Germany might be popular for its curry-wurst and schnitzels, but within a couple of years of us living here, the signs have grown increasingly clear – This country is slowly evolving as a Vegan haven! First with Berlin becoming the veggie capital of Europe in 2017, and now the country investing heavily in plant-based food, it does seem like a promising growth toward a better environment and an even healthier world.
Germany’s vegan options are very impressive—not just in the supermarkets, but also in many urban restaurants and cafés, alpine hüttes (well, mostly!), and (sometimes) rural biergartens too. So whether you’re moving to Germany, travelling through, or are a long-time resident trying to explore plant-based living, then you’ve come to the right place. We will dive into everything you need to know – from navigating German supermarkets and finding budget-friendly vegan products to learning about many traditional German dishes that are vegan (or can be vegan-ised!)
It’s time to thrive as a vegan—and here’s how!
Everything You Need to Know About German Supermarkets
One thing that Shiva and I particularly enjoy doing while travelling or on a daily basis is scanning through the local supermarkets. It’s here where we can find all the local ingredients, regional delicacies, and tonnes of flavours. Also, it kinda gives us a brief idea of the region’s culinary culture.
Germany is home to over 20 supermarket chains that offer everything – from budget-friendly versions like Penny, Aldi, Lidl etc to high-end organic supermarkets like Edeka, Biomarkt, Alnatura and so on. Each chain has its own unique mix of brands, product selection, quantities they offer, and prices they attach, with many even featuring in-house bakeries stocked with fresh breads, cakes, and pastries. There’s something to suit everyone’s budget and taste. However, when it comes to vegan products, there might be limited options in the discounted supermarkets like Netto or Kaufland. But, with the increase in demand, and high competition from other stores, many such discounted stores too, are slowly introducing diverse plant-based options. One such example is the ‘Food for Future’ range from Penny. Other large chain supermarkets like Rewe, EDEKA, Biomarkt, etc, however, offer an extensive range of vegan items – you’ll never run out of options here!
Vegan Shopping in Germany: Practical and Budget-Friendly Tips
Rewe, Edeka, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny are a couple of supermarket chains you’ll find in almost every German city. Among them, Rewe is probably our favourite for shopping! One reason is its consistently good quality of products. And the other is the impressive and ever-evolving range of vegan offerings. Whether you’re looking for dairy alternatives or delectable vegan desserts, Rewe has it all. Plus, it made history as the first supermarket in Germany to open a fully plant-based store in Berlin. How cool is that!
Other supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi & Penny are generally great options too, especially if you’re shopping on a budget. In fact, most Germans prefer these stores for their affordability. Prices can vary significantly between all the supermarkets, but opting for in-house brands and products is a reliable way to save money. These brands often cost less than foreign or imported goods. And they are sometimes, deceivingly placed at lower shelves – it’s a marketing tactic to place exclusive/highly-priced items at eye level, and budget-ones at lower levels! Did you know?
We can all agree that being a vegan does require an extra effort (but all in a good way!), especially when it comes to checking ingredients, as not every vegan product is clearly labeled (although Germany is already way ahead of many others in this regard). Some items may need a little digging to discover if they’re “accidentally vegan”. So, give yourself time to explore the markets—there are always new arrivals and surprising finds. We also think that this conscious practice of scanning ingredient lists can be empowering—it makes us so much aware of what we’re putting into our bodies.
Want to save some more money on vegan groceries? Follow these 2 golden rules:
1. Always look beyond eye level shelves. Supermarkets often place the priciest, exclusive items at eye level as a marketing gimmick, while budget-friendly options sit higher or lower on the shelves.
2. Opt for seasonal veggies and fruits. You’ll save some bucks if you just choose local (watch out for the tag “REGIONALE”) and seasonal groceries. For instance, a small Hokkaido Pumpkin costs just around 50 cents – 1 EUR if you buy it in the autumn season. And delicacies like strawberries, blueberries or even cherries can be bought for dead-cheap, if you buy them during peak-season.
Your Ultimate Guide to Vegan Finds in Germany
Finally, the section you’ve all been waiting for—the best vegan groceries in Germany!
Back in 2015, when Shiva first went vegan, we had visited Domino’s for one last time, assuming that we’ll never be able to indulge in cheesy pizzas ever again (at least that’s what we thought!). But guess what? We were totally wrong! Fast forward to today, we’ve been enjoying not just pizzas but also many more vegan desserts guilt-free, all thanks to the growing demand for veganism.
If you’re planning a visit to Germany, we hope you too get to relish all the yummy vegan treats this nation has to offer. To make it easy for you, we’ve listed down our fav vegan products from German supermarkets. Let’s dig in!!
1. Dairy Alternatives
Most often people think the hardest part of going Vegan is finding the right dairy alternatives. But in Germany, you barely need to scratch your head, for there’s tonnes of plant-based options for milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, chocolate, and more—and we’ve sort of tried and tested quite a lot of’em!
Milk: If you’re a chai (or a coffee!) lover like Shiva and me, you won’t be missing out on that can’t-give-up sensation of sipping on masala chai (or indeed, a latte) every morning. Cuz the vegan milks typically made from soy or oats do not split when boiled and have a great creamy taste to it. They also have a creamy texture, unlike some rice-based milks that can feel watery. In fact, almost each Cafe we visit today in Germany offers ‘Hafermilch’ (oat-milk) and amazingly enough – this is not just to offer a Vegan version, it is because people here have grown so fond of the flavour! Yes, non-vegans too!
General tip in choosing milks: If you are looking mostly at protein-content, go for soy or pea milks. If you are looking for lighter and neutral flavours, choose oat. For thick and cold shakes, opt for coconut or nut-based milks.
- At Rewe/ Alnatura: Berief Food’s Bio Barista Hafer (Oat-based barista milk)
- At Rewe: Rewe’s Bio Barista Hafer-Soja drink (Oat-soy based barista milk)
- At Penny: Food for Future Bio Haferdrink
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Barista Hafer (Oat-based milk)
Yogurt: As Indian vegans, we consume quite a substantial amount of spices on regular basis. And yogurt is often essential to balance some of the spicy dishes. Thankfully, there are excellent plant-based options to complement our meals. For plain yogurt, look for ones labeled Ohne Zucker (without sugar).
- At Rewe: Rewe’s Bio Soja Natur Ohne Zucker (Soy-based yogurt without sugar)
- At Rewe: Alpro’s Ohne Zucker Natur (Soy-based yogurt without sugar)
- At Rewe: Alpro’s Heidelbeere/ Mango/ Pfirsich/ Erdbeere (Soy-based yogurt)
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Sojagurt Heidelbeere (Soy-based yogurt)
Remember one thing: Some brands today tend to go too far in trying to replicate the flavour of natural dairy milk/yoghurt which means mixing of multiple ingredients and higher processing. As a rule of thumb, choose products which have the least number of ingredients. Try out many until you find your perfect match!
“We all love animals. Why do we call some ‘pets’ and others ‘dinner’?”
– K.D Lang
Cheese: Do you make your own cheese? I am a big fan of home-made cheese, but sometimes it’s a challenge to find the time to make it. And so, we rely on the store-bought cheese varieties. Feta for salads, elemental for pastas, and mozzarella for pizzas.
- At Rewe: Simply V’s Reibegenuss & Pizza Reffiniert mit Mandel (Perfect for Pizzas)
- At Rewe: Violife’s Greek White (Great for salads)
- At Rewe: Rewe’s Milde Geniesser Scheiben (Ideal for sandwiches)
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Veganer Reibegenuss (Perfect for pastas/pizzas)
- At Alnatura: Alnatura’s vegan Frischcreme Kräuter (Cream cheese spread with herbs)
Butter: We don’t use butter heavily in cooking, but it’s a nice option as a spread for breads or for garnishing. Here are our favorites:
- At Alnatura: Naturli’s Bio Vegane Streichfett (so creamy and perfect for bread)
- At Rewe: Rama’s Sooo Buttrig!
- At Rewe: Becel’s Classic
2. Savoury Snacks
Who doesn’t love spicy, herby, and crunchy snacks to munch on, right? Unfortunately, many big brands like Lay’s often craft flavoured chips that do not accommodate vegans. The good news is, however, many local brands in Germany have championed making delicious, plant-based snacks that cater to every craving.
Funny-Frisch is one such brand that has over 25 vegan options, from potato- and lentil-based chips to Bretzel sticks and ground nut snacks. We’re a big fan of their product range. Plus, they’re conscious of the potato wastage and accept all varieties and sizes of potatoes to minimise food waste. Some of our personal favourites include Chakalaka, Oriental, Cornados, Riffles Paprika, and Linsen Chips Sweet Chili. Funny-Frisch can be found in almost all German supermarkets.
For more vegan chips, check out Lidl’s Snack Day range for some amazing flavours! Happy munching!!
3. Desserts and Sweets
Ice cream: If you’re craving for vegan ice cream, Germany has some fantastic options:
- At Penny: Food For Future’s Choco Triple Eis
- At Rewe: Rewe’s Choco Triple
- At Rewe: Cremissimo’s Bourbon Vanille
- At Rewe/Alnatura: Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Apart from these, there are many flavours in fruit sorbets, some are crafted completely from natural ingredients, so no preservatives.
Desserts: And if you, like Shiva, love trying out new desserts, then these vegan treats will definitely not disappoint.
- At Rewe: Coppenrath & Wiese’s Mandel-Bienenstich Torte (Almond tart)
- At Rewe: Müller’s Schoko Mousse (Chocolate mousse)
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Vegane Muffins
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Vegane Mini Cakes
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Vegane Kokosdessert Brombeere (Coconut-based mulberry dessert)
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Vegane Cheesecake Blaubeere (Blueberry Cheesecake)
4. German Breads and Flavourful Spreads
When it comes to Germany, what comes to mind is the country’s world-famous beers. But what many don’t know is that Germany is as passionate for its bread as its beers. In fact, bread plays such an integral role in German cuisine that there’s even a term for evening bread in German—Abendbrot! With over 3,000 varieties, Germany is a paradise for bread lovers.
From traditional Roggenbrot (rye bread) to Weißbrot (wheat bread), Vollkornbrot (whole wheat bread), and even Kartoffelbrot (potato bread), the diversity is quite impressive. Many of these breads, especially freshly-made ones like Dinkelbrot (Spelt bread), Gersterbrot (barley bread), Weizenmischbrot (wheat mix bread), Kastenweizen (boxed wheat), Sonnenblumenbrot (sunflowerseed bread) are naturally vegan. They’re made of simple ingredients: flour (grain+seeds), yeast, salt, and water. However, not all breads are vegan, as some recipes include eggs, yogurt, milk, and butter. So, if you’re a vegan, be sure to check the ingredient label or ask your baker for clarification.
Some of our favourite breads are Kartoffelbrot, Maisbrot (corn bread), Ciabatta (an Italian style loaf), and all the ones mentioned above—there’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of breads straight from the bakery.
Usually, Germans pair their bread with sausages, cheese spreads, ham, or even a glass of beer. But if spreads are your thing, then you’ll find a wide variety of vegan-friendly options to complement your loaf of choice. Here are some of our best recommendations:
- At Rewe: Rewe Bio’s Tomate, Paprika, Belugalinsen & Balsamico Streichcreme (Cream spread made from tomatoes, red bell peppers, Beluga lentils and balsamic vinegar)
- At Rewe: Rewe’s Streichgenuss Tomate-Basilkum (Spread from tomato and basil)
- At Rewe: Rewe’s Ajvar spicy (Spread from peppers and eggplants)
- At Lidl: Vemondo’s Veganer Streichgenuss mit roter paprika (Spread from red bell peppers)
Apart from this, you can try all varieties of hummus from various brands in major supermarkets. There are such great flavours available including Harissa, Curry, Paprika, Ginger-carrot, Muhammara etc.
German dishes that are vegan and where to find them?
Germany’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its regions, each boasting unique gastronomic traditions. While many traditional German dishes revolve around meat, potatoes, and bread, they’re often accompanied by plenty of vegetables and greens like cabbage, kale, and tomatoes.
Germany also shares its culinary traditions with the neighbouring countries. For instance, south German regions such as Bavaria share their cuisine with Austria and Switzerland due to its proximity. The rural conditions and the alpine climate of Bavaria or South Tyrol supports growth of wheat, barley, potatoes, beets, carrots, onion and cabbage. As a result, dishes like Knödel (potato dumplings), Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup), Schupfnudeln or Fingernudeln (potato and wheat based dumplings) are local, and are often paired with sauerkraut (fermented cabbage). Watch out for Knödel— some recipes may contain eggs, cheese or butter so make sure those ingredients are not a part of the one you’re ordering.
In western Germany, regions like Baden and Swabia share their culinary traditions with France and Switzerland. Local dishes such as Spätzle (egg noodles) and Maultaschen (a ravioli-like pasta) highlight these cross-border influences.
But then… Where to find these authentic treasures?
Luckily, Germany has embraced plant-based dining, and you’ll find many restaurants offering vegan versions of traditional dishes. Whether you’re exploring quaint Bavarian villages or bustling metropolitan areas, you’re likely to stumble upon delicious vegan interpretations of these classics. Here’s a list of some of the specialties we’ve tried across Germany and absolutely loved:
1. Vegan Schnitzel & Kaiserschmarrn – Max Pett Restaurant, Munich
Traditionally, Schnitzel is a thin slice of meat, typically made from veal or pork, and is quite a popular dish in Germany. Fortunately, vegans can try out this classic at Max Pett Restaurant in Munich. It is super crispy, and is served with salad.
Kaiserschmarrn, an iconic dessert, widely popular in Austria and Bavaria, is a fluffy shredded pancake that’s served with Apfelmus (apple sauce). The pancakes may contain raisins or dried cranberries, giving it a delightful sweet-sour flavour to the dish. Max Pett is the perfect place to indulge in this sweetness!
2. Maultaschen – Herr Kächele Maultaschen und mehr, Stuttgart
Maultaschen are dumplings made from pasta dough, and are usually filled with onions, bread rolls, and sausage meat. However, every family in the Swabian region has its own version of fillings. If you’re in Stuttgart, we highly recommend trying out this local delicacy from Herr Kächele. They also have varieties of other local dishes like Spätzle, Maultaschen in soup, etc.
3. Vegan Knödel – Sanktannas & Fink’s Südtiroler Knödelküche, Munich
If you’re in southern Germany, Austria or South Tyrol, you’re likely to find different varieties of Knödel like Semmelknödel, Spinatknödel, and Kartoffelknödel (bread-, spinach-, and potato-based dumplings). They’re a regional speciality and tastes heaven when paired with some sort of sauce. Sanktannas and Fink’s, both have varieties of these dumplings. Sanktannas also has a weekly lunch menu with a dessert/juice at a reasonable price of 13.90 EUR. Try out any of these two and you’ll definitely want to carry back home a pack or two of Knödel!
4. Kartoffelsuppe – Steg 1, Herrsching am Ammersee
Coming from India, we’d honestly never imagined having a soup made from potatoes—it seemed quite a weird combo to us! But, ever since we tried the Kartoffelsuppe from a Christmas market in Berlin, we’ve been hooked! So creamy and so flavourful, this potato soup is typically blended with a medley of vegetables and herbs, making it a true winter delicacy. It’s the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a chilly day!!
5. Gemüsesuppe/Tomatensuppe – Münchner Suppenküche, Munich
Munich truly is a gastronomic delight, offering a variety of delicious soups and dishes to savor. Also, soups are a staple in German cuisine, enjoyed regularly by locals. So, if you’re in munich and crave to experience the local life, head to Viktualienmarkt—a food market in the old part of town. The Gemüsesuppe (vegetable soup) and Tomatensuppe (tomato soup) from this cute little kiosk, Münchner Suppenküche is delicious!
6. Schupfnudeln – Café Ignaz, Munich
Schupfnudeln (or Fingernudeln) are a type of dumpling or thick noodle made from rye, wheat, or potatoes, similar to Italian gnocchi. These delicious bites are widely available in supermarkets and traditional Bavarian restaurants. However, be sure to check for non-vegan ingredients like eggs and butter.
Often served with Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), Schupfnudeln is a quintessential dish you won’t want to miss during your visit to this part of Europe. For a fantastic vegan-friendly experience, head to Café Ignaz, a gem offering not only Schupfnudeln but also a variety of pastas, cakes, and other German specialties. It’s a must-visit spot for indulging in authentic flavours.
2. Vegan Döner – Türkitch, Munich
You might be surprised to learn that Germany and Turkey are actually fighting over the origins of a beloved dish that has Turkish roots but has evolved and diversified in Germany. If you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s the Döner Kebab.
From late-night diners to kids grabbing a quick snack, Döner is the street food that Germans wholeheartedly enjoy. The story goes that in the ‘70s, two Turkish immigrants in Berlin, working as “guest workers,” adapted the traditional Döner Kebab into a sandwich-style meal packed with veggies, sauces, and meat. In fact, Germany alone generates €2.3 billion annually from Döner sales, with €3.5 billion coming from across Europe. Crazy, right?
Each Döner maker puts their own spin on it—some add homemade hummus, others enhance it with unique spices and yogurt-based sauces. Over the years, Shiva and I have tried countless variations of Döner, but one has truly won us over: the vegan falafel Döner from Türkitch in Munich. It’s a game-changer with perfectly crispy falafels, fresh & crunchy veggies, creamy hummus, ‘spicy’ sauce, and just the right balance of flavours. If you’re in Munich, make sure to try the vegan falafel Döner from Türkitch—you won’t be disappointed!
Hooooffff, I guess that’s all from us for now! Was quite a long list, isn’t it? But seriously there’s so much more out here, but we can’t mention each! Anyhow, we really wish you all can explore the many varieties of plant-based meals in Germany and truly enjoy the culinary culture.
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Hi ! We’re Forum and Shiva, two intrepid souls united by our shared love for TRAVEL and SUSTAINABILITY. We met as architectural colleagues and we both spent some years exploring sustainable and socially responsible architecture. Our mutual fascination for vernacular architecture, traditional communities, and the curiosity to witness the natural world.. all led us to build this little nest: Barriers and Borders.
Our mission is simple – to bring you meaningful stories from the small or the big journeys that we make which could allow you to see the world differently. To let you join our journeys through our words.. to touch upon those little details that maybe get missed.. and above all to attempt to give back to the places we are privileged to visit in this lifetime.
Barriers and Borders
Hi ! We’re Forum and Shiva, two intrepid souls united by our shared love for TRAVEL and SUSTAINABILITY. We met as architectural colleagues and we both spent some years exploring sustainable and socially responsible architecture. Our mutual fascination for vernacular architecture, traditional communities, and the curiosity to witness the natural world.. all led us to build this little nest: Barriers and Borders.
Our mission is simple – to bring you meaningful stories from the small or the big journeys that we make which could allow you to see the world differently. To let you join our journeys through our words.. to touch upon those little details that maybe get missed.. and above all to attempt to give back to the places we are privileged to visit in this lifetime.
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