Few desserts evoke as much joy and nostalgia as a freshly fried churro—crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often coated in a dusting of sugar or dipped in rich chocolate. Though churros are now a global indulgence, one country stands out as the biggest consumer and cultural champion of this sweet treat.
So, which country eats the most churros in the world?
The answer is clear: Spain.
But that’s just the beginning of the story. From its historical roots to modern vegan and vegetarian adaptations, churros have become a universal comfort food enjoyed by millions—with Spain, Mexico, and the United States leading the charge in popularity and consumption.
This article takes you on a flavorful journey through the history, vegetarian appeal, and global popularity of churros, focusing only on non-meat, eggless, and dairy-optional versions, so it’s 100% vegetarian-friendly.
What Are Churros, Exactly?
At their core, churros are sticks or spirals of fried dough, typically made from flour, water, and salt. The dough is piped into hot oil using a star-shaped nozzle, then fried until golden and crispy. They are traditionally rolled in cinnamon sugar and often served with a thick hot chocolate or dulce de leche sauce.
The classic version of churros is naturally vegetarian, especially in its most traditional Spanish form, which uses just flour, water, salt, and olive oil—no eggs or dairy.
Spain: The Unquestionable Churro Champion
The Cultural Home of Churros
Churros are so ingrained in Spanish culinary culture that you can find churrerías (churro shops) on nearly every corner in cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. In Spain, churros are commonly eaten:
- For breakfast, with thick hot chocolate (chocolate a la taza)
- During festivals and holidays, like Christmas or national celebrations
- As late-night snacks after social gatherings
There are two common forms:
- Churros – Thin and ridged, often straight or slightly curled
- Porras – Thicker and doughier, but equally vegetarian-friendly
Why Spain Tops the List
- Historical origin and widespread daily consumption
- Thousands of churrerías, many open from early morning to late night
- Cultural rituals around churro eating, especially during fiestas
- Many churros in Spain use olive oil instead of butter, making them ideal for vegetarians and even vegans
Spain not only consumes the most churros per capita, but it also exports churro culture globally through tourism and food media.
Mexico – Sweet Traditions with a Twist
While Spain may be the origin of churros, Mexico has truly made them its own. Mexican churros are slightly different in taste and texture:
- Softer interior, crispier outside
- Often filled with sweet sauces like chocolate, vanilla cream, or cajeta (caramelized milk)
- Rolled in cinnamon-sugar, sometimes spiced with nutmeg or chili
Churros are popular across:
- Street stalls (puestos), where they’re sold piping hot
- Fairs and carnivals, where vendors offer filled or dipped variations
- Cafes and bakeries, often served with hot chocolate or atole
Many churro dough recipes in Mexico are made with water and flour, without eggs, though some may include butter. Vegetarian-friendly recipes are widespread, and vegan versions are becoming increasingly common.
United States – A Global Dessert Goes Mainstream
In the last few decades, the U.S. has become one of the largest consumers of churros, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Churros have found their way into:
- Theme parks (Disney parks alone sell millions yearly!)
- Cafes and coffee shops, especially in cities like Los Angeles and New York
- Fusion cuisine, where churros are stuffed, dipped, or even turned into ice cream sandwiches
Churros are often featured at:
- State fairs and food festivals
- Cultural celebrations like Cinco de Mayo
- Vegan and vegetarian bakeries, which create dairy-free and egg-free versions
In the U.S., while some recipes may include butter or eggs, plant-based churros are widely available, especially given the growing popularity of vegan desserts.
Argentina – Dulce de Leche and Churros: A Perfect Pair
Argentina may not eat as many churros as Spain or Mexico, but they’ve created a signature version that’s beloved throughout Latin America: churros rellenos (stuffed churros).
Often filled with dulce de leche, Argentina’s churros are a weekend favorite, sold on beaches, in parks, and at bakeries.
Most Argentine recipes are eggless and vegetarian, with dough made from:
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
- Butter or oil
Vegetarians can enjoy these guilt-free by simply checking if butter is used or if it’s substituted with vegetable oil.
Portugal – The Sweet Cousin: Farturas
Portugal’s version of churros is called farturas, and they are quite similar in structure but often larger and softer inside. These are staples at festivals, carnivals, and beachside markets.
The dough, much like the Spanish variety, is simple and vegetarian—made with:
- Flour
- Water
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Olive oil
While not consumed in the same quantities as in Spain, Portugal’s love for churros keeps growing, especially with the younger generation.
Philippines – A Legacy of Spanish Influence
Thanks to centuries of Spanish colonial influence, Filipinos have embraced churros as part of their dessert culture. They’re especially popular during:
- Afternoon snacks (merienda)
- Holiday gatherings
- Visits to churro cafes and Spanish-style bakeries
Filipino churros are often served with thick chocolate dip and typically made with eggless dough. Vegetarian adaptations are widely available and consumed.
Churros in the Middle East and Asia
Churros have found fans even in unexpected places:
- Japan – Where cafes offer unique versions like matcha churros
- South Korea – Where churros are often stuffed and sweetened with sugar and nuts
- United Arab Emirates – Mall kiosks and dessert bars regularly feature churros
These international variations are often egg-free, using flour, water, and oil, making them accessible for vegetarian diets.
Why Churros Are Perfect for Vegetarians
Unlike many baked goods, churros are naturally vegetarian when made traditionally. Most basic recipes contain:
- No eggs
- No meat or gelatin
- Simple ingredients (flour, water, oil, and sugar)
Even the chocolate dipping sauces can be made with dairy-free milk, allowing vegans and vegetarians to indulge freely.
Common Plant-Based Substitutions:
- Butter → Vegetable oil or vegan margarine
- Milk → Almond, oat, or soy milk
- Chocolate → Dark chocolate with plant milk
The rise of vegan bakeries and cafes around the world has made eggless churros a dessert favorite for everyone.
Healthier and Gourmet Churro Trends
Modern-day churros come in exciting, health-conscious forms:
- Baked churros instead of fried
- Gluten-free options using rice or almond flour
- Low-sugar or stevia-sweetened versions
- Gourmet fillings like matcha, peanut butter, or fruit preserves
These adaptations make churros not only more accessible but also more inclusive, allowing people of all dietary lifestyles—especially vegetarians—to enjoy them.
So, Which Country Eats the Most Churros?
Unquestionably, Spain remains the largest consumer and cultural hub for churros, especially in their original, vegetarian-friendly form. From traditional churros con chocolate to modern filled creations, the Spanish have elevated churros into an everyday treat.
However, other countries are close contenders:
- Mexico gives churros a sugary, creamy twist
- The U.S. has helped globalize and innovate the treat
- Argentina and Portugal maintain regional favorites
- Asian and Middle Eastern countries continue to embrace and reimagine churros in their own ways
But no one consumes churros with as much frequency, ritual, and devotion as Spain—making it the undisputed churro capital of the world.
Conclusion: A Vegetarian Delight Loved Worldwide
Whether you enjoy them at a street fair in Mexico, a cafe in Madrid, or a vegan bakery in Los Angeles, churros are a timeless, vegetarian-friendly indulgence that spans cultures and continents.
Their simplicity, adaptability, and nostalgic appeal make churros a dessert for everyone—no eggs, meat, or guilt required. So, next time you dip a warm, golden churro into a cup of thick chocolate, you’re participating in a global celebration of sweetness.
And now you know: Spain eats the most churros—but the whole world is catching up.