Is Flatbread Vegan? - Hassle Free Vegan

As there are so many uses for delicious flatbread, you might wonder if flatbread is vegan. Whether you are pairing it with hummus, using it for a sandwich, or making a pizza, flatbread can be a great choice. But is flatbread vegan? The answer is...it depends. Traditional flatbread is often vegan although sometimes dairy can be added to it.

What is Flatbread?

Flatbread is unleavened bread, which means it is made without fresh yeast. The basic ingredients are flour, water and salt but other ingredients can be added to it. While flatbread originated in ancient Egypt, it can be found in countries all over the world. It is similar to both pita bread and naan bread. You can find it in restaurants or just in your local grocery stores.

While the basic ingredients are vegan, sometimes dairy is added. Naan bread commonly (although not always) contains dairy. There is definitely vegan naan bread out there but you just need to remember to check the ingredients on the package or ask at a restaurant.

Vegan Flatbread Brands

There is a good amount of vegan flatbreads found at the store. Whether they are called flatbreads, naan, or even pita, depending on what you want to use them for there are some options out there. Some of these flatbreads do contain yeast. The ingredient lists are below.

Toufayan Bakery Flat Bread Hearty White Ingredients: Enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, soybean oil, yeast, contains 2% or less of: oat fiber, salt, sugar, wheat gluten, guar gum, leavening (sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate, sodium acid pyrophosphate), dough conditioners (mono- and diglycerides, sodium stearoyl lactylate, enzymes, bromelain), calcium propionate (preservative).

Toufayan Bakery Flat Bread Wholesome Wheat Ingredients: Stoneground whole wheat flour, water, enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), soybean oil, yeast, contains 2% or less of: oat fiber, salt, sugar, wheat gluten, leavening (sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate, sodium acid pyrophosphate), dough conditioners (sodium stearoyl lactylate, mono- and diglycerides, bromelain), guar gum, calcium propionate (preservative).

Toufayan Bakery Tandoori Flatbread Ingredients: Enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, yeast, contains 2% or less of: organic olive oil, sunflower oil, sugar, wheat gluten, salt, leavening [sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking powder (monocalcium phosphate, organic wheat starch, sodium bicarbonate)], guar gum, xanthan gum, vinegar, organic soy flour, enzymes, organic wheat starch, ascorbic acid, cultured wheat flour.

Atoria's Family Bakery Lavash Flatbread Ingredients: water, wheat flour, oat fiber, wheat gluten, sugar, sea salt, cultured wheat flour, yeast, organic enzymes.

Atoria's Family Bakery Traditional Pita Bread Ingredients: wheat flour, water, yeast, sea salt, sugar, canola oil, cultured wheat, organic enzymes. They also have whole wheat and garlic.

Atoria's Family Bakery Naan Flatbread Ingredients: wheat flour, water, garlic, sugar, canola oil, sea salt, cultured wheat, baking soda, yeast, organic enzymes

Greek Pita Flat Bread Ingredients: Enriched Unbleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Malt, Barley Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Oat Fiber, Sugar, Yeast, Wheat Gluten, Canola and/or Soybean Oil, Salt, Potato Flour, Vinegar, Psyllium, Cultured Wheat Flour, Soy Lecithin, Enzyme (Plant Based), & Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Homemade Flatbread Recipes

If you want to skip the search for flatbread made without animal products in the store, you can easily make it at home with only a few ingredients and a rolling pin. Check out the following recipes for easy vegan flatbreads.

This recipe for Skillet Flatbreads from King Arthur Flour uses all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, oil and water. Instead of baking in the oven, these flatbreads cook up in a hot pan.
Do you prefer using whole wheat flour? This Whole Wheat Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast Required) by i heart vegetables uses only water, salt, olive oil, and white whole wheat flour. These also cook up in a pan.
This Vegan Naan Bread (No Yeast, No Oil) by The Conscious Plant Kitchen uses only 4 ingredients: all-purpose flour, non-dairy yogurt, baking powder, and sea salt. There are also variations listed using vegan cheese, garlic, fenugreek seeds, or nutritional yeast.
Looking for a gluten-free version. Check out How to Make Socca: A Naturally Gluten-Free Chickpea Flatbread by The Kitchn. The ingredients include chickpea flour, water, oil, and kosher salt. A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for this recipe.

What to Make with Flatbread

Flatbread is extremely versatile. It can be used to make a main course, as a side, or as a snack. The possibilities are endless!

Use it for vegan flatbread pizza. Instead of pizza dough, use the flatbread and add some tomato sauce and your favorite toppings. If you eat non-dairy cheese, try some vegan mozzarella style shreds. I prefer my pizza without any vegan cheese at all and just delicious toppings. My favorite pizza topping is caramelized onions and fresh basil.
Instead of marinara sauce, you can top your flatbread with a little organic extra virgin olive oil, mushrooms, onions, and whatever veggies are your favorite.
Instead of regular bread, use flatbread for a sandwich. Depending how thick it is, it can be used as a wrap as well. I love using roasted vegetables with a balsamic glaze.
Flatbread is also great with any kind of curry. We love it with Tofu Keema.

Try some flatbread with a dip or hummus.
It's delicious with a little bit of vegan butter and a pinch of salt for a snack. Or to up the flavor, top with a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh herbs such as fresh parsley or basil.
It's great with soup, chili, and chowders.

FAQ

Can I freeze flatbread?

Yes. Whether homemade or store bought, like most bread flatbread is easy to freeze and reheat. For best results, let it defrost in the fridge over night and when you are ready to use it you can heat it in a skilled over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.

Summary

Flatbreads are a very versatile bread that is often, but not always, vegan and made with simple ingredients. It's super easy to make at home where you can control the ingredients. To switch things up, try making flatbread vegan pizzas for your next pizza night with homemade or store bought flatbreads, some pizza sauce and toppings. Or have some with curry or chili. A flatbread also makes a great side dish or snack.