Are Croquetas Vegan in Spain?

Spanish pincho (tapa) with beer

If you’re traveling in Spain and eyeing croquetas on every menu, here’s the blunt truth:

Traditional croquetas in Spain are NOT vegan. We know, we’re sad, too.

Croquetas are one of the most tempting tapas… and one of the easiest ways for vegans to accidentally eat dairy, meat, or fish. Here’s what you need to know and how to actually find vegan croquetas in Spain.

What Are Croquetas Made Of?

Classic Spanish croquetas are made with:

  • Milk-based béchamel
  • Butter
  • Egg
  • Fillings like ham, chicken, fish, or cheese

Even vegetable croquetas (mushroom croquetas are on almost every menu) almost always contain dairy and egg in the base.

So no, “croquetas de setas” does not mean vegan.

Are There Any Vegan Croquetas in Spain?

Spanish croquetas and other tapas

Yes, but only in specific places.

Vegan croquetas exist in:

  • Fully vegan restaurants
  • A small number of vegan-friendly tapas bars
  • Spots that intentionally remake croquetas using plant milk and binders

You will not find them in traditional bars unless they advertise them clearly as vegan.

Why Croquetas Are So Tricky for Vegans

Croquetas are a perfect storm of problems:

  • The béchamel is not listed as an ingredient because it’s assumed (every Spaniard knows the recipe)
  • Servers may say “vegetarian” but mean “no ham”
  • Fish and dairy aren’t always viewed as allergens

Unless it’s clearly labeled vegan, assume it isn’t.

How to Ask If Croquetas Are Vegan (The Right Way)

Croquetas On Plate

These are the key phrases to ask:

  • “Son veganas?” (“are they vegan?”)
  • “Llevan leche, mantequilla o huevo?” (“do they contain milk, butter, or egg?”)
  • “La bechamel es vegetal?” (“is the bechamel plant-based?”)

If the server or menu say “vegetarianas,” ask again. That word alone is not enough.

Where Vegans Actually Find Croquetas in Spain

Vegan croquetas are usually:

  • Made fresh in vegan kitchens
  • Offered in rotating flavors (mushroom, spinach, truffle, cheese-style)
  • Located in neighborhoods you wouldn’t stumble into randomly

The Croqueta Trap Most Vegans Fall Into

Ordering croquetas that are “sin jamón.” (“without ham”)

That just means no ham. It does not mean no milk, butter, egg, or fish stock.

This is one of the most common vegan food mistakes in Spain.

Want to Try Real Vegan Croquetas in Madrid?

That’s exactly why we run our Vegan Food Tour in Madrid.

We take you to places that actually make vegan croquetas, and we handle all the language and verification so you don’t have to. And they aren’t just good, they’re delicious.

We Know Where the Vegan Croquetas Are

Join the Tour

  • Legit vegan croquetas (not “accidentally” vegetarian)
  • Traditional tapas remade plant-based
  • Local vegan guide, zero awkward ordering
  • Small groups, relaxed pace

Book your Vegan Madrid Food Tour Today!

If croquetas are on your Spain food bucket list, our tour is the way to do it right.