fortune cookies at home is surprisingly doable — and honestly kind of fun.
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up:
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet or cookie sheet to prevent sticking — essential since the cookies are thin and delicate.
- Use canola oil or another neutral vegetable oil in place of butter.
- Mix your batter until smooth, and use the back of a spoon to spread small circles (about 3 inches wide) on your cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F until the edges turn golden brown — watch closely, it only takes a few minutes!
- Once out of the oven, you’ll have about 15 seconds to form them into that classic fortune cookie shape. Fold the circle in half, tuck in your own fortunes, then bend over the rim of a mug or muffin tin to hold the shape while they cool.
- Work in small batches — I recommend baking 2–3 at a time so you’re not rushing.
Fortune Cookies & Culture
While most of us associate fortune cookies with Chinese restaurants, they actually originated in — wait for it — San Francisco. Some even say it was a Japanese-American bakery that first introduced them, and over time they became a fun staple in American-style Asian restaurants.
During Chinese New Year, they’ve become a fun way to share wishes for luck and prosperity, even though they’re more of an American invention than a traditional Chinese dessert.
So, are fortune cookies vegan? Often, yes — but not always. If you’re ordering takeout, ask your local Chinese place or check the packaging. If you’re buying them in bulk, brands like Golden Bowl Fortune Cookies are a solid bet. And if you’re feeling adventurous, baking your own is a great way to control the ingredients, avoid animal products, and customize your fortunes (the best part, if you ask me).
Next time you’re craving something crunchy and clever after dinner, you’ll know exactly how to keep it kind and cruelty-free. Happy snacking!
