Are Jaffa Cakes Vegan-Friendly? Where to Find Vegan Jaffa Cakes in 2024?
Last updated on December 17th, 2023
When it comes to sweet treats, Jaffa Cakes hold a special place in the hearts of many… including mine. They are a perfect combination of soft sponge, zesty orange jelly, and a smooth chocolate coating. But if you’re following a vegan lifestyle, you might be wondering if you can still indulge in the joy of Jaffa Cakes. Let’s take a look and find out if Jaffa Cakes are vegan.
Are Jaffa Cakes Vegan?
No, Jaffa Cakes are not vegan. There’s no way for me to spin this, they are simply packed with non-vegan ingredients.
What Makes Jaffa Cakes Not Vegan?
So, now we’ve addressed the elephant in the room…unfortunately, most traditional Jaffa Cakes that you find on supermarket shelves are not plant-based. Let’s talk about why.
Well, it all boils down to a few key ingredients:
Do Jaffa Cakes Contain Milk?
Yes, Jaffa Cakes contain milk to create the butter oil.
The dark chocolate used in Jaffa Cakes contains sugar, cocoa mass, vegetable fats (palm, shea), butter oil (milk), and cocoa butter. Unfortunately, the presence of milk-derived butter oil makes this chocolate non-vegan. So, if you have a craving for that classic chocolate-orange combination, this might leave you feeling a bit disappointed.
Do Jaffa Cakes Contain Egg?
Yes, I’m sorry, more bad news, Jaffa Cakes contain egg.
This is the crucial non-vegan ingredient in traditional Jaffa Cakes. The sponge part of it is made using egg and as you probably know, eggs are animal products so not suitable for a vegan diet.
Do Jaffa Cakes Contain Gelatin?
Finally, something good, no Jaffa Cakes don’t contain gelatin.
One of the common misconceptions is that Jaffa Cakes contain gelatin, a substance derived from animal collagen. But guess what? Traditional Jaffa Cakes don’t actually contain gelatin they are made using pectin which is a great vegan alternative to gelatin. So, they are suitable for vegetarians, however, the presence of other non-vegan components makes them unsuitable for those following a vegan diet.
Are Jaffa Cakes Vegetarian?
Yes, McVitie’s and most supermarket brands of Jaffa Cakes are vegetarian. The one thing many people aren’t sure about when asking if Jaffa Cakes are vegetarian is gelatin. But the good news for vegetarians is that there’s typically no gelatin in Jaffa Cakes and most clearly state on the pack that they are suitable for vegetarians.
Where to Buy Vegan Jaffa Cakes?
Are There Any Vegan Jaffa Cake Alternatives?
Now, for the good news! If you’re a dedicated Jaffa Cake enthusiast and you’re longing for a vegan-friendly version, there are a couple of alternatives you can explore:
The Vegan Cakery Jaffa Cakes:
For those who want an authentic Jaffa Cake experience without compromising their vegan principles, The Vegan Cakery offers a solution. They produce vegan Jaffa Cakes that can be ordered online and delivered to your doorstep. Keep in mind that their availability for delivery may be limited, so it’s a good idea to check their website for updates.
Take a look at The Vegan Cakery Jaffa Cakes here
Brakes Vegan Jaffa Cake:
While this one is technically a cake, it’s a close cousin to the traditional Jaffa Cake. Brakes offer a vegan-friendly version consisting of three layers of orange-flavoured sponge cake, layered with orange-flavoured gel filling, and coated with chocolate icing. It’s pre-cut into 14 portions and can also be ordered online.
Take a look at Brakes Vegan Jaffa Cake (Cake) Here.
Vegan Jaffa Cake Recipe
Looking to make your own vegan Jaffa Cakes? Check out this delicious vegan Jaffa Cake recipe from Project Vegan Baking for a homemade twist on this classic treat.
In conclusion, traditional Jaffa Cakes that you find at your local supermarket are not suitable for vegans due to the presence of milk and egg. However, if you’re determined to satisfy your Jaffa Cake cravings you do have options. You can explore vegan alternatives from The Vegan Cakery or indulge in the Brakes Vegan Jaffa Cake.
While these alternatives may not be an exact match for the classic Jaffa Cake, they offer a tasty way for vegans to enjoy a familiar flavour. So, whether you choose to order them online or try your hand at making your own, you don’t have to go without if you don’t want to.
Remember, the world of vegan desserts is continuously evolving, so keep an eye out for new and exciting options that may come your way. In the meantime, enjoy your vegan Jaffa Cake journey!
If you want more tips on vegan-friendly food take a look at my Vegan Food and Drink page.
Meet the Author
Meet Sinead O’Carroll: Vegan explorer, sustainability advocate and the founder of The Wondering Wandering Vegan. Embracing veganism since 2018 and vegetarianism since 2005, Sinead is armed with a Vegan Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle qualification, and is on a mission to share her passion for cruelty-free living.
With a taste for adventure and a heart for eco-conscious choices, she’s here to prove that vegans never miss out on flavour, fun or style. Join her in enjoying the delights of a vegan-friendly world! 🌱✈️🌍
Want to know more? Check out Sinead’s About page here.
Follow me on Instagram to see all the delicious vegan food I find, the vegan and cruelty-free products I use and what I get up to as a travelling vegan.