Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-poutine-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Poutine Vegetarian? (Gravy & Cheese Curds)

Poutine is fries, cheese curds and gravy, and the gravy is where the meat hides. Even a poutine with
no visible meat is usually not vegetarian. Here is how to order a plant-based version.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Poutine is usually not vegetarian: the gravy is typically beef- or chicken-based.
> - The fries are vegan, and the cheese curds are dairy.
> - A vegetarian poutine needs vegetable or mushroom gravy.
> - A vegan poutine also needs plant-based cheese.

**TL;DR: Poutine is usually not vegetarian**: the fries are fine, but the gravy is typically
beef- or chicken-based and it's topped with cheese curds. Vegetarian (veg gravy) and vegan
(plant cheese) poutine exist.

## What's in poutine

- **Fries**: vegan.
- **Cheese curds**: dairy (vegetarian, not vegan).
- **Gravy**: the classic poutine gravy is **meat-based** (beef or chicken stock).

So even the "no meat" poutine still has cheese curds and usually meat gravy.

## How to order vegetarian or vegan

- **Vegetarian:** ask for **vegetable or mushroom gravy** (cheese curds stay).
- **Vegan:** vegetable gravy **and plant-based cheese**.

Many Canadian restaurants and vegan spots make a fully plant-based poutine.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Only with vegetable gravy.
- **Vegan?** Vegetable gravy + plant cheese.

See our [Poutine dish guide](/food/canada/poutine/) 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.*