Is Gnocchi Vegan? And Where to Buy Plant-based Gnocchi in 2024

Last updated on December 17th, 2023

Gnocchi, those delicious and comforting little Italian dumplings, are a favourite among food for many. They’re soft, and fluffy, and go with many sauces and flavours. But for those who follow a vegan diet, the question arises: is gnocchi vegan?

In this article, we’ll find out how and when gnocchi is plant-based answer common questions, and provide some vegan-friendly gnocchi options.

Before we tackle the vegan aspect, let’s start with the basics. Gnocchi are Italian dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. These ingredients are mixed, shaped into small dumplings, and then cooked in boiling water. The result? Tender little pillows of pasta heaven that pair wonderfully with various sauces and toppings.

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Traditional gnocchi recipes include eggs, so no, originally gnocchi was not vegan.

Eggs act as a binding agent, holding the potato and flour together and giving the gnocchi that signature texture. So, if you’re following a vegan lifestyle, traditionally it’s no good. But, don’t worry, I always have a trick up my sleeve…

But don’t panic just yet! There’s a vegan option for almost everything! And gnocchi is no exception. Instead of eggs, some recipes use alternative binding agents like flax eggs (a mixture of ground flaxseed and water) or potato starch. This tweak makes the gnocchi entirely plant-based while still keeping that characteristic gnocchi texture.

The only downside is that many Italian restaurants make traditional-style gnocchi. So it can be pretty hard to find vegan gnocchi when you’re eating out but picking it up at the supermarket is much easier. 

Here are some plant-based gnocchi options that you can order online or pick up in the supermarket:

• Mr Organic – Organic Gluten-Free Gnocchi – Amazon
• By Amazon Gnocchi – Amazon
• Dell’Ugo Fresh Potato Gnocchi – Ocado
• Difatti Gluten Free Gnocchi Spinach – Sainsbury’s
• La Gnoccheria Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi – Asda

Here are some questions people often have about gnocchi:

Yes, you can! Many supermarkets now stock vegan gnocchi. Be sure to check the ingredient list to confirm they’re egg-free.

Not at all! Many vegan gnocchi recipes are quite simple, often requiring just a few ingredients. Plus, making them from scratch allows you to customize flavours and textures to your liking.

Easy Homemade Vegan Gnocchi Recipe

I suppose if we’re comparing it to the traditional recipe of an old Italian grandmother, then yes vegan gnocchi can taste slightly different to the original recipe, but the difference is minimal. It’s easy to find delicious and satisfying plant-based gnocchi.

You can pair it with a variety of vegan-friendly sauces, such as tomato sauce, vegan basil pesto, vegan Alfredo, or a sautéed vegetable medley.

In my search to figure out whether gnocchi is vegan, the answer is, as always, not straightforward. I guess that’s the fun of a vegan life. 

Traditional gnocchi recipes typically contain eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans. However, many store-bought options follow a plant-based recipe meaning we can all enjoy this beloved Italian dish.

So, if you’re a vegan or simply looking to try something new, give vegan gnocchi a shot! Either give it a go yourself with the recipe above or check out one of the places above where you can buy it. 

If you want more ideas on how to find vegan versions of non-vegan food take a look at my Vegan Food and Drink page.

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Meet the Author

Meet Sinead O’Carroll: Vegan explorer, sustainability advocate and the founder of The Wondering Wandering Vegan. Embracing veganism since 2018 and vegetarianism since 2005, Sinead is armed with a Vegan Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle qualification, and is on a mission to share her passion for cruelty-free living. 

With a taste for adventure and a heart for eco-conscious choices, she’s here to prove that vegans never miss out on flavour, fun or style. Join her in enjoying the delights of a vegan-friendly world! 🌱✈️🌍
Want to know more? Check out Sinead’s About page here.

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