Why Angel Slices Are Not Vegan
Traditional Angel Slices, especially those produced by brands like Mr Kipling, contain several non-vegan ingredients. For vegans, a product is considered non-vegan if it includes any animal-derived ingredients, regardless of the quantity. Angel Slices contain multiple such components, affecting not only the cake but also the signature creamy filling and colourful icing.
Non-Vegan Ingredients in Detail
Here's a breakdown of the specific animal-derived ingredients found in many commercial Angel Slices:
- Eggs: Dried egg white is a key ingredient, used to give the sponge its structure and texture. For those following a vegan diet, all forms of eggs are excluded. Egg substitutes are available, but not used in the traditional recipe.
- Dairy: Milk derivatives are crucial for the product's taste and creamy filling. Ingredients often include whey powder, skimmed milk powder, and even condensed milk. These are all by-products of milk and are not vegan.
- Carmine (E120): This is a red food colouring used to create the pink sponge layer. Carmine is derived from the crushed bodies of cochineal insects, making it unsuitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
- Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (E471): This emulsifier is frequently used in baked goods to improve texture. While it can be plant-based, it can also be derived from animal fat. Without explicit confirmation, it cannot be assumed to be vegan.
Vegan alternatives and homemade recipes
For those who love the nostalgic taste of Angel Slices but want a vegan version, there are two main options: seeking out specialised products or making them from scratch. Vegan brands sometimes offer similar cakes, but reading the label is crucial to ensure they are certified vegan.
Creating a homemade vegan version offers full control over the ingredients. Egg replacements like aquafaba (whipped chickpea liquid) can create the light, fluffy texture of the sponge. Plant-based milks and vegan butter or margarine can substitute for dairy. Natural colourings, such as beetroot powder, can replicate the pink colour without using carmine. Many vegan food bloggers and websites offer excellent copycat recipes for this reason.
Comparison: Traditional vs. Vegan Angel Slices
| Feature | Traditional Angel Slices (e.g., Mr Kipling) | Vegan Alternatives (Commercial or Homemade) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponge Base | Contains dried egg whites for leavening and texture. | Often uses aquafaba, flax eggs, or a mix of baking soda and vinegar for lightness. |
| Filling | Uses milk derivatives like whey and skimmed milk powder for a creamy texture. | Replaces dairy with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream, cashew cream, or vegan buttercream. |
| Colouring | Utilises carmine (E120), a red dye derived from crushed cochineal insects. | Uses natural, plant-based colours like beetroot powder, red fruit concentrate, or vegan food colouring gels. |
| Emulsifiers | May contain mono- and diglycerides (E471) which can be animal-derived. | Vegan versions use plant-based emulsifiers, clearly labelled as such. |
| Icing | Contains dairy-based ingredients for the fondant icing. | Uses vegan icing sugar (bone char-free) and plant-based liquid for the glaze. |
Checking for non-vegan ingredients
When purchasing pre-packaged cakes, it is essential to read the ingredient label thoroughly, as manufacturers can sometimes alter recipes. Beyond looking for explicit animal products like 'egg' or 'milk', you must also be aware of less obvious non-vegan ingredients. These include dairy derivatives like casein or lactose, and certain E-numbers. Always be cautious with products labelled only as 'dairy-free' or 'eggless', as they may still contain other animal ingredients. Certified vegan products will display a clear vegan logo on their packaging.
Conclusion
In summary, the traditional Angel Slice is not vegan because it contains multiple animal-derived ingredients. These include eggs for the sponge, milk products in the filling, and carmine for the pink colouring. For those seeking a plant-based alternative, the best option is to look for certified vegan brands or to bake a homemade version. Many excellent recipes exist that use modern vegan baking techniques to replicate the light texture and sweet taste of the classic treat, all without compromising on flavour. By being an informed consumer and carefully checking ingredient lists, vegans can confidently find a slice of this heavenly cake.
