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

# Is Tiramisu Vegetarian? (Eggs & Mascarpone)

Tiramisu is an Italian dessert of mascarpone, eggs and coffee-soaked biscuits, and it is vegetarian
but far from vegan. Here is what is in it and how to find the plant-based version.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Tiramisu is vegetarian but not vegan.
> - It is layered with mascarpone (dairy), eggs and ladyfinger biscuits.
> - The espresso and cocoa are vegan; the cream and egg are not.
> - A vegan tiramisu uses cashew or coconut cream and egg-free biscuits.

**TL;DR: Tiramisu is vegetarian but not vegan**: it's layered with mascarpone (dairy), eggs,
espresso-soaked ladyfingers and cocoa. A vegan tiramisu uses plant-based cream instead.

## What's in tiramisu

- **Mascarpone**: Italian cream cheese (dairy).
- **Eggs**: raw yolks (and sometimes whipped whites).
- **Ladyfingers**: sponge biscuits (contain egg and flour).
- **Espresso + cocoa**: vegan.

So it's egg- and dairy-based: vegetarian, definitely not vegan.

## The vegan version

Vegan tiramisu replaces the mascarpone and eggs with **cashew or coconut cream** and uses
egg-free biscuits. It's common at vegan cafés and in recipes.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Yes.
- **Vegan?** No for the classic: only a plant-based version.

See our [Tiramisu dish guide](/food/italy/tiramisu/) 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.*