Having just survived the dreaded Pastry Week, that actually wasn't too bad this year, the remaining six bakers will grapple with something far more divisive, challenging and controversial: Vegan Week.
The new theme was announced earlier this year and caused a lot of discussion online, with one camp fervently defending the need for eggs and butter in baking, one camp celebrating the modern move in the GBBO and one camp just happy to be there.
Whatever your thoughts on vegan baking, one thing is certain: it couldn't come at a more appropriate time, with the UN releasing their far-reaching call for rapid change to slow climate change. Making the decision to eat fewer animal products is one very achievable way to cut your carbon emissions and contribute towards slowing climate change.
Speaking about the theme earlier this year, Paul Hollywood noted that it was an attempt to capture a changing tide in the UK, and further afield, saying "Veganism is something that seems to be growing. That's why it is in".
Even better, it's believed that the theme was Noel Fielding's idea, so those of us in favour of the move have another reason to love him.
The teaser offered plenty to chop up, including a heart-stopping cake-tumble for one devastated contestant, as well as an anti-vegan contestant, how to milk an almond and the suggestion of a kebab week.
For the first time ever, it's #VeganWeek on Bake Off... but can the bakers figure out how to milk an almond? Tuesday 9th October. 8pm. @Channel4. #GBBO pic.twitter.com/aXtWObiY7f
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) October 8, 2018
Of course, Twitter is already overflowing with opinions on the theme. Lord knows what will go down this evening...
Each to their own
#gbbo #vegan pic.twitter.com/jXivPIuUxM
— Not your boo 👻 (@LucyHRichards) October 9, 2018
The way to hurt Noel Fielding's feelings
Vegan week on bake off?! Can't be serious #GBBO
— Jordanna (@Jordannaheyes) October 7, 2018
The people ask...
I'm intrested on how they are going to make meringues on Vegan week without eggs ? #GBBO
— Zoë Ainge (@ZoeAinge25) October 9, 2018
GBBO answers...
Seal it with a kiss. A Vegan Meringue Kiss, to be specific. #VeganWeek #GBBO pic.twitter.com/UFE3xIZzs2
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) October 7, 2018
BALONEY
Woke up looking forward to #gbbo tonight then remembered it's vegan week. Ffs. pic.twitter.com/Tlg4XCINIO
— Helen B (@Helibobs84) October 9, 2018
Life changes all round
Oh yeah! Also, some people stop alcohol for October, I just went Vegan for the month, so I am excited for you to see all of the delicious stuff you can do without any animal products! #veganweek #gbbo #ditchthedairy https://t.co/qGJXQe5kHJ
— Manon Lagrève (@MMarla35) October 8, 2018
