Chocolate chip banana bread, strawberry cream brownies and toasted almond torte lined the tables at Pass Health Foods on Saturday afternoon, where the community came together for the store’s second annual Vegan Baking Contest.
The event, held at the family-run health food store at 7228 W. College Dr., welcomed bakers of all ages to showcase their creativity without using eggs, dairy or any other animal-derived ingredients.
Pass Health Foods, a local favorite specializing in natural, organic and gluten-free products, has been a longtime destination for health-conscious shoppers and those with dietary restrictions. Store co-owner Carolyn Johnson, who runs the shop with Liz Ryan, said the contest was about bringing people together and sharing new ideas.
“It’s a community-wide baking contest of items with no animal products, including dairy or eggs,” Johnson said. “Baking without animal products can sometimes be tricky. Eggs especially, and frosting is hard too. So, we thought a vegan baking contest would be fun and also a way for people to try different vegan baked goods.”
The contest, now in its second year, was inspired by the popularity of the store’s annual gluten-free baking competition and by growing interest in plant-based lifestyles.
“We have a large group of people who are vegan, or vegetarian, or can’t have dairy,” Johnson said. “There’s definitely more demand for vegan options. People are choosing a vegan diet for health reasons or for animal reasons, and there are a lot of people who have allergies to animal products like eggs or dairy.”
Bakers were allowed to pre-register or simply walk in with their entries the day of the event. The only rule was that each submission had to be 100 percent vegan. Participants were required to submit recipes and full ingredient lists confirming their treats contained no meat, dairy, eggs, gelatin, honey or other animal-derived ingredients.
Entries were judged primarily on taste, with presentation also taken into consideration. This year’s guest judge was MaryAnne McKenna Bryan, founder of the Chicago Southside & South Suburban Vegans Facebook group.
“It’s amazing that they do this,” Bryan said. “Pass Health Foods offers so many vegan products and events like this bring the vegan members of the community out to meet one another.”
Johnson, a vegetarian herself, said she looked forward to both the tasting and the community spirit the event brought.
“I was excited to try the different entries because while I’m an okay baker, there are some things that are a little difficult to make without dairy or animal products. Plus, who doesn’t love trying desserts and baked goods?” she said. “I also love the excitement the event brings to our customers.”
First place went to Amirh Miles, of Chicago, who made Maple Bourbon Sweet Potato Cake; second place went to Barb Weber, of Crestwood, who made Strawberry Cream Brownies; and, third place went to Chloe Deluna, of Palos Hills, who made Orange Olive Oil Cake.
“I personally decided to go vegan because of the many health benefits,” first-place winner Amirh Miles said. “I wanted to feel better and live longer.”
After judging wrapped up, all entries were made available for sampling, giving attendees a chance to taste and learn more about vegan baking.
“This gave people a chance to try some different vegan dishes,” Johnson said. “It was also helpful to show people who have family members with dairy or egg allergies that they are still able to still make something delicious.
The event drew a steady crowd of eager tasters, curious newcomers and loyal shoppers, many of whom left with full stomachs and new inspiration for plant-based baking.
