The stroopwafel is one of the Netherlands’ greatest culinary gifts to the world. Crispy caramelised waffle rounds bound together with a warm, sticky syrup — there is nothing else quite like it. But if you follow a vegan lifestyle, the traditional recipe has a few animal-derived ingredients that make it off-limits. The good news? Vegan stroopwafels are very much a reality, and Amsterdam is one of the best cities in Europe to find them. We have put together this complete guide to help you navigate your options.

What Makes Traditional Stroopwafels Not Vegan?

A classic stroopwafel recipe contains butter and eggs in the waffle dough. The caramel filling is also typically made with butter. These three animal-derived ingredients mean that most commercially produced and market-fresh stroopwafels are not suitable for vegans.

Beyond the recipe itself, some stroopwafel manufacturers use milk powder or whey as additional ingredients in the dough, so it is always worth checking the label carefully even on products that look simple.

Traditional Recipe vs Vegan Recipe

Here is a quick comparison of what changes when you make vegan stroopwafels:

• Butter in the dough → replaced with vegan block margarine or refined coconut oil
• Eggs → replaced with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or aquafaba
• Butter in the filling → replaced with vegan margarine or coconut cream
• Cow’s milk (if used) → replaced with oat milk or almond milk

The result is a stroopwafel that looks, smells, and tastes remarkably close to the original. The caramel filling in particular adapts well to vegan ingredients — dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of syrup are naturally plant-based anyway. If you are curious about the full traditional recipe, our post on how stroopwafels are made is a great place to start.

Vegan Stroopwafels: Where to Find Them in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a thriving plant-based food scene, and the city’s love of stroopwafels means vegan versions are increasingly available. Here is where to look.

Ekoplaza and Health Food Stores

Ekoplaza, the Netherlands’ leading organic supermarket chain, stocks several vegan stroopwafel options. Their stores across Amsterdam — including locations on Haarlemmerdijk, Overtoom, and in De Pijp — have dedicated vegan sections where you can find both branded and own-label vegan stroopwafels. Always check the label for the vegan certification logo.

Supermarkets

Albert Heijn’s AH Biologisch and free-from ranges sometimes include vegan stroopwafels, and Jumbo has expanded its plant-based range significantly in recent years. Availability varies by location, so the larger city-centre branches are your best bet.

Vegan Specialty Bakeries

Amsterdam has a number of fully vegan bakeries that occasionally produce stroopwafels as part of their Dutch treats range. The neighbourhood of De Pijp is particularly well-stocked with plant-based options, making it an excellent base for a vegan food tour of the city.

Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market is Amsterdam’s most famous street market and home to stroopwafel vendors who press fresh waffles right in front of you. Most stalls use traditional recipes, but it is always worth asking — some vendors have adapted their recipes for plant-based customers, especially as demand has grown. We are also based at the market and we offer vegan stroopwafels with advance notice.

Our Vegan Stroopwafel Workshop

At The Stroopwafel Workshop, we want every visitor to Amsterdam to experience the pleasure of making their own stroopwafel from scratch. That is why we offer a fully vegan option in our hands-on sessions.

When you book with us and indicate that you are vegan, we prepare a plant-based dough and a vegan caramel filling. You will use the same traditional waffle iron, learn the same pressing and slicing technique, and go home with a box of vegan stroopwafels you made with your own hands — plus a certificate to remember the experience.

Our workshops run at the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighbourhood. Sessions are available for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Find out more on our workshop page and book your spot here.

Vegan Stroopwafel Recipe: Make Your Own at Home

Inspired to try making vegan stroopwafels in your own kitchen? Here is a recipe we have tested and loved.

Vegan Waffle Dough

• 250g plain flour
• 100g vegan block margarine, softened
• 80g caster sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, rested 5 min)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp fast-action yeast dissolved in 2 tbsp warm oat milk
• Pinch of salt

Vegan Caramel Filling

• 200g dark brown sugar
• 80g vegan block margarine
• 4 tbsp golden syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp coconut cream (optional, for richness)

Method

Mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened margarine and rub in until you have a sandy texture. Mix in the flax egg and the dissolved yeast, then bring together into a soft dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

For the filling, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and you have a smooth, thick caramel. Allow to cool to a spreadable consistency.

Divide the dough into balls of roughly 25g each. Press each ball in a preheated stroopwafel iron for about 75 seconds until golden and cooked through. While still warm, use a sharp knife to slice each round horizontally into two thin discs. Spread the vegan caramel generously on the bottom half and press the top half down. Leave to cool and crisp up on a wire rack.

Love the idea of making vegan stroopwafels but want a guided experience? Take a look at our guide to the best stroopwafels in Amsterdam and discover why our workshop is rated one of the top experiences in the city.

What to Look for on Labels

If you are buying pre-packaged vegan stroopwafels in Amsterdam, here are a few things to check:

• Look for a certified vegan logo (the Vegan Society sunflower or the V-label)
• Check the ingredients list for butter, egg, milk powder, whey, and honey
• Watch out for “may contain traces of milk or eggs” warnings if you have a dairy or egg allergy
• Some brands use natural flavourings that may contain animal derivatives — certified labels are the safest guide

If you have other dietary requirements alongside a vegan lifestyle, our guide to gluten-free stroopwafels may also be helpful.

Vegan Stroopwafels as a Gift

Stroopwafels are the most popular Dutch food souvenir, and a box of vegan stroopwafels makes a thoughtful gift for plant-based friends and family back home. Most packaged vegan stroopwafels travel well and stay fresh for several weeks, making them a practical pick-up from health food stores before you head to the airport.

Even better: join our workshop and take home a batch you made yourself. We provide gift boxes so your stroopwafels arrive looking as good as they taste. Visit our about page to learn more about the workshop experience, or head straight to the booking page to reserve your session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are stroopwafels vegan by default?

No. Traditional stroopwafels contain butter and eggs. You need to look specifically for products labelled vegan, or request a vegan version at a workshop or bakery.

What do vegan stroopwafels taste like compared to the original?

Very similar. The caramel filling adapts especially well to plant-based ingredients. The waffle itself is slightly different in texture depending on the egg replacer used, but the flavour profile — warm spice, sweet caramel, buttery crunch — is faithfully reproduced.

Can I make vegan stroopwafels without a special iron?

A dedicated stroopwafel iron gives the best results because of its thin, patterned plates. A standard thin waffle iron can work in a pinch, though the texture may be slightly different. The filling recipe works regardless of the iron used.

Does The Stroopwafel Workshop offer vegan sessions?

Yes. We offer vegan stroopwafel options with advance notice. Let us know when you book via our contact page or at the time of reservation, and we will prepare plant-based ingredients for your session.