Vegan Croissants Crowned as Best in Miami

French patisserie L’Artisane Creative Bakery became the first vegan bakery to win the annual competition Croissant Battle Miami in Miami, FL. Hosted by media outlet French Morning, the contest began with an online nomination, and, based on fan votes, L’Artisane Creative Bakery advanced as a finalist in the event, where its croissants were chosen by blind taste-testers among seven other non-vegan competitors. L’Artisane’s handmade croissants were judged on appearance, texture, and flavor by a panel of seven judges that included leading French chef Gilles Epié. “Croissants are an iconic buttery pastry, but the technique and the crispiness of our croissants won their hearts,” L’Artisane founder Carolina Molea told VegNews. “[The judges] couldn’t believe we were vegan and that we could achieve such an amazing result using margarine and plant-based milk. I believe we have demonstrated that you can have quality products without the use of animal-based ingredients.” The bakery opened in February and serves its winning croissants at its Miami Beach storefront, in addition to other classic pastries such as pain au chocolat, strawberry tartlets, and apple brioche.