If you haven’t jumped on the truffle oil bandwagon yet, you’re missing out. These delightful underground mushrooms have skyrocketed in popularity over the recent decades. Because truffles are a fungus, questions have been raised if they’re a vegan friendly option. If truffles are not technically considered a plant or an animal, is truffle oil vegan friendly?
Yes, both natural and synthetic truffle oils are considered vegan. However, depending on how the truffles were sourced, they may include the use of animals to harvest. Because of this, some vegans might disagree on them being vegan friendly. Also, some oils might contain added non-vegan friendly ingredients, such as small traces of dairy and even fish.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at truffle oil and what to look for when searching for a vegan friendly option. Ready to get started!
Contents
What is Truffle Oil?
Truffles are a type of fungi that can be found growing on the base or roots of trees. With various types including black, white, summer and winter truffles, these fungi are typically enjoyed by squirrels or wild boar. Now inhabiting many high-end restaurants and eateries, truffle oil has a slight garlic flavor with a deep earthy aroma quickly becoming beloved by many humans.
First becoming a commercial oil in the 1980s by soaking bits of truffles in high-end olive oil, truffle oil is most commonly used as a finishing oil in dishes such as fries, pastas, and pizzas.
Finding and harvesting truffles in the wild often require the sensitive sense of smell from that of pigs or dogs. Because of this some might object to them being a part of a vegan diet.
Is Truffle Oil Healthy?
Truffles are highly nutritious and a great source of antioxidants and other valuable nutrients for health. Although their nutrition profiles vary from species to species, truffles contain a good source of protein and fiber as well as vitamin C, calcium, iron and zinc, among other micronutrients [1].
Truffles are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. These are essential fats that can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. Truffles are also rich in antioxidants including vitamin C, gallic acid and lycopene. A diet high in antioxidant foods is shown to reduce risk for many chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes as well as promote longevity [1, 2].
Along with antioxidant properties, truffles contain a wide spectrum of antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities making them ideal for complimentary medicine. Unfortunately, the benefits of these fungi highly depend on the season, their environment, when they are collected and how they are collected.
Truffle Oil Nutrition
Truffles are nutritionally popular due to their low calories, healthy fats, and rich plant proteins as well as micronutrients that contribute to human health. There are a variety of different species enjoyed as oils in the United States. Their nutrition content and flavor vary slightly depending on the type of truffle used.
Truffles can be infused in any type of oil but are most commonly found in olive oils. Synthetic truffle oils have become more popular over the recent years due to the expense of obtaining the real thing.
Truffles are known to be one of the most expensive foods, specifically Tuber genus truffles, which can sell at up to $90 an ounce. To make truffle oil more widely available, synthetic compounds were created and added to olive oil that capture the distinctive flavors of truffles. Synthetic truffle oils contain 2,4-dithiapentane instead of truffles. This is an aromatic molecule that is found in truffles that gives them their distinct aroma [3, 4].
The calories and fat content in the different truffle oils depends on the oil used, the species of truffle and any additives.
Best Vegan Truffle Oils
When searching for a high-quality vegan truffle oil, always look for the Certified Vegan logo. If this logo is not present, make sure to evaluate the ingredients list to ensure it contains no animal products.
Unfortunately, the Certified Vegan logo only applies to animal products in the food or testing of animals in the making of a product. This logo does not ensure animals were not used in the foraging process. For those who are concerned about whether animals were used in the foraging of truffles present in your oils, contacting the manufacturer of the product for more information is your best bet at determining if their oil meets those criteria.
Below are some of the most popular vegan truffle oils. With a variety of species and price ranges, there are many options available to try for those who have not yet experienced truffle oil.
De Rosario Organics 100% Organic White Truffle Oil
Organic, Kosher, and vegan friendly, De Rosario Organics 100% organic white truffle oil is the real thing. Because it does not use synthetic ingredients as most truffle oils do, cost for this oil is significantly increased at $239.00 for 6-ounce container. The flavor of this oil is described as earthy and nutty with strong notes of garlic.
Ingredients:
- Organic extra virgin olive oil
- Organic white truffles (T. Magnatum Pico)
- 100% organic white truffle flavored extra virgin olive oil
Nutrition Information (serving size – 1 tablespoon):
- Calories 120
- Fat 14g
- Saturated fat 2.5g
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Truff Black Truffle Infused Olive Oil
Vegan, gluten free and containing real black winter truffles versus synthetic, you can purchase a 6-ounce bottle from Truff for only $24.99. The flavor of this oil is described as chocolatey, nutty, and earthy with a deep, musky aroma.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Black truffle oil concentrate
- Black winter truffle (Tuber Melanosporum)
Nutrition Information (serving size – 1 tablespoon):
- Calories 130
- Fat 15g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
The Truffleist Black Truffle Olive Oil
Italian olive oil infused with black summer truffles from northern Italy, the Truffleist Black Truffle olive oil is available on their website for $25.00 or on Amazon for $23.99 for an 8.5-ounce bottle. Vegan friendly and advertised as great for drizzling or adding as a base to a sauce, this oil is also budget friendly compared to most others of its kind.
Its flavor is described as mild and delicate, similar to porcini mushrooms, mixed with notes of garlic, chocolate, and hazelnut.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Black summer truffles (Tuber Aestivum)
- Truffle essence
Nutrition Information (serving size – 1 tablespoon):
- Calories 120
- Fat 14g
- Saturated fat 2g
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Sabatino Tartufi White Truffle Infused Avocado Oil
Gluten free, non-GMO, and vegan friendly, Sabatino Tartufi white truffle infused avocado oil is made with cold pressed avocado oil and white truffle extract. It contains a higher smoke point than truffle oils made with olive oil and is said the neutral flavor of the avocado oil allows the white truffle flavor to shine.
You can find this oil on their website priced at $13.50 for a 3.4-ounce bottle. The flavor of this oil is described as having bright notes of garlic and earth.
Ingredients:
- Avocado oil
- Natural truffle extract
- Natural white truffle flavor
Nutrition Information (serving size – 1 tablespoon):
- Calories 120
- Fat 13g
- Saturated fat 2g
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Lieber’s White Truffle Oil
Vegan, Kosher, and non-GMO, Leiber’s white truffle oil is made with extra virgin olive oil and is said to have notes of garlic, woods, earth, and fruit. You can purchase this oil on Amazon or Walmart at budget friendly price of $22.79 for an 8.45-ounce bottle
Ingredients:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- White truffle oil
- White truffles
Nutrition Information (serving size – 1 tablespoon):
- Calories 120
- Fat 14g
- Saturated fat 2g
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Related Questions
Is Truffle Oil Gluten Free?
Truffle oil is considered a gluten free product if choosing one that contains only oil and truffles. It is rare that a truffle oil product will add a gluten containing ingredient however, it is always best to read the ingredients list and nutrition label to verify. Common gluten containing ingredients include wheat, barley, rye, malt, brewer’s yeast and oats that are not labeled gluten free [5].
Is Truffle Oil Safe for Pregnancy?
Dietary restrictions during pregnancy are often encouraged simply for safety as some foods contain a higher risk for foodborne illness that could have adverse effects on an unborn child. Truffles and truffle containing products are discouraged during this time due to potential risks of toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that can result in serious complications for pregnant women. This parasite can also be found in undercooked meats, unwashed fruits and vegetables, contaminated water, soil and dirty cat litter boxes [6].
Can Truffle Oil Go Bad?
Most high-quality oils, unopened, can last up to 12 months if properly stored. Opened truffle oils will last 4-6 months at room temperature and up to 8-months if refrigerated. Although, refrigeration results in a cloudy product however, it will not affect flavor.
Can Truffle Oil Be Used for Frying?
Cooking temperatures for truffle oils vary depending on the type of oil used. Because truffle oils are most commonly made with olive oil, they are best used for low to medium heat, such as sautéing or as a finishing oil. Some truffle oils are made with avocado oil which has a higher smoke point than olive oil and are more suitable for higher temperature cooking and can be used for shallow frying.