A NEW vegan cafe is dishing up tasty treats for health conscious Cairns foodies.

Lentil pies and dairy-free chocolate cakes are among the hottest products at Earthly Bakes, McLeod St, which opened on Monday.

Owner Deeanne Hall, 39, said there was a growing local demand for animal-free food.

“There is a very passionate vegan community in Cairns,” the Smithfield mother-of-two said.

“Many people said it was a brave move to open a cafe, but I truly believe in the ethics behind veganism.

“I was originally going to open a mobile food van but thought I may as well go all in.”

Mrs Hall became vegan about five years ago and soon went about building an impressive repertoire of recipes.

Her husband Jamie and two children have since adopted the philosophy, which completely rejects the use of any animals or their by-products for food.

“I’m completely self-taught and cooking is my passion,” she said.

Mrs Hall hoped to grow the wholesale side of her business and one day have her creations stocked in vegan stores across Australia.

She said even the most devoted meat-eaters were becoming more inquisitive about veganism.

“I’ve never really had any negative experiences,” Mrs Hall said.

“Some people would never consider turning vegan, which is fine, but if they come into the store and are curious about the food, then my job is done.”