Veganism has skyrocketed in ­recent years with more people than ever choosing to enjoy a completely vegan or a plant-based lifestyle, cutting out all animal products from their diets. Instead, vegans prioritize a diet rich in foods that are bursting with natural ingredients and filled with essential vitamins and ­minerals. It‘s all about keeping everything natural, and this includes bakery and confectionery, too.

Product innovation and recipe ­development means that vegan dishes do not have to be lacking in flavour or impact as there are some great ­vegan-friendly ingredients now available such as the inclusions, decorations and ingredients from Orchard Valley Foods. They don‘t just produce vegan alternatives, but products with the same quality, taste and texture as their regular counterparts. This means that manufacturers can easily create finished products that taste fantastic and are also suitable for all consumers.

From vegan suitable fudge to ­inclusions and toppings such as vegan biscuits, sugar shapes and mallows suitable for confectionery and sweet bakery, the company‘s vegan range is suitable for all kinds of confectionery and sweet bakery applications. With the traditional texture of a fudge, but with a more vibrant colour and flavour, the vegan Fudjies are a fun way to add pick-me-up appeal to baked goods, confectionery and ice cream.

Made using natural fruit extracts or natural flavours, the Fudjies range is naturally vegan and lactose free, too, making it ideal for many free-from applications. On-trend flavours in the range include Raspberry, Sicilian Lemon, Bubble Gum, Summer Berries and Salted Caramel Flavour. Freeze dried fruit can be added to Fudjies for added texture and mouthfeel as well as perceived health benefits. The fudge can be used to top decorate muffins, donuts and traybakes as well as being added to desserts and ice creams.