Vegan & Sugar-Free Desserts in the UK: Your Ultimate Guide to Guilt-Free Treats

Discover the UK’s finest vegan and sugar-free dessert options, from London’s specialized plant-based patisseries to online retailers delivering nationwide. This comprehensive guide highlights bakeries, cafés and products offering delicious dairy-free cakes, naturally sweetened treats, and gluten-free indulgences that don’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Introduction: The Rise of Healthier Sweet Options

The UK dessert landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with vegan and sugar-free desserts moving from niche alternatives to mainstream options. This shift reflects growing awareness of dietary preferences, health considerations, and environmental concerns among British consumers. No longer are plant-based desserts and low-sugar confections relegated to specialist health shops – they now feature prominently in high street bakeries, supermarkets, and even fine dining establishments.

This evolution mirrors similar trends in other culinary traditions around the world, where traditional recipes are being reimagined to accommodate contemporary dietary preferences. Just as Bengali sweets have inspired vegan adaptations that maintain their essential character while eliminating dairy, British classics like Victoria sponge and sticky toffee pudding have been successfully transformed into plant-based, reduced-sugar versions that retain their familiar appeal.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best locations across the United Kingdom to find exceptional vegan and sugar-free desserts. From dedicated plant-based bakeries to health-conscious cafés and online specialists, we’ll help you discover delicious options that align with your dietary choices without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

London’s Premier Vegan Dessert Destinations

As the UK’s culinary capital, London offers the country’s most diverse and innovative selection of vegan and sugar-free desserts, with several establishments dedicated entirely to plant-based sweet treats.

Cookies and Scream: Vegan Bakery Pioneers

This award-winning, entirely vegan and gluten-free bakery has been at the forefront of plant-based desserts in London for over a decade.

Signature Offerings:

• Cookie sandwiches with various filling flavors
• Decadent brownies and blondies
• American-style pies and cheesecakes
• Seasonal specials and limited editions

What Makes It Special: Cookies and Scream stands out for their commitment to creating indulgent, nostalgic treats that happen to be vegan and gluten-free rather than overtly “healthy” alternatives. Their recipes have been perfected through years of experimentation, resulting in textures and flavors that rival or exceed conventional versions. Many customers report being unable to distinguish their products from traditional dairy and gluten-containing equivalents.

Allergen Information: Everything is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, with clear labeling for nuts and other allergens.

Location: Camden Market, London

Vida Bakery: Inclusive Sweet Indulgence

This Brick Lane bakery specializes in creating beautiful celebration cakes and everyday treats that are accessible to those with various dietary restrictions.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan and gluten-free cupcakes in rotating flavors
• Celebration cakes for special occasions
• Cookie sandwiches and brownies
• Seasonal baked goods and limited editions

What Makes It Special: Vida Bakery excels at creating Instagram-worthy desserts that don’t compromise on visual appeal despite their free-from status. Their attention to aesthetic details means those with dietary restrictions can enjoy beautiful celebration cakes comparable to conventional options. Their innovative approach to plant-based ingredients parallels how specialty products like Balwan Laddu are crafted with careful attention to both appearance and flavor.

Allergen Information: All products are vegan and gluten-free, with nut-free options clearly marked.

Location: Brick Lane, London

Crosstown Doughnuts: Vegan Doughnut Innovation

While not exclusively vegan, Crosstown has developed one of London’s most impressive ranges of plant-based doughnuts that rival their conventional offerings.

Signature Offerings:

• Sourdough-based vegan doughnut range
• Creative seasonal flavors and limited editions
• Vegan chocolate truffle doughnuts
• Gift boxes and subscription services

What Makes It Special: Crosstown’s approach to vegan doughnuts focuses on creating a specific vegan sourdough base rather than simply substituting ingredients in their traditional recipe. This dedicated development process results in exceptional texture and flavor that doesn’t feel compromised. Their rotating flavor selection ensures regular customers always have new options to explore.

Allergen Information: Vegan options are clearly marked but produced in facilities that handle dairy, so they’re not suitable for those with severe dairy allergies.

Locations: Multiple across London including Shoreditch, Marylebone, and Greenwich

Redemption Bar: Sugar-Free Dessert Innovation

This completely vegan, sugar-free, and alcohol-free restaurant and bar offers some of London’s most innovative health-conscious desserts.

Signature Offerings:

• Raw cheesecakes sweetened with natural fruit
• Refined sugar-free chocolate desserts
• Grain-free sweet treats
• Superfood-enriched dessert options

What Makes It Special: Redemption takes a nutritionally-focused approach to desserts, incorporating functional ingredients like adaptogens, superfoods, and protein-rich components. Their creations demonstrate that sugar-free desserts can be sophisticated and satisfying rather than merely “less bad” alternatives to conventional sweets.

Allergen Information: While everything is vegan and free from refined sugar, some items contain nuts or gluten, with clear labeling provided.

Locations: Notting Hill and Shoreditch, London

Manchester’s Vegan and Sugar-Free Sweet Scene

Manchester has developed a thriving plant-based food culture, with several standout options for vegan and sugar-free desserts.

The Earth Café: Wholefood Dessert Approach

This long-standing vegetarian and vegan café offers a rotating selection of health-conscious desserts made with minimally processed ingredients.

Signature Offerings:

• Raw food desserts and energy balls
• Refined sugar-free cakes and slices
• Seasonal fruit crumbles and cobblers
• Vegan and gluten-free baked cheesecakes

What Makes It Special: The Earth Café’s desserts exemplify the wholefood approach, using ingredients like dates, coconut sugar, and fruit purees to create naturally sweetened treats. Their emphasis on minimally processed components results in desserts with nutritional benefits beyond simply avoiding animal products and refined sugar.

Allergen Information: All items are vegetarian with many vegan options. Gluten-free and nut-free choices are available with clear labeling.

Location: Northern Quarter, Manchester

V Rev: Indulgent Vegan Desserts

This vegan diner offers plant-based versions of classic American desserts without focusing on health credentials.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan milkshakes in various flavors
• Plant-based ice cream sundaes
• American-style pies and cheesecakes
• Cookies and brownies

What Makes It Special: V Rev embraces indulgence rather than health, creating vegan versions of classic desserts that don’t compromise on satisfaction. Their approach demonstrates that vegan desserts can fulfill comfort food cravings and nostalgic desires just as effectively as traditional versions. This indulgent approach to vegan treats is similar to how Chogani Laddu delivers a satisfying sweet experience through its rich flavors and textures.

Allergen Information: Everything is 100% vegan, with gluten-free options available but limited.

Location: Edge Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester

Zad’s: Vegan Fast Food Desserts

This vegan takeaway specializes in plant-based comfort food including several dessert options.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan soft-serve ice cream
• Plant-based milkshakes
• Baked goods including cookies and brownies
• Seasonal sweet specials

What Makes It Special: Zad’s excels at creating unpretentious, accessible vegan desserts that appeal to mainstream tastes rather than just committed plant-based eaters. Their approach demystifies vegan eating and makes it approachable for those new to plant-based options.

Allergen Information: All items are vegan, with some gluten-free options. Nut allergy information provided on request.

Location: Chorlton, Manchester

Edinburgh’s Health-Conscious Dessert Options

Scotland’s capital offers several exceptional destinations for vegan and sugar-free sweet treats.

Considerit: Vegan Doughnut and Chocolate Experts

This entirely plant-based chocolatier and doughnut shop creates some of Scotland’s most indulgent vegan treats.

Signature Offerings:

• Handcrafted vegan filled doughnuts
• Bean-to-bar vegan chocolate selection
• Soft-serve plant-based ice cream
• Hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows

What Makes It Special: Considerit applies artisanal chocolate-making techniques to create exceptional vegan alternatives that require no compromise. Their doughnuts have achieved cult status among Edinburgh residents regardless of dietary preferences, demonstrating that plant-based desserts can compete on quality alone.

Allergen Information: All products are vegan, with gluten-free options available. Cross-contamination warnings for nuts are clearly provided.

Location: Sciennes, Edinburgh

Grams: Refined Sugar-Free Innovation

This health-focused café specializes in desserts made without refined sugar, with many vegan options available.

Signature Offerings:

• Raw dessert balls and energy bites
• Protein-enriched baked goods
• Natural fruit-sweetened cakes
• “Healthy” versions of classic desserts

What Makes It Special: Grams takes a nutrition-first approach, creating desserts designed to provide sustained energy rather than sugar spikes. Their scientific approach to recipe development ensures their treats deliver specific macronutrient profiles while maintaining satisfying taste and texture.

Allergen Information: Many items are vegan and gluten-free, with comprehensive ingredient information provided.

Location: Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Naked Bakery: Artistic Plant-Based Patisserie

This Instagram-famous bakery creates visually stunning vegan pastries and cakes that look too good to eat.

Signature Offerings:

• Colorful vegan macarons
• Elaborately decorated cupcakes
• Celebration cakes for special occasions
• Seasonal patisserie selection

What Makes It Special: Naked Bakery proves that plant-based baking can achieve the same visual impact and technical excellence as conventional patisserie. Their creations demonstrate that vegan desserts can be luxurious and special-occasion-worthy rather than merely functional alternatives.

Allergen Information: All items are vegan, with some gluten-free options available. Nut usage is clearly labeled.

Location: New Town, Edinburgh

Birmingham’s Vegan and Health-Conscious Sweet Spots

The UK’s second city offers several noteworthy options for plant-based and reduced-sugar desserts.

BA-HA: Innovative Vegan Desserts

This plant-based restaurant includes several creative dessert options that push the boundaries of vegan sweets.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan dessert platters for sharing
• Plant-based cheesecakes and mousses
• Seasonal fruit-based desserts
• Comfort food classics reimagined

What Makes It Special: BA-HA approaches vegan desserts from a chef’s perspective, applying professional techniques and flavor development principles. Their creations incorporate unusual ingredients and combinations that provide new experiences rather than merely mimicking conventional desserts.

Allergen Information: All items are 100% vegan, with gluten-free options clearly marked.

Location: Digbeth, Birmingham

Natural Healthy Foods: Wholefood Dessert Focus

This health-focused store and café offers a range of raw, vegan, and sugar-free dessert options.

Signature Offerings:

• Raw cheesecakes and tarts
• Energy balls and bliss bites
• Sugar-free baked goods
• Functional desserts with added nutrients

What Makes It Special: Natural Healthy Foods creates desserts with specific health benefits beyond simply avoiding certain ingredients. Their treats incorporate adaptogens, protein, and functional ingredients designed to support wellbeing while satisfying sweet cravings. This approach to creating treats with nutritional benefits is reminiscent of how Mawa Kachori combines satisfying sweetness with the nutritional aspects of its ingredients.

Allergen Information: All desserts are vegan and refined sugar-free, with gluten-free options available. Nuts are used in many items with clear labeling.

Location: Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham

Medicine Bakery: Inclusive Bakery Options

This artisanal bakery offers several vegan and reduced-sugar options alongside conventional baked goods.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan pastries and croissants
• Plant-based cake slices
• Refined sugar-free baking
• Seasonal vegan specials

What Makes It Special: Medicine excels at creating vegan versions of traditional bakery items that maintain the expected texture and experience. Their vegan croissants are particularly noteworthy for achieving the laminated, flaky texture typically dependent on butter.

Allergen Information: Vegan items are clearly labeled, but cross-contamination is possible as they’re produced in a mixed kitchen.

Location: New Street, Birmingham

Bristol’s Plant-Based Dessert Innovation

Bristol’s strong environmental ethos has fostered a vibrant vegan food scene with excellent dessert options.

Earthcake: Dedicated Vegan Patisserie

This completely plant-based café specializes in vegan versions of classic cakes and pastries.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan cream teas and scones
• Plant-based layer cakes
• Afternoon tea selection
• Seasonal baking specials

What Makes It Special: Earthcake focuses on creating plant-based versions of traditional British teatime favorites, preserving cultural heritage while accommodating contemporary dietary choices. Their approach makes plant-based eating feel inclusive rather than alternative.

Allergen Information: Everything is vegan, with gluten-free options available. Nut usage is clearly indicated.

Location: North Street, Bristol

Matter Wholefoods: Sugar-Free Specialists

This health-focused café offers entirely refined sugar-free desserts with many vegan options.

Signature Offerings:

• Date-sweetened raw desserts
• Coconut sugar-sweetened baking
• Fruit-sweetened cakes and slices
• Protein balls and energy bites

What Makes It Special: Matter takes a completely sugar-free approach without using artificial sweeteners, instead relying on fruit, dates, and occasional natural sweeteners like coconut sugar. Their desserts demonstrate how natural sweetness can create satisfying treats without refined sugar’s impact on blood glucose.

Allergen Information: Many items are vegan and gluten-free with clear labeling of all potential allergens.

Location: Fishponds Road, Bristol

East Village Café: Plant-Based Indulgence

This stylish café offers a range of vegan and refined sugar-free desserts in an Instagram-worthy setting.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan cakes and tarts
• Plant-based brownies and cookies
• Raw dessert selection
• Seasonal specials with local ingredients

What Makes It Special: East Village combines health-conscious ingredients with indulgent presentation and flavor profiles. Their desserts don’t obviously announce themselves as “alternative” options but rather stand on their own merits as delicious treats. This approach echoes how savory items like Pyaz Kachori deliver satisfying flavor experiences through skillful preparation rather than relying on excessive fats or salts.

Allergen Information: All desserts are vegetarian with many vegan options. Gluten-free choices are available with comprehensive allergen information provided.

Location: Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton Village, Bristol

Online Retailers Specializing in Vegan and Sugar-Free Sweets

For those unable to visit physical locations, several excellent online options deliver vegan and sugar-free desserts nationwide.

Patisserie Valerie: Traditional Bakery with Vegan Options

This well-known chain now offers vegan and reduced-sugar alternatives to their classic patisserie.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan celebration cakes
• Plant-based patisserie selection
• Reduced sugar options
• Afternoon tea packages with vegan alternatives

What Makes It Special: Patisserie Valerie’s development of vegan options demonstrates how mainstream establishments are embracing plant-based alternatives. Their approach focuses on creating plant-based versions that closely mimic their conventional counterparts, making them accessible to those transitioning to vegan choices.

Allergen Information: Vegan items are produced in facilities that handle dairy, so they may not be suitable for those with severe allergies. Comprehensive ingredient information is provided online.

Website: patisserie-valerie.co.uk

Selfridges Food Hall: Luxury Vegan Confectionery

This high-end department store offers a curated selection of premium vegan and sugar-free desserts available for nationwide delivery.

Signature Offerings:

• Luxury vegan chocolate collections
• Premium plant-based patisserie
• Sugar-free confectionery options
• Gift-worthy packaging and presentation

What Makes It Special: Selfridges brings together some of the UK’s finest vegan dessert producers in one convenient online destination. Their careful curation ensures consistently high quality and interesting options not available from mainstream retailers.

Allergen Information: Comprehensive information is provided for each product, though practices vary by producer.

Website: selfridges.com/food

The Vegan Kind Supermarket: Comprehensive Selection

This online vegan supermarket offers the UK’s most extensive selection of plant-based sweet treats.

Signature Offerings:

• Vegan chocolate and confectionery from multiple brands
• Plant-based baking ingredients
• International vegan sweet options
• Sugar-free and wholefood alternatives

What Makes It Special: The Vegan Kind’s comprehensive range makes it a one-stop shop for exploring different brands and styles of vegan desserts. Their discovery boxes introduce customers to new products they might not otherwise encounter, expanding awareness of available options.

Allergen Information: All products are vegan, with other allergen information provided per product.

Website: thevegankind.com

Sugar-Free Dessert Specialists

Several UK establishments focus specifically on creating desserts without refined sugar, offering options for those reducing sugar intake for health reasons.

Livia’s: Natural Sweetness Innovation

This woman-founded brand creates packaged desserts sweetened with dates and other natural alternatives to refined sugar.

Signature Offerings:

• “Million Squares” (vegan rice crispy treats)
• “Dunx” cookie and dip combinations
• Raw dessert bites and energy balls
• Seasonal limited editions

What Makes It Special: Livia’s has mastered the art of creating shelf-stable, packaged desserts without refined sugar that don’t compromise on taste or texture. Their products don’t require refrigeration, making them convenient options for on-the-go snacking.

Allergen Information: All products are vegan and dairy-free, with gluten-free options available. Nuts are used in some products with clear labeling.

Available at: Holland & Barrett, Boots, Sainsbury’s, and online

Deliciously Ella: Plant-Based Health Focus

This wellness brand offers several dessert options focused on nutritional benefits alongside taste.

Signature Offerings:

• Energy balls in various flavors
• Plant-based caramel cups
• Oat-based cookies and snack bars
• Functional sweet treats with added nutrients

What Makes It Special: Deliciously Ella approaches desserts from a nutritional perspective, creating options that provide sustained energy through natural ingredients rather than refined sugar spikes. Their transparent approach to ingredients builds consumer trust in their health credentials. This focus on creating treats that offer nutritional benefits alongside taste enjoyment is comparable to how Namkeen provides satisfying snacking experiences with balanced nutritional profiles.

Allergen Information: All products are vegan and gluten-free, though some contain nuts with clear labeling.

Available at: Major supermarkets and health food stores nationwide

The Coconut Collaborative: Dairy-Free Dessert Innovation

This plant-based dairy alternative company creates coconut-based desserts without refined sugar.

Signature Offerings:

• Coconut yogurt dessert pots
• Plant-based chocolate ganache pots
• Frozen coconut-based desserts
• Seasonal limited editions

What Makes It Special: The Coconut Collaborative excels at creating dairy-free alternatives to conventional chilled desserts that maintain creamy texture and satisfaction. Their products are sweetened with coconut sugar and fruit, avoiding both refined sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Allergen Information: All products are dairy-free and vegetarian, with many vegan options. Some products contain traces of nuts with clear labeling.

Available at: Major supermarkets nationwide

Making Vegan and Sugar-Free Desserts at Home

For those preferring to create their own health-conscious treats, several resources make home preparation accessible.

Specialist Cookbook Recommendations

Vegan Dessert Bibles:

• “Vegan Cakes and Other Bakes” by Jérôme Eckmeier and Daniela Lais
• “Ms Cupcake: The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town” by Melissa Morgan
• “Rawsome Vegan Baking” by Emily von Euw

Sugar-Free Baking Guides:

• “The Joy of Sugar-Free” by Elise Museles
• “Sugar-Free Baking” by Sarah Flower
• “Natural Baking” by Carolin Strothe and Sebastian Keitel

Specialty Ingredients for Home Bakers

Vegan Egg Replacements:

• Aquafaba (chickpea water) for meringues and light baking
• Ground flaxseed mixed with water for binding
• Commercial egg replacers for different applications

Natural Sweeteners:

• Date paste and date syrup for caramel notes
• Coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative
• Fruit purees for moisture and sweetness
• Monk fruit and stevia for zero-calorie options

Alternative Flours:

• Almond flour for moisture and protein
• Coconut flour for fiber and natural sweetness
• Oat flour for familiar flavor and texture
• Specialized gluten-free blends for specific applications

Where to Buy Vegan Indian Sweets in the UK

Traditional Indian sweets are often milk-based, but several UK establishments now offer vegan adaptations of these classic treats. While these adaptations differ from authentic preparations like Samosa and traditional Indian sweets, they provide plant-based alternatives for those seeking to experience these flavors without dairy.

Vegan Indian Sweet Options

Vegetarian Indian restaurants offering vegan sweet options:

• Sanskruti (Manchester and Liverpool): Offers vegan versions of traditional milk-based sweets using coconut milk alternatives
• Shambhu’s (London): Creates vegan adaptations of traditional Indian desserts for special orders
• Hansa’s (Leeds): Offers select vegan Indian sweet options alongside their vegetarian menu

Vegan adaptation challenges:

• Traditional recipes often rely on milk solids (khoya/mawa) that are difficult to replicate
• Ghee (clarified butter) provides distinctive flavor in many Indian sweets
• Texture and mouthfeel can differ significantly in vegan adaptations

Special Dietary Considerations Beyond Vegan and Sugar-Free

Many consumers have multiple dietary considerations when selecting desserts. Here’s guidance for those with complex requirements.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Finding desserts that are both gluten-free and vegan can be challenging, but several UK establishments excel in this area:

Specialized Bakeries:

• Cupcakes and Shhht (London): 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery
• Vx Bristol: Offers many options that are both vegan and gluten-free
• Sunshine Deli (Glasgow): Specializes in treats meeting multiple dietary requirements

Retail Products:

• NOMO chocolate bars (available in major supermarkets)
• Lazy Day Foods tray bakes and biscuits
• Creative Nature baking mixes and snack bars

Nut-Free Plant-Based Options

For those with nut allergies seeking vegan desserts:

Specialty Producers:

• Freaks of Nature chilled dessert pots (nut-free facility)
• Mummy Meagz chocolate bars and treats
• Oggs cakes and baking products

Allergen-Friendly Bakeries:

• Yorica! (London): Free from all 14 major allergens
• Floozie Cookies (London): Offers nut-free vegan options
• The Vegan Cakery (online): Clear allergen information for all products

Conclusion: The Future of Conscious Indulgence

The landscape for vegan and sugar-free desserts in the UK continues to evolve rapidly, with quality and variety improving consistently. What began as a niche market has transformed into a mainstream consideration, with major retailers and established bakeries now offering plant-based and reduced-sugar alternatives alongside conventional options.

This growth reflects broader shifts in consumer awareness about both personal health and environmental impact. The best modern options no longer position themselves as compromised alternatives but rather as desirable choices in their own right, capable of delivering complete satisfaction while aligning with varied dietary preferences.

Whether you’re a committed vegan, reducing sugar intake, or simply curious about exploring new flavors and approaches to sweet treats, the UK now offers exceptional options in every major city and via online delivery. From indulgent plant-based pastries to functional, nutrition-focused sweet snacks, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of vegan and sugar-free desserts across Britain.

For those interested in exploring traditional sweets from different cultures, Govindam offers authentic Indian sweets that showcase how different culinary traditions approach the balance of sweetness, texture, and presentation. While many traditional options contain dairy and sugar, they provide inspiration for the continued evolution of plant-based and reduced-sugar dessert innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are vegan desserts automatically healthier than conventional options? A: Not necessarily. Vegan desserts simply avoid animal products but may still contain refined sugar, processed ingredients, and high fat content. For health-conscious choices, look specifically for options that address nutritional considerations beyond simply being plant-based.

Q: What are the most common sugar alternatives used in commercial sugar-free desserts? A: Commercially available sugar-free desserts typically use dates, coconut sugar, fruit purees, rice syrup, or zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. Each alternative has different properties that affect taste, texture, and glycemic impact.

Q: Can I find desserts that accommodate multiple dietary restrictions? A: Yes, many specialized bakeries now create options that are simultaneously vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and nut-free. These are typically found in dedicated allergen-friendly establishments rather than mainstream bakeries.

Q: Are vegan and sugar-free desserts more expensive than conventional options? A: Often yes, primarily due to higher ingredient costs and smaller production scales. However, the price differential has decreased as these options become more mainstream, with some supermarket options now reaching price parity with conventional alternatives.

Q: How can I identify truly sugar-free products versus those with hidden sugars? A: Check ingredient lists for alternative names for sugar including dextrose, maltose, rice syrup, and fruit juice concentrates. Be aware that “no added sugar” products may still contain naturally occurring sugars from fruits or other ingredients.

Q: Where can I find vegan and sugar-free options for special occasions like weddings or birthdays? A: Most major cities now have specialized bakeries offering celebration cakes that accommodate dietary restrictions. For the best results, order well in advance (typically 2-4 weeks) and be prepared to discuss specific requirements in detail with the baker.