Sweet spots for healthy baked goods in Vancouver
Maybe it’s because I grew up with sisters who love muffins, loaves and scones, or perhaps it’s a carb thing I’ll never give-up, but show me a healthy baked good, and I’m a happy gal. I’m also picky about ingredients, favouring quality stuff like almond flour, coconut oil, organic dark chocolate and cinnamon. While not always easy to find, guilt-free treats do exist here in Vancouver. [Photo credit: iStock.com/john shepherd]
The Naam Office
2724 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1Known for its 24-hour vegetarian fare, including legendary miso gravy fries, the Naam also offers an impressive selection of vegan and gluten-free deserts. Clearly someone in the kitchen has a sweet tooth with a talent for creating decadent pies, cakes and cookies. From their raspberry chocolate cheesecake to their Noh Pie (no dairy, no sugar, no wheat) with banana, dates and nut-cream, there’s something for every palate. Not to mention generous-sized portions too. For something lighter, I’m a huge fan of their oatmeal bee pollen cookie. Add a scoop of Mario’s Tofulati ice cream, and now you’re talking sweet.
Culprit Coffee
2028 Vine St, Vancouver, BC V6K 3K1What’s better than an almond-milk misto or matcha tea latte? How about a decadent gluten-free, dark chocolate brownie or a chocolate-chip salted cookie to go-with? It’s no wonder Culprit Coffee has earned a cult-like-following (including Paleo fans) as finally, we can get a decent scone (Earl Grey infused) or muffin without the extra sugar, dairy or gluten. Made in house using organic and quality ingredients, these treats are a bit pricier than most, but I’m okay with that. Thankfully they sometimes have day-olds at a reduced rate; the key is getting there before they’re gone.
Glory Juice
78 2nd Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1B1You wouldn’t think a juice bar would win my praises for something as rich as a dark chocolate brownie ganache, but leave it to Glory to do just that. Made from raw organic cocoa, maple syrup and Spanish almonds, at $7 a pop, it’s not the most inexpensive of treats, but totally worth the splurge. For something lighter on the budget, their dates with nut butter totally deliver. Sweet and salty, they’ve combined roasted almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pink Himalayan salt and coconut sugar, paired with low GI dates. Enjoy with house made raw almond milk and you’ll be in heaven.
Whole Foods Market
510 8th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C5From muffins and cookies to scones and squares, there’s no shortage of baked goods to be found at Whole Foods. While many of their snacks and pastries may appear healthy, I know better. Hence why I stick to their Healthy Starts Here (HSH) options, including their almond-flour based blueberry muffin. And when it’s dark chocolate I’m craving, I’ll hit up the Whole Foods on Cambie for Uprising Bakery’s vegan chocolate chunk cookie. It’s not easy to find this cookie, hence why I buy double per visit, freezing one for later. Which, truth be told, often comes sooner than later.
My Twitter
My Instagram