Select retailers in Louisiana are now offering a keto diet-friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season confections while keeping to their New Year’s resolution.
The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake from Unrefined Bakery is endorsed by Eat Fit Ochsner. Ochsner Dietician Vanessa Richard says it’s filling, and pretty healthy for you.
“It is using almond flour and coconut flour, as well as coconut, and heart-healthy oils. It also has a natural sugar alternative that is locally made called swerve,” says Richard.
She adds the lack of sugar and carbs means you won’t have an insulin spike from eating it, which means no crashing out a few hours later.
Unrefined co-founder Taylor Nicholson says the cake itself looks just like the real deal but tastes a little different.
“This is more similar to a pound cake with a cinnamon swirl ribbon in the middle, so it still incorporates the cinnamon, but it is more of a pound cake in texture,” says Nicholson.
Nicholson has been gluten-free for the past 17 years, and having grown up outside Louisiana admits she has not had a traditional king cake before.
Each cake has about 1,300 calories in it, with only ten grams of carbs total. Nicholson says at under 200 calories a slice, you can indulge a bit and not regret it later.
“It still has the same feel and festiveness of a king cake, and it allows you to stay within your healthy eating goals while still participating in the festiveness of the holiday,” says
The cake is available at many Whole Foods statewide and at select local retailers.
