Bojangles is a popular fast-food chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea.
Their biscuits, in particular, are a fan favorite and are often enjoyed with various fillings such as chicken, sausage, or gravy.
But for those following a vegetarian diet, the question arises: Are Bojangles biscuits vegetarian? Let’s find out.
What is a Vegetarian Diet?
A vegetarian diet is one that excludes meat, poultry, and seafood.
There are several variations of vegetarianism, including lacto-ovo vegetarianism (which includes dairy and eggs), lacto-vegetarianism (which includes dairy but not eggs), and veganism (which excludes all animal products).
Ingredients in Bojangles Biscuits
The main ingredients in Bojangles biscuits are:
Enriched bleached wheat flour, water, vegetable shortening (partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oil), buttermilk, sugar, baking powder, salt, and calcium propionate (a preservative).
Are these Ingredients Vegetarian-Friendly?
Most of the ingredients listed are plant-based and vegetarian-friendly.
However, the buttermilk used in the biscuits is a dairy product, which may not be suitable for some vegetarians, especially those following a vegan or lacto-vegetarian diet.
Are Bojangles Biscuits Vegetarian?
Bojangles biscuits can be considered vegetarian-friendly if you consume dairy products, as they contain buttermilk. However, they are not suitable for vegans or lacto-vegetarians who do not consume dairy.
Additionally, the vegetable shortening used contains partially hydrogenated oils, which are not considered healthy due to their trans fat content.
While this does not affect the vegetarian status of the biscuits, it is something to consider if you are concerned about your overall health.
Other Vegetarian Options at Bojangles
If you are looking for other vegetarian-friendly options at Bojangles, you may be limited as their menu is primarily focused on chicken.
However, some vegetarian options include the Bo-Tato Rounds (potato rounds), Mac ‘n Cheese, and the Garden Salad (without chicken).
Be sure to check the ingredients and ask the staff if you have any concerns or dietary restrictions.
Do Bojangles Biscuits Have Lard?
Traditionally, lard is used in biscuit recipes to give them a flaky texture. According to the ingredients listed on the Bojangles’ website, their biscuits are made with vegetable shortening, not lard.
Vegetable shortening is a solid fat made from vegetable oils, making it a suitable option for vegetarians.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant or review the ingredients list, as recipes can vary by location or be updated over time.
Conclusion
Bojangles biscuits can be considered vegetarian-friendly if you consume dairy products. However, they are not suitable for vegans who do not consume dairy.
Additionally, while the biscuits do not contain any meat or poultry products, the use of partially hydrogenated oils in the vegetable shortening may be a concern for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
If you are following a vegetarian diet and looking for options at Bojangles, it is recommended to check the ingredients and ask the staff for more information to ensure you are making the best choice for your dietary needs.
