Soha Ali Khan introduces us to her vegan, gluten-free skinny chocolate cake

Friends and family have often pointed out Soha Ali Khan's fondness for eating a slice of a particular cake every day post lunch which she doesn't share with anyone. Remember Neha Dhupia also shared in a conversation that she doesn't share her slice of cake with anyone? (Photo: Neha Dhupia/Instagram)

Now, Soha took her fans and followers to the particular cake shop that makes the skinny chocolate cake, which she can be seen eating in a chat with Mashable India. "Skinny chocolate cake. It's very big, one slice of cake. I eat one every day. It's vegan, gluten-free cake. Not too sweet," shared Soha. (representative) (Photo: Freepik)

She also added that she ensures to pack five slices from the shop that she takes with her wherever she travels. "I pack five slices. I have a calculation. One slice a day. Put it in your fridge, it stays for five days. So, wherever we go, Dubai, London, Los Angeles, five slices are packed. Kunal (Kemmu; husband) thinks I am mad. Who packs cake? I do." (Photo: Soha Ali Khan/Instagram)

Vegan, gluten-free, and "skinny" chocolate cake does that necessarily mean it's healthy? Not necessarily, emphasised Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane. (Photo: Freepik)

"Descriptions such as vegan or gluten-free merely speak to what is absent, not present. A cake may still be full of sugar, processed oils, or calories. The nutritional value relies on the ingredients you use. If you make it with whole grains, nut flours, natural sugars, or decent cocoa, then it can be a lighter, gut-beneficial choice in comparison to regular cakes," said Sheikh. (Photo: Freepik)

What are the actual advantages of such a cake? Sheikh described cocoa as the hero. "Dark chocolate and cocoa are full of flavonoids, which are antioxidants. They promote cardiovascular health, enhance blood flow, and even enhance mood," said Sheikh. (Photo: Freepik)

That it is dairy-free makes it lactose-intolerant individuals' lives easier, and gluten-free makes it celiac patients or those with gluten sensitivity's life simpler. If the recipe truly is "skinny," i.e., lower in fat and sugar, then it's a waist-friendlier treat," said Sheikh. (Photo: Freepik)

What to note? No negotiating portion control, Sheikh said. "Even a healthier cake is dessert. Enjoy a small piece. Scan the ingredient list for added sugars or syrups. And balance it out, don't let a "guilt-free" dessert displace your fruits, veggies, proteins, and whole grains. Consider it as a special treat, not as a meal substitute," said Sheikh. (Photo: Freepik)

Is it all right to eat one piece a day if it's not too sweet? "If the serving size is small and your diet overall is healthy, that one little piece wont hurt. In fact, a less sweet, more cocoa-intensive bite is a mood booster and antioxidant-rich snack," Sheikh said. (Photo: Freepik)