Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/are-bitterballen-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Are Bitterballen Vegetarian? (Dutch Beef Snack)

Bitterballen are a Dutch bar snack of deep-fried, breaded balls. The crunch is the breading, but
the filling is a beef ragout. Here is what makes them non-vegetarian, and the plant-based version.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Bitterballen are not vegetarian: the filling is a thick beef ragout.
> - The breadcrumb coating is usually fine; the beef inside is not.
> - Vegetarian bitterballen use mushroom or cheese filling.
> - A vegan version needs a plant-based ragout and an egg-free coating.

**TL;DR: Bitterballen are not vegetarian**: the classic Dutch bar snack is a deep-fried ball with
a **beef ragout** filling. Vegetarian bitterballen (mushroom or cheese) are widely available.

## What's in bitterballen

- **Filling**: a thick **beef ragout** (shredded beef in a roux).
- **Coating**: breadcrumbs, fried in oil.
- **Dipping**: mustard (vegan).

The ragout is the non-veg part; the breadcrumb coating is usually fine.

## The vegetarian version

Dutch cafés and supermarkets sell **vegetarische bitterballen** filled with mushroom, cheese or a
plant-based ragout. For a **vegan** version, look for explicitly vegan bitterballen (the roux is
butter-based in the classic recipe).

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Order vegetarian bitterballen (mushroom/cheese).
- **Vegan?** Only the explicitly vegan kind.

See our [Bitterballen dish guide](/food/netherlands/bitterballen/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*