Eating vegan in France might seem like an oxymoron. After all, France is renowned for its buttery croissants, creamy cheeses, and rich meat dishes. But fear not, while classic French cuisine might not scream “vegan-friendly”, the country is making it more and more easy and accessible for those who choose this diet.
Where to find vegan products in traditional supermarkets
- Dedicated vegan/vegetarian section: Many larger supermarkets now have a dedicated section for vegan and vegetarian products, making it easy to find plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and ready meals.
- Organic or bio aisle: The organic aisle is a treasure trove of vegan goodies. Look for plant-based milks, tofu, tempeh, and specialty items like nutritional yeast.
- International aisle: Sometimes, you can find unique vegan products in the international aisle, such as Asian sauces and condiments.
Vegan-friendly supermarkets and websites
For a wider selection and specialty items, check out these options:
- La Vie Claire: With a focus on organic and natural products, La Vie Claire is a haven for health-conscious shoppers. You’ll find a wide array of vegan products, from plant-based meats and cheeses to gluten-free bread and organic fruits and vegetables.
- Biocoop: As France’s largest network of cooperative organic stores, Biocoop is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Beyond an extensive range of vegan food items, Biocoop emphasizes local and seasonal produce, often sourced directly from nearby farms. Many stores also have bulk bins for grains, nuts, and seeds, allowing you to reduce packaging waste.
- Grand Frais: While not exclusively vegan or vegetarian, Grand Frais offers a unique market-style experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality produce. They have an impressive selection of fruits and vegetables, often at lower prices than traditional supermarkets.
- La Fourche: If convenience and affordability are your priorities, La Fourche is an excellent option. This online supermarket specializes in organic and eco-friendly products, with a significant portion dedicated to vegan needs.
How to recognize vegan products
While more and more vegan or vegetarian products are clearly labeled, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with common logos and labeling practices.
Loof for a label
Many products will simply state “vegan” or “végétalien” on the packaging. This is usually a clear indication. You can also look for the European Vegetarian Union (EVU) label. This widely recognized label features a green “V” with a leaf. It guarantees that a product is vegetarian, meaning it contains no meat, fish, or animal by-products. However, it may still contain dairy or eggs, so double-check the ingredients if you’re vegan!
Check the ingredients
- Ingredient lists: Even with logos, always check the ingredient list. Be aware of hidden products like gelatin (gélatine), whey (lactosérum), and casein (caséine).
- “Peut contenir des traces de…” (May contain traces of…) statements: French labeling often includes “Peut contenir des traces de…” (May contain traces of…) statements. These are precautionary and don’t necessarily mean the product isn’t vegan, but use your judgment based on your own comfort level.
- “Sans” (without) claims: Look for products labeled “sans lait” (dairy-free), “sans œufs” (egg-free), or “sans produits animaux” (animal-free). These can be helpful indicators, especially when combined with other clues.
Use an app
You can download food scanner apps like Veganoupa. It’s a free mobile app that helps you identify vegan products by scanning their barcodes. It also provides nutritional information and compares products within the same category.
Popular vegan or vegetarian brands in France
Here are some of the most popular brands you’ll find in supermarkets that offer vegan and/or vegetarian products:
- Bjorg: A go-to for organic plant-based milks, yogurts, desserts, and convenient meal solutions like veggie burgers.
- Herta: Known for their “Le Bon Végétal” range of vegan sausages, burgers, and deli slices, perfect for quick meals.
- Happyvore: Offers a variety of tasty and convenient vegan alternatives to classic meat products, including burgers, meatballs, and sausages.
- Alpro: Widely available, offering a diverse range of plant-based milks, yogurts, desserts, and cream alternatives.
- Michel et Augustin: Known for their gourmet cookies and desserts, with a selection of vegan-friendly options like chocolate chip cookies and chocolate mousse.
Useful phrases for dining out
More and more restaurants are offering vegan or vegetarian options. We want you to have the best possible stay in France, and enjoying a nice dinner at a French restaurant is part of the experience. So, here are some phrases to help you feel confident:
- Est-ce que ce plat est vegan ? Is this dish vegan?
- Est-ce que vous avez des options vegan ? Are there any vegan options?
- Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez pour un vegan? What do you recommend for a vegan?
- Est-ce que ce plat peut être préparé sans produits animaux? Can this dish be made without animal products?
- Est-ce que je peux avoir ce plat sans … ? Can I have this dish without …?
You can learn more useful phrases to order at a French restaurant here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/ordering-at-restaurant-in-french/
