Research found that plant-based diets can lower inflammation and improve overall health. But who says healthy eating means skipping dessert? If you love sweet treats, you'll be happy to know that vegan desserts can be just as delicious and satisfying.
We have compiled everything you need to know about vegan desserts, from the benefits to the options. Read on to start enjoying dessert without the guilt!
What are Vegan Desserts?
Vegan desserts are sweet treats without dairy, eggs, or other animal products. Instead, they use plant-based ingredients like almond milk, coconut cream, and flaxseeds to replace those ingredients.
Research shows that the plant-based and alternative protein industry is growing rapidly. Studies also link plant-based diets to a lower heart disease risk and better overall health.
It's no surprise that more people choose plant-based desserts as a guilt-free way to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Benefits of Vegan Desserts
Unsaturated Fat
Unsaturated fat is a healthy fat that supports heart health and lowers bad cholesterol. It helps keep your body functioning well without raising the risk of heart disease like saturated fats.
Many ingredients in vegan desserts are packed with unsaturated fats. Some common examples are almonds, cashews, peanut butter, avocado, coconut, and seeds. So, you get a yummy treat that’s also better for your heart.
Perfect for Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body can't digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. This can lead to bloating, cramps, and discomfort after eating dairy-based foods.
Dairy-free desserts are a perfect choice for anyone avoiding lactose while still enjoying desserts like ice cream, tart, or crumble. Instead of milk and cream, they use almond milk, coconut cream, oat milk, and soy milk.
More Ethical Option
Choosing vegan desserts is an ethical choice for many reasons:
Animal Welfare: Traditional desserts often use dairy and eggs from factory farms, where animals face poor conditions. Dairy-free alternatives remove this issue entirely.
Sustainability & Fair Trade: Many plant-based ingredients, like coconut and cacao, are grown with more sustainable methods and ethical sourcing.
Better Labour Practices: Ethical brands ensure fair wages and working conditions for farmers, especially in industries like chocolate production.
You support a kinder and more sustainable food system by picking plant-based sweets.
High-fibre Ingredients
Dietary fibre is important for digestion, stabilising blood sugar, and keeping you full longer. It adds bulk (or roughage) to food, which helps with digestion and gut health.
Many vegan desserts are naturally high in fibre. Nuts, seeds, oats, whole wheat flour, and fruit are some examples. Other popular fibre-rich ingredients include blackberry, chia, and fruit.
Environmentally Beneficial
Vegan desserts have a lower environmental impact compared to dairy-based treats.
For instance, animal farming is a major cause of water pollution, deforestation, and emissions of greenhouse gases, which all contribute to climate change. The dairy and egg industries, in particular, rely heavily on land, water, and feed, making them some of the most resource-intensive parts of food production.
By swapping dairy and eggs for plant-based ingredients like oats, coconut, and nuts, you can enjoy your desserts while supporting a more sustainable food system.
Are Vegan Desserts Healthy?
Vegan desserts can be a healthier choice than traditional sweets, but it depends on the ingredients. Since they skip dairy and eggs, they often have less saturated fat and may include nutrient-rich ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruit.
However, they can still be high in sugar and refined flour, just like regular desserts. Some plant-based treats rely on processed ingredients that add calories without much nutrition.
For a better option, look for vegan food recipes with natural sweeteners, whole grains, and healthy fats.
What Desserts Can You Enjoy as a Vegan?
As a vegan, you can enjoy many desserts made without dairy or eggs.
Classic treats like cakes, brownies, cookies, and muffins can be made with plant-based ingredients while still tasting just as good.
For something creamy, cheesecake, pudding, and ice cream that use coconut milk, cashews, almond milk, or vegan cheese can be options. If you love fruity sweets, try sorbets, fruit crisps, tarts, or banana bread.
Even some store-bought sweets, like dark chocolate and some biscuit brands, are "accidentally" vegan if you look closer into the ingredients.
What is the Difference Between Vegetarian Desserts vs. Vegan Desserts vs. Regular Desserts?
Vegetarian, vegan, and regular desserts may look the same, but their ingredients set them apart.
Let's take a closer look at this explanation:
Regular desserts are made with dairy, eggs, and sometimes gelatin. This makes them unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians.
Vegetarian desserts don’t contain meat or gelatin but can still have dairy and eggs. A vegetarian cake, for example, might use butter and milk but no animal fat or gelatin. Many traditional desserts fall into this category.
Vegan desserts are completely plant-based, meaning no dairy, eggs, or other animal products, and use alternatives instead.
The key difference? Vegetarian desserts may include dairy and eggs, while vegan desserts never use animal products. On the other hand, regular desserts often contain both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sweet foods are vegan?
Dark chocolate, fruit sorbets, coconut-based ice cream, and nut butter are great options. You can also make vegan brownies, cakes, cookies, and puddings using simple plant-based swaps.
What is vegan in baking?
What sweets are accidentally vegan?
Conclusion
Vegan desserts prove that you don’t need dairy or eggs to enjoy something sweet and satisfying. They’re better for the planet, kinder to animals, and a great choice for anyone with dietary preferences or lactose intolerance. From rich cakes to creamy ice cream, plant-based treats are just as delicious as traditional ones.
At Brother Bon, we’re passionate about creating plant-based desserts that everyone can enjoy. Take a look at our desserts and sweets menu and find your next favourite vegan treat!
Opmerkingen