New Vegan Sweets In Chicago

We won't go so far as to say these new doughnuts and ice cream are health foods...But they're not far from it.

These treats prove that local sweet makers aren't sacrificing taste, texture or satisfaction when they cut the dairy.

Red Wall Kitchen: Exceptionally moist and flavorful muffin bites ($30 for 26) from this new Elk Grove producer are made with chickpeas and bananas. Another favorite, the dense, cakey chocolate doughnuts ($30 per dozen), are made of oat flour and baked, not fried. Like all Red Wall products, both are vegan and gluten-free. Available at the Downer's Grove, Elmhurst and Schaumburg Farmers' Markets, or by delivery (email eat@redwallkitchen.com).

Robin's Frozen Fantasy: Forget that Robin's chocolate ice cream is made with fresh hemp milk, organic hemp oil and organic raw cacao. The first thought after a bite is, "Damn, that's good." Other flavors ($5 for 3 oz.) include cinnamon, chocolate-mint and seasonal specials like nectarine-tarragon. Available at The Nosh and assorted suburban markets (check Facebook).

Karyn's Raw Café: Rich, vanilla-scented soft-serve–made with cashews and almond milk and served in raw, vegan, almond-meal cones ($4)–is the newest addition to the lineup at Karyn's Lincoln Park café.