Vegan cakes with mainstream appeal
We’ve always strived for a balanced range of cakes to offer our customers, including a good range of vegan options. A third of the Honeybuns range is now gluten free and vegan.
THE CHALLENGES OF BAKING VEGAN CAKES
Our first attempts at vegan cakes were a bit “worthy” so it was back to the mixing bowl. The market is well served for vegan friendly health bars with added functionality (high fibre/protein). The tricky bit is to make plant based cakes that don’t taste stodgy or dry, and that do not overly rely on either dates and coconut. If we can offer an added “free from“ that’s great but not at the expense of taste and quality.
After several iterations and tweaks, we launched our vegan range in 2016. since then, we’ve concentrated on offering well loved coffee shop classics such as millionaire’s shortbread and brownies which just so happen to be gluten free and vegan. These are definitely treats. At the same time, we’ve kept white refined sugar to a minimum. Instead we favour muscovado sugar and date syrup.
VEGAN CAKES WITH MAINSTREAM APPEAL
This vegan range is about home made and slightly nostalgic treats rather than factory made products, with mainstream appeal for everyone including coeliacs and vegans. They are just as indulgent as their buttery cousins, with layer, flavour and texture in every bite and no cheap fillers. From ethical sourcing of the best free from ingredients to slow, gentle baking methods, everything is geared towards customer delight. We think there’s something for everyone including dairy free options. Customers trust our gluten free and vegan expertise. Being registered with the Vegan Society gives added assurance.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING VEGAN OPTIONS ON YOUR MENU
According to the Vegan Society, veganism is now one of Britain’s “fastest growing lifestyle movements”. The signs are that veganism is going to be a lasting trend. There are perceived health benefits to a vegan diet and consumers are also concerned about the animal welfare and environmental issues.
The popularity of ‘Veganuary’ has also been a huge success since it was established in 2014. From 3000 participants in its first year, it has grown to just over a quarter of a million in 2019. 2020 looks set to eclipse these figures once again.
It shows the importance of having vegan options on your menu.
IDEAL FOR FOODSERVICE AND FOOD-TO-GO
Formats include individually wrapped cakes, perfectly packaged for an on the go ‘out of home’ treat, and uncut or pre-portioned traybakes. Both sit very well with artisan coffee and lunch offers. Cafes can offer portions of the traybakes on the counter top as a homemade offer, to complement morning coffee / afternoon tea offers. The artisan look and taste of Honeybuns cakes will appeal to customers not wanting a run of the mill product stocked in supermarkets.
GROWING OUR VEGAN RANGE
We’ve been delighted by feedback on our vegan range, and we’re seeking to expand on this. We’ve listened to our vegan customers’ requests for more coffee shop classics, and so our newest cake will be launching this Spring. It’s a gorgeous vegan Raspberry Bakewell Slice made using our signature almonds and polenta base. Feedback from willing taste testers so far points to it being a much loved addition to the range. Keep an eye on our trade e-newsletter, The Nibbler, and our social feeds for more news about this.
STOCKING HONEYBUNS IN YOUR BUSINESS
We supply an ever growing list of independent coffee shops, restaurants, garden centres, universities, tourist attractions, sporting stadia, airlines and larger retail chains.
We distribute our cakes through a network of wholesalers, both regional and national.
All our products are available as thaw and serve with a minimum 10 day shelf life after defrost. This has the added benefit of minimal wastage.
