Read the Ingredients List
The first step in determining if a pasta is vegan is to read the ingredients list. Most packaged pasta will have a list of ingredients on the back of the package. Look for any ingredients that are derived from animal products, such as eggs, dairy, or meat. If any of these ingredients are listed, the pasta is clearly not vegan.
Check for Egg in the Pasta
One of the most common animal products found in pasta is eggs.
Pasta is traditionally made with eggs, which serve as a binding agent as well as a colorant in the finished product. As a result, you can find many pastas with eggs in the chilled aisles of supermarket, delicatessens, and traditional Italian restaurants.
Some pasta brands make egg-free pasta, which is a good option for vegans. If you're unsure, check the ingredients list to see if eggs are included.
If you go to a restaurant, ask if they make their own pasta or use dried pasta, as this can often mean the difference between a vegan pasta dish and a non-vegan pasta dish.
The best way to ensure an egg-free pasta in a restaurant is by visiting a vegan restaurant or vegan drive-thru in Mesa.
Look for Vegan Certification
Some pasta brands may have a vegan certification label on the packaging. This label indicates that the product has been certified by a vegan organization and is free from any animal products.
Look for labels such as "Certified Vegan" or "Vegan Society Approved" to ensure that the pasta is completely vegan.
Research the Brand
If you're not familiar with a pasta brand and can't find any certification labels, it's a good idea to do some research.
Look up the brand online and see if they have any information on their website about their ingredients and production process. You can also look for reviews from other vegan consumers to see if the brand is a good option.
How can you make fresh pasta at home without eggs?
As we previously mentioned, there's no need to use eggs when creating fresh pasta. Eggs can be replaced with oil, which helps bind the ingredients together.
Alternatively, Jamie Oliver has a fantastic recipe that only requires flour and water and does not require a pasta machine. This is for a super simple recipe that kids will enjoy helping with.
You only need to grab a rolling pin and that's it!
What About The Sauce? Is It Vegan?
Generally speaking, basic store-bought pasta sauces that are primarily tomato-based will be suitable for vegans (as long as they don't contain things like bacon). Milk, cream, or eggs are common ingredients in creamy pasta sauces.
Check the ingredients to see if the sauce is suitable for your needs. Many companies are now creating vegan pasta sauces.
Sauces like carbonara and béchamel are traditionally not vegan. However, it's easy to make vegan versions of them at home.
For béchamel, substitute butter for vegan spread and use a vegan milk instead of dairy milk.
