Croissants aren't usually black. Those that are would surely be burnt, or covered in molten tar.

Neither burnt croissants nor those covered in molten tar would make for a good breakfast. But there is an edible variety of blackened pastry.

The 'charcoal activated vegan croissant' is a real food item, consumed by real humans. Today, people have been talking about the dish thanks to Amy Kean, who spotted one in East London.

Here it is:

(Image: @keano81/Twitter)

"I discovered the charcoal activated vegan croissants in a place called Coco di Mama near my London office," she told Mirror Online.

"I go [there] most days to buy my favourite gluten-free pasta and ham hock carbonara with freshly shaved Parmesan and chilli flakes.

"The croissants were sat pride of place by the cash desks... there were quite a few on display, which made them unmissable."

Amy said this was "immediately intrigued" by the blackened pastry, as she knows charcoal is a current food trend. It is – it's everywhere.

When black pizza dough reaches restaurant chain Prezzo, you know it's gone mainstream. Supposedly there are health benefits.

Author Amy, who also works in advertising, said: "I'm not sure what health benefits it [activated charcoal food] has.

"I remember a doctor friend of mine telling me it was used for drug overdoses. I noticed the sign that said 'tastes better than it looks', and agreed that it didn't look particularly appetising, but then I'm not a vegan so perhaps they might feel differently."

Amy didn't try the croissant, she said, as she was already full-up. She's also not vegan, so would manage with a regular croissant.

But she did take a photo – and noticed a lady behind the counter nodding as she did.

On Twitter, many have been offended by the croissant. A man called Henry mentioned that Coco di Mama isn't the only London cafe to serve them.

He tweeted: "They do them there [Pure] as well. What a massive bunch of w***." While food critic Tim Hayward compared the croissant to "fecal" matter.

Coco di Mama announced its croissants on its website:

LORRAINE IN HYSTERICS AS RUSSELL BRAND EATS A FAKE CROISSANT

The company's website reads: "We are so excited to bring you a Charcoal-Activated Vegan Croissant!

"It's quite an unusual looking item, but we can promise you that it 100% tastes better than it looks.

"Unlike a regular croissant, there is no butter. The key ingredients are Sunflower Margarine; Soy and Barley Flour; Activated charcoal/ carbon; Sugar; and Lemon Flavouring.

"The Charcoal in the croissant helps to detoxify any poisons or toxins in your body, for example, alcohol."

It seems there really are benefits to activated charcoal. But it's complicated.