Elegant, colorful and delicious, when it comes to the world of baked goods, macarons are the height of sophistication. Although they are now associated with France (specifically Paris), research suggests that these sweet treats were actually created in Italy, in 8th-century Venetian monasteries, reports Culture Trip. In the 1500s, they were brought to France, and now, in the 21st century, they are certainly popular all over the world. In fact, according to some market predictions, by 2029, the global macaron market could hit more than $2.3 billion. Not bad for some small meringue sandwiches. But what about vegans, can they join in on the nutty, chewy goodness? The good news: You can actually stock up on plant-based macarons right now. Here’s what you need to know.
What are French macarons?
A macaron has two shells and a filling and looks like a small cookie sandwich (or a round custard cream, if you’re from the UK). But it looks like a cookie but the taste and texture is different. Macarons should be light and slightly crunchy on the outside, with a delightfully soft center. “Not everyone can make good macarons and it takes a while to perfect the texture,” notes Pastries, a French bakery that delivers across the United States. “Texture can determine whether a macaron tastes good.”
What are vegan macarons made of?
For the most part, macarons are made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. The filling can vary, but is usually made with buttercream (which contains dairy) or ganache. But it is possible to make macarons vegan. Plant-based versions are usually made with aquafaba (which is liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg whites. Also, the filling can be made with a variety of vegan ingredients, such as vegan butter, coconut cream, or vegan cream cheese..
Are Ladurée macaroons vegan?
Ladurée’s Beverly Hills location was helmed by Matthew Kenny, but the popular French bakery chain’s relationship with the plant-based chef has now ended. That said, there are still vegan options on the menu across many of its US locations, including macarons! Availability varies, but plant-based macaron flavors include hazelnut, caramel coconut, chocolate and grapefruit timut pepper.
Where to buy vegan macarons
If you’ve got a macaron craving, there are plenty of other places that can offer you egg- and dairy-free macarons. Here, in no particular order, we’ve collected seven of the best.
Veron/Instagram
1 Veron
Founded by Shera Fournier, Veron believes you never have to sacrifice your values to enjoy the foods you love. That’s why it has created a whole range of completely vegan macarons to enjoy. Flavors include blueberry, chocolate, earl grey, kiwi, lavender and lemon.
Learn more
Finally Vegan Macarons/Instagram
2 Finally vegan macarons
According to Finally Vegan Macarons, this brand is “what you’ve been wanting but couldn’t find.” And that means plant-based sweeteners that “really taste amazing.” You can find its delicious macarons at Houston’s Java Owl Coffee House or CupFusion Cupcakery, or alternatively, order online for pickup or delivery.
Learn more
craftsman
3 craftsman
When it comes to quality vegan French-inspired baked goods, L’Artisan rarely disappoints. As well as delicious croissants and madeleines, you can order a box of plant-based macarons from the bakery, which delivers across the US. Instead of buttercream, all of its flavors (including salted caramel, strawberry rose and pistachio-white chocolate) are filled with a fun gourmet chocolate song.
Learn more
MBP wholesale
4 MBP wholesale
Based in New York, MPB Wholesale is a specialist in French baked goods, and has plenty of vegan macaron options. Frozen flavors include passionfruit, blackcurrant, coffee, lime and salted caramel. The only catch is you can’t shop there individually because it’s a wholesaler (but you can drop by your local coffee shop to get some orders!).
Learn more
i keep
5 i keep
As mentioned above, Pastreez is a popular French bakery that distributes nationwide. It has a wide selection of macaron options, including vegan options, all of which are handmade in California by French chefs using fresh ingredients.
Learn more
Delish
6 Delish
Houston-based Delish Cupcakes delivers its delicious vegan macarons across the city, state and, indeed, the rest of the United States. It has several unique and delicious flavors to choose from, including lightly tangy orange anise, comforting, England-inspired Earl Gray and lavender, and spicy Mexican hot chocolate.
Learn more
Macaroon Central
7 Macaroon Central
Available on Amazon, Macaron Central offers packs of delicious French macarons and also includes vegetarian, gluten-free options. Flavors include blackcurrant, vanilla, cotton candy, and coconut, but remember you can’t choose which one you get—each pack is a total surprise!
Learn more
To learn more about vegan baked goods, read:
Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.