For fans of vegan baked goods at Whole Foods Market, there have been some noticeable changes in the bakery section. Many locations have quietly removed their in-house vegan bakery items in recent months. This shift has left some shoppers wondering about their favorite treats. As a dedicated follower of all things vegan and delicious, I’ve investigated these changes and have the inside scoop on why this is happening and, more importantly, when you can expect beloved items like vegan cakes, cookies, and more to return to Whole Foods Market shelves. While some stores may still have remaining in-house baked vegan products as they deplete current stock, many locations have already seen these items disappear for months.
Why Whole Foods Changed Their Vegan Bakery Approach
The decision to discontinue in-store vegan baking comes down to a few key factors aimed at improving efficiency and product reliability. Whole Foods Market is streamlining its vegan bakery offerings to reduce labor costs, minimize the risk of mislabeling, and enhance food safety by reducing cross-contamination.
Previously, Whole Foods stores received batters and doughs to bake fresh vegan items on-site. These freshly baked goods were then labeled with vegan stickers. However, this process proved to be labor-intensive and prone to errors. The reliance on stickers created opportunities for inconsistencies. In some instances, vegan stickers were mistakenly omitted from vegan products, while in other cases, vegan stickers were incorrectly applied to non-vegan items. This created confusion and potential issues for customers seeking guaranteed vegan options.
What Vegan Treats Are Back on Whole Foods Shelves?
Fortunately, the absence of in-house baked vegan goods is temporary, and the first wave of pre-packaged replacements has already begun arriving in stores as of January 2024. Vegan favorites are making a comeback in convenient, clearly labeled packaging.
Cookies and Muffins (January 2024)
Leading the charge are vegan chocolate chip cookies and blueberry muffins. The cookies are reportedly supplied by Divvies, and the muffins come from Abe’s Muffins, both reputable vegan bakeries. These pre-packaged items are clearly marked as vegan, removing any guesswork for consumers. While the labels currently do not include cross-contamination warnings, it’s important to remember that trace amounts of allergens are still a possibility. Whole Foods is actively seeking manufacturers with dedicated vegan baking facilities to further minimize contamination risks in the future, demonstrating their commitment to providing safe and reliable vegan options.
Brownies (Late Jan/Early Feb 2024)
Good news for brownie lovers! Vegan brownie 4-packs are expected to reappear on shelves in pre-packaged form starting from late January or early February 2024. This anticipated return offers a convenient way to enjoy a vegan brownie treat.
Croissants and Scones (March 2024 & August 2024 Updates)
Vegan croissant 4-packs were initially slated to return in March 2024, and as of August 2024, updates confirm they are indeed arriving in stores. Single vegan croissants may take a bit longer, potentially returning in late 2024 or sometime in 2025. So, patience may be required for those seeking individual vegan croissants.
Blueberry scone 4-packs are also scheduled to be back in March 2024. Currently, there is no information regarding the return of date walnut or other scone varieties. Additionally, “take and bake” vegan items are not expected to return at this time. Previously, croissants, scones, and cookies were available as “take and bake” options at some locations.
Looking Ahead: Vegan Cakes and More in 2025
For those eagerly awaiting the return of vegan cakes and other favorites, Whole Foods Market is actively working to bring back a wider selection. Whole vegan cakes and cake slices, along with cupcakes, oatmeal raisin cookies, and double chocolate cookies are all on the roadmap for a return. However, it appears these items may not be available until 2025. So, while it requires some patience, the promise of vegan cakes and a broader range of vegan bakery items returning is definitely something to look forward to.
In the meantime, there’s a silver lining for fans of shortbread jelly-filled sandwich cookies. These popular cookies, in both seasonal and core flavors, will remain available by the pound. They are part of a separate program and are not affected by the changes to the in-house baked goods.
What Happened to Vegan Donuts?
Unfortunately, there’s less positive news regarding vegan donuts. Posh Bakery vegan donuts have been discontinued, and currently, Whole Foods Market is only planning to offer non-vegan donuts this year. This decision was influenced by several factors related to the quality and practicality of the vegan donuts.
The vegan donuts were prone to breaking and crumbling easily, resulting in significant waste. Additionally, the icing on the donuts was unstable, often melting and negatively impacting both the visual appeal and the eating experience. Finally, team members found the donuts challenging to handle and execute consistently in-store.
Holiday Pies and the Future of Whole Foods Vegan Baking
Looking further ahead, seasonal vegan items like holiday pies may also make a comeback in 2025 as Whole Foods sources new vendors. The company is aiming to continue serving its vegan customers and is actively working to ensure vegan options are available. The focus is on resolving past issues while maintaining product quality. However, the ultimate quality and freshness of these returning items remain to be seen. Early feedback on some of the new pre-packaged offerings suggests that some customers feel the new items are not quite meeting the mark in terms of quality compared to the previous in-house baked goods. If you have tried any of the new pre-packaged vegan bakery items at Whole Foods, your feedback is welcome in the comments.
Updated Brownies (March 2024 Update)
Vegan brownie 4-packs have started appearing in stores as of March 2024. These new brownies feature a different ingredient list compared to the previous in-store baked singles. While some stores may still be selling single brownies to deplete existing stock, the plan moving forward is to primarily offer 4-packs at a price point of $7.99 (prices may vary by region). Previously, single brownies were priced at $2.50, making the 4-packs a more economical option. The new brownies have a slightly thicker and more cake-like texture, which has been positively received by some customers.
Croissants Arrive (August 2024 Update)
Despite initial expectations for a March arrival, pre-baked vegan croissants have finally been spotted in stores in August 2024. While some locations may have received them earlier, they are now confirmed to be available more widely, including in Florida. The pre-packaged croissants have a different shape compared to the in-house baked version. They are now shaped as traditional, longer croissants rather than the circular shape used previously. This shape distinction was implemented to clearly differentiate them from non-vegan croissants baked in-store, preventing accidental misidentification and ensuring customers receive the vegan option they intend to purchase. The “take and bake” vegan croissant option is no longer expected to be available.
Pumpkin Pies are Back (September 2024 Update)
Good news for fall treat enthusiasts! Vegan pumpkin pies are returning for the Fall 2024 season. Contrary to earlier information suggesting a Q1 2025 return, these pies are now available as whole pies for the current fall season. While the ingredients are slightly modified due to a new vendor, the price remains consistent with last year at $14.99 (having increased from $13.99 in 2022). Customer reviews from the previous year, when the recipe was changed from 2022, were generally not favorable, so it remains to be seen if this year’s recipe is the same as last year’s or further adjusted. Vegan pumpkin pies are expected to be available in all stores soon and should be available for holiday ordering online or in-store.
