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

# Is Shakshuka Vegetarian or Vegan? (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

Shakshuka is eggs poached in a spiced tomato-and-pepper sauce, and the sauce is vegan while the
eggs are not. Here is what makes it vegetarian and how to find the vegan version.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Shakshuka is vegetarian but not vegan.
> - The tomato-pepper sauce and spices are vegan; the eggs are not.
> - A "vegan shakshuka" uses tofu or chickpeas instead of eggs.
> - It is popular across North Africa and the Middle East, often served with bread.

**TL;DR: Shakshuka is vegetarian but not vegan**: it's eggs poached in a spiced tomato-and-pepper
sauce. The sauce itself is vegan; the eggs are not. A "vegan shakshuka" uses tofu or chickpeas
instead.

## What's in shakshuka

- **Tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, chili**: the sauce (vegan).
- **Spices**: cumin, paprika, coriander (vegan).
- **Eggs**: poached in the sauce (vegetarian, not vegan).

Popular across North Africa and the Middle East, it's often served with bread.

## The vegan version

"Vegan shakshuka" swaps the eggs for **silken tofu, chickpeas or a plant-egg substitute**, keeping
the same spiced tomato base.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Yes.
- **Vegan?** Only the tofu/chickpea version (no eggs).

See our [Shakshuka dish guide](/food/tunisia/shakshuka/) 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.*