vegan baking had gained significant popularity and was well-known among individuals interested in plant-based diets and ethical food choices. Here are some key points about vegan baking that people knew:
No Animal Products: Vegan baking excludes all animal-derived ingredients, such as eggs, dairy (milk, butter, cheese), honey, and gelatin. Instead, plant-based alternatives are used to achieve similar results.
Egg Replacements: Common egg substitutes in vegan baking include applesauce, mashed bananas, flaxseed or chia seed gel, silken tofu, and commercial egg replacers.
Dairy Alternatives: Various plant-based milk options, such as almond, soy, oat, coconut, and rice milk, can be used instead of cow's milk. Vegan butter or margarine is used instead of dairy butter.
Sweeteners: Vegans use alternatives to honey, such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup, to sweeten their baked goods.
Binding Agents: In the absence of eggs, binding agents like ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, or cornstarch are often used.
Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda are common leavening agents used in vegan baking.
Flavor Enhancers: Vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and various spices are used to enhance the flavor of vegan baked goods.
Vegan Chocolate: Dark chocolate and certain brands of semi-sweet chocolate chips are often vegan-friendly, containing no dairy.
Avoiding Certain Ingredients: Vegans avoid certain additives like carmine (derived from insects), some food colorings, and specific emulsifiers that are derived from animals.
Recipe Adaptation: Many traditional recipes can be adapted to be vegan by substituting animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-Free Vegan Baking: There is also an increasing awareness of gluten-free vegan baking, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Vegan Bakeries: Vegan bakeries and cafes that specialize in plant-based baked goods have become more prevalent in various cities.
It's important to note that knowledge and awareness surrounding vegan baking may have continued to evolve , so there might be additional advancements, products, and techniques that are now more commonly known in 2023.