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Even in the most virtuous of diets, we occasionally need some chocolate. We’re talking to bakeries and sugarphiles to see if in our balanced diets, there really is room for dessert.
Sweets from the Earth was one of the first vegan bakeries that provided a vegan dessert product to Torontonians that held up to their non-vegan counterparts. Dessert was not a block of tofu masquerading as chocolate – there was real sugar and naughtiness attached to each bite. And frankly, when it comes time to indulge, would you have it any other way?
They built a loyal following of people who didn’t want their body to be flooded with artificial ingredients, even in times of indulgence. Founder, Ilana Kadonoff, was sweet enough (of course) to speak with us. She let us in on her background of buttercream and why it’s OK to indulge in your sweet tooth.
It’s clear on your website that you’re a dedicated vegan. Why did you go down the path of baking?
Well before I became vegan I was a baker. I became a vegetarian when I was 7. I always loved cooking and baking and I went to pastry school using cream and butter and the traditional ingredients. One day I decided to try my hand at vegan baking and I spent six months experimenting.
What do you think has made Sweets from the Earth such a success?
I started 10 years ago and I think I came at a time when there was not much out there. I think people were really ready for more decadent desserts that were vegan, rather than stuff that tasted healthy. We didn't make these desserts low fat or low sugar. People were ready for that product. Over the years, it wasn't just vegans who we served, but rather people who want to eat healthier.
In your opinion, how does dessert fit into a healthy diet?
Everything in moderation. You can indulge in dessert. Our products are not a health food, but if you’re going to eat dessert, it’s a better choice. Everything tastes decadent. We’ve been criticized for using sugar, but we’re not claiming to eat cupcakes as a main source of sustenance. Have it as a treat.
What’s your bestseller?
Carrot Cake is definitely one of our best. We can also barely make enough cashew cookies and walnut brownies.
If dessert could be your main source of sustenance, which of your goodies could you eat a million of?
*laughs* Chocolate Chewy Nut Bars are my favourite, hands down.
Crystal ball moment…what’s the future of your business and of vegan dessert in particular?
With regards to vegan dessert, I can only see it growing since people are becoming more aware of what they are putting into their bodies. They’re looking for more options. Our future? I take it day by day to keep creating new products. We’re getting more into the specialty cake area, which is exciting.
tuja takeaways? Live in the moment. Eat a cupcake and eat it well. And try the flavour of the month rather than eating a generic cupcake a day.
If you’d like to find out more about Ilana’s creations and where she sells her vegan and gluten-free products, drool on over:
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Courtney Sunday has two cats and a boyfriend who are very patient with her health and wellness obsessions. She teaches yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling and gives Thai massages through her Toronto business Om at Home Yoga. When she's tuckered out, she takes up the sport of sleeping.
