Learn from us: Tips, Tricks & Trends Plant-Based Bakery Trends Among Young Consumers and How to Meet Them

Awareness of healthy living is on the rise, especially among younger consumers. Beyond just eating fruits and vegetables, they are also starting to pay attention to the ingredients in their daily foods, including snacks like cakes, bread, and pastries. As a result, plant-based bakeries—products made without animal-based ingredients like eggs and milk—are gaining more popularity.

For young consumers, plant-based bakeries aren’t just about being healthy—they’re also a lifestyle choice and a form of self-expression. They want to enjoy delicious treats, stay healthy, and look good when sharing their snacks on social media. It’s no surprise that many plant-based bakery creations have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram for their tempting and unique appearances.

Viral Plant-Based Bakery Creations Among Youth

According to Chef Junaidi, young consumers today aren’t just looking for healthier baked goods, but also ones that tell a story, look visually appealing, and are shareable on social media. Visual appeal plays a big role, whether it’s unique shapes, intriguing flavour combinations, or aesthetically pleasing packaging.

Here are some types of plant-based bakery items that frequently appear on social media, based on Chef Junaidi’s observations :

1. Hybrid Pastries (Fusion Pastry)

Creations like mojito-infused and mochi doughnuts, cronuts (croissant + donut), croffles (croissant + waffle), crookies (croissant + cookie), and cronchas (croissant + concha) are globally trending fusion pastries. Their unique forms and eye-catching visuals make them highly shareable, especially among young consumers eager to try something new.

2. Global Flavours and Novel Sensations

A quick scroll through the #PlantBasedTreats hashtag reveals frequent appearances of flavours like matcha, ube, black sesame, yuzu, and even gochujang. The combination of striking visuals and distinctive tastes gives these treats a strong appeal. One example you can try is the Ube Muffin.

3. Healthy Bakery & Superfoods

Bakery products like gluten-free bread, low-sugar options, and those made with alternative flours such as almond, oat, or cassava are becoming more common. They’re often enhanced with superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or spirulina, making them not only healthier with added nutrients but also more flavourful, filling, and suitable for daily consumption. Try the Whole Wheat Bread with Raisins & Cranberries recipe, which is rich in fiber, as a wholesome addition to your bakery menu.

4. Fermented Breads and Gut Health Trends

Sourdough is currently a favourite, especially the plant-based versions that are egg-less and dairy-free, thanks to its perceived digestive health benefits. The long fermentation process produces natural probiotics that support gut health. Beyond sourdough, other naturally fermented breads are gaining popularity for their porous textures and digestive benefits, frequently featured in social media content.

5. Bakery with a Local Twist

Local ingredients like coconut sugar, pandan, coconut, and pisang raja (a type of banana) are increasingly used in bakery products. Besides offering familiar flavours to local palates, the use of indigenous ingredients also highlights and celebrates Indonesian culinary heritage. One example is Vegan Coconut-Filled Bread, which combines soft pandan bread with a filling of grated coconut and palm sugar.

In addition to the five main trends mentioned above, Chef Junaidi also highlights several innovations in flavour and presentation that continue to enrich the world of plant-based bakery :

• The Rise of Pistachio Flavour. Pistachio has become one of the most popular flavours of the year. Its popularity has surged alongside trends like the Dubai chocolate bar and is now making its way into various plant-based bakery products that are worth trying, such as Vegan Pistachio Brownies and Pistachio Pinwheels Vegan Cookies.

• Instagram-Worthy Sizes. Mini cakes, bite-sized pastries, and oversized creations like XXL croissants and bento cakes are highly favored for their photogenic appeal. Perfect for social media sharing. One example is the Black Forest Choco Au Craquelin, a mini choux pastry ideal for a bite-sized menu. While this recipe is not fully plant-based yet, it can be modified by replacing eggs and milk. Learn how here: 6 Egg and Milk Substitutes for Vegan Baking.

• ‘Swalty’ and ‘Swicy’ Flavour Combos. Unusual flavour pairings like sweet-spicy (swicy) and sweet-salty (swalty) are gaining traction, offering a unique tasting experience that grabs consumer attention.

• Plant-Based Savoury Innovations. Cakes and breads with fillings or toppings made from plant-based proteins like soy, mushrooms, or legumes are becoming more common—an excellent fit for vegetarian consumers or those avoiding animal-based ingredients.

• Authentic Storytelling. Many bakery entrepreneurs are now sharing timelapse videos of their product-making process and the stories behind their creations. This personal touch resonates well with younger consumers and adds emotional value to the product.

Challenges in Making Plant-Based Bakery & the Solutions

Developing plant-based bakery recipes comes with its own set of challenges. According to Chef Junaidi, texture is often the most common issue. Without eggs and dairy, dough can feel dry, crumbly, or lack softness. But don’t worry, there are a few ways to overcome this :

• Replace eggs with chia seed gel, flaxseed gel, ripe banana, or aquafaba (chickpea water).
• Add healthy fats like coconut oil to help retain moisture.

To support businesses in creating stable and high-quality plant-based baked goods, Palmboom® Cake Margarine is here as Indonesia’s first vegan margarine solution. It’s trans-fat-free, vegan-friendly, and specifically designed to deliver a soft and moist texture with a distinctive fruity butter aroma.

“Palmboom® Cake Margarine is specially formulated to meet the needs of modern bakery professionals who seek high performance without compromising on health,” said Stefanus Edo, Senior Brand Manager at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food. “With excellent durability for large-scale production, our product helps ensure consistency in final results while supporting the growing plant-based food trend.”

With the rising trend of healthy lifestyles, the demand for plant-based bakery is clearly more than a passing fad. By understanding the preferences of younger consumers, keeping up with social media trends, and using high-quality ingredients like Palmboom® Cake Margarine, you can craft plant-based recipes that are not only healthy but also resonate with today’s market. Learn more about Palmboom® and get your order here.

Have questions about our products or need recommendations for your bakery needs? Chat directly with Your SMART Partner, our AI assistant ready to help you 24/7!