Gluten-Free and Vegan Stroopwafels

Travelling to the Netherlands while eating gluten-free or vegan can feel a little daunting at first. The croquette straight from the wall, a slice of aged cheese, herring with chopped onion, poffertjes under a dusting of sugar: one by one, the Dutch classics seem to slip off the menu. Not to worry, though. A gluten-free or vegan stroopwafel really does exist, with the same warm, gooey syrup in the middle.

At Hans Egstorf, Amsterdam's oldest stroopwafel bakery, we love seeing everyone enjoy this Dutch classic. Below, we look at what changes in the dough and how it tastes. We also share the topping we like to treat ourselves to behind the counter.

Please note: recipes and ingredients can change. Always check the ingredient list and allergen information on the label or product page before you buy or eat a stroopwafel, especially if you have an allergy or follow a strict diet.

Watch our baker explain how we make vegan stroopwafels at our Amsterdam bakery.

What is in a traditional stroopwafel?

A traditional stroopwafel has two parts: a thin, crisp waffle and a layer of caramel syrup in between. The waffle dough is made with wheat flour and butter, and usually contains egg as well. The filling starts with syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon, and is often enriched with a little butter.

The good news is that the heart of a stroopwafel is naturally gluten-free and vegan. Take the syrup: thick and golden, it turns wonderfully gooey as soon as it warms up. Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness with a hint of caramel. And cinnamon brings its gentle, spicy glow to every bite. None of these contain gluten or animal products. The challenge lies only in the wheat flour, which contains gluten, and in the butter and egg, which are animal products.

So making a gluten-free or vegan stroopwafel is mainly about replacing those few ingredients, while keeping the syrup that gives the stroopwafel its character.

Gluten-free stroopwafels: how they differ

In our gluten-free stroopwafel, the wheat flour is replaced with a blend of rice flour, starches and lupin flour. The butter is swapped for a plant-based margarine, which makes it lactose-free as well. The syrup filling stays much the same, since it contains no gluten to begin with. It does contain egg, so this version is not vegan.

Gluten gives dough its stretch, so a gluten-free waffle behaves a little differently. It tends to be slightly more crumbly and a touch more delicate. Many people find the taste very close to the original, because the caramel syrup carries most of the flavour.

A gluten-free stroopwafel is a good choice for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. Always check the label, though, as we explain further below.

Vegan stroopwafels: what changes

A vegan stroopwafel leaves out all animal products. In our vegan stroopwafel, the butter is replaced with a plant-based margarine and there is no egg. It is still made with wheat flour, so a vegan stroopwafel is not automatically gluten-free.

Because the syrup filling is plant-based by nature, it keeps its familiar caramel taste. The waffle stays thin and crisp, with that slightly chewy centre. Most people would not taste the difference without being told.

Vegan stroopwafels are also a practical choice for groups, such as an office treat or a gift for guests with different dietary needs.

Topping ideas for vegan stroopwafels at home

Our favourite at the bakery: melt some vegan dark chocolate and dip half of the stroopwafel in it. Before the chocolate sets, we like to sprinkle it with desiccated coconut and a pinch of sea salt. Finely chopped pistachios look lovely too, bright green against the dark chocolate. For a fresh, tangy twist, try crumbled freeze-dried raspberries.

What to check before you buy

The ingredient list is your best guide. Gluten-free and vegan versions can still contain other allergens. Our gluten-free stroopwafel contains egg and lupin, for example, and our vegan one contains soy. Always read the label, especially if you have a serious allergy.

It also helps to know where the stroopwafels are made. Fresh stroopwafels in a bakery are often baked on the same irons as the classic version. For a strict gluten-free diet, a sealed, packaged stroopwafel is usually the safer choice.

In Amsterdam, you can find both options at Hans Egstorf. You can also order our gluten-free stroopwafels and vegan stroopwafels online at Stroopwafel.com. See our allergen information for the details per product.

Traditional Dutch treats that are naturally gluten-free or vegan

The stroopwafel is not the only Dutch treat with a link to these diets. Some traditional Dutch cookies have been made without wheat flour, butter or egg for generations. Recipes differ per baker, so the label always has the final word.

Dutch treat	What it is	Naturally
Bitterkoekjes	Chewy almond cookies made with almond, sugar and egg white	Gluten-free
Kokosmakronen	Coconut macaroons, made with coconut, sugar and egg white	Gluten-free
Schuimpjes	Light meringue drops of egg white and sugar	Gluten-free
Taai-taai	Chewy anise cookies, traditionally made with flour and syrup, without butter or egg	Close to vegan
Echte pepernoten	The original small spiced cookies, made with rye flour, syrup and anise	Close to vegan
Ontbijtkoek	Spiced Dutch breakfast cake made with rye flour and syrup	Close to vegan

The gluten-free treats get their structure from egg white instead of flour, so they are not vegan. The vegan-leaning ones are often sweetened with honey, which strict vegans avoid. Look for versions made with syrup only.

Frequently asked questions

Are stroopwafels gluten-free?

A traditional stroopwafel is not gluten-free, because the waffle is made with wheat flour. Gluten-free stroopwafels do exist. In these, the wheat flour is replaced with a gluten-free blend, while the syrup filling, which is naturally gluten-free, stays much the same.

Are stroopwafels vegan?

A classic stroopwafel is not vegan, as it contains butter and usually egg. Vegan versions replace the butter with a plant-based fat and leave out the egg. The syrup filling itself is plant-based by nature.

Is a vegan stroopwafel also gluten-free?

Not necessarily. A vegan stroopwafel usually still contains wheat flour, so it is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. Check the label to see whether a product is gluten-free, vegan or both.

Do gluten-free stroopwafels taste different?

The taste is very close to the original, because the caramel syrup carries most of the flavour. The waffle can be slightly more crumbly, as gluten gives dough its stretch.

Where can I buy gluten-free or vegan stroopwafels in Amsterdam?

Hans Egstorf offers gluten-free and vegan stroopwafels in Amsterdam and online at Stroopwafel.com. Always check the product page or label for the latest allergen information.

Conclusion

A gluten-free or vegan diet does not have to mean missing out on stroopwafels. The syrup at the heart of a stroopwafel is naturally gluten-free and vegan, so only a few ingredients need replacing. At Hans Egstorf, Amsterdam's oldest stroopwafel bakery, we're happy to help you find the right one. Just remember to check the label first. Visit our bakeries in Amsterdam or explore our range at Stroopwafel.com. Curious where it all began? Read where stroopwafels come from.