Kent-based bakery supplier Country Choice has launched a frozen vegan croissant.

The spelt and quinoa croissant is supplied fully baked and ready to thaw and serve on demand.Made in France, it is described as a twist on the classic croissant and is suitable for vegans.

The croissant contains plant-based margarine, spelt flour, caramelised quinoa seeds and roasted barley malt. It is available in twin-packs with 14 packs to a case.

The trend for vegan pastries is gaining traction, with recent launches from Carluccio’s, Country Range, Stacey’s Bakery and Central Foods.

The number of vegans in Great Britain has quadrupled between 2014 and 2018, according to the Vegan Society and Food Standards Agency. In 2018, there were 600,000 vegans, or 1.16% of the population, up from 276,000 (0.46%) in 2016 and 150,000 (0.25%) in 2014.

Data analytics consultancy Global Data has found that almost half of the vegan population in the UK had made the change to veganism within the past year.