The "galette des rois" has become the culinary star of January, captivating the palates of millions of French people during the seasonal celebration of the Epiphany. With 92% of the French population indulging in this delicacy, according to recent polling by Ifop for the Federation of Bakery Entrepreneurs, one could say the galette is indulged on a near-national scale year after year.
Traditionally enjoyed on January 6th, the galette des rois is not only savored for its delicious almond cream filling but has also made its way to supermarket shelves well before Christmas. This year, the tasty pastries began appearing even before the festive season concluded, dominating the market until early February. A report by the Federation of Bakery Entrepreneurs (FEB) indicated over 60 million galettes sold annually, amalgamated from both industrial and artisan sources.
What makes this pastry so beloved? Perhaps it’s the delightful frangipane filling, which is preferred by 73% of consumers according to FEB. This creamy mixture—primarily composed of ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and butter—makes the galette’s flavor rich and satisfying. Interestingly, the growing trend shows many consumers are willing to spend more this year, even as the prices of butter, one of the key ingredients, have experienced inflation.
Nonetheless, the French have varied tastes when it concerns the galette. While the frangipane reigns supreme, 13% have shown inclinations toward apple-filled varieties, and another 13% prefer the southern version—a brioche-style cake typically flavored with orange blossom and studded with candied fruits. The diversity of these flavors and forms demonstrates the adaptability of this long-standing tradition.
This year has already seen significant accomplishments worth noting. Guillaume Gaugain of "Au Moulin Sucré" bakery in Solesmes, Sarthe, was awarded the best almond galette at the department competition on January 2, 2025. This was not Gaugain's first victory; he has been amassing awards for the past six years since he opened his bakery. The smile on his face is indicative of his pride, as he notes, "It’s a good surprise!" after hearing he clinched first place.
Gaugain's bakery team is now bracing for the regional competition scheduled to take place on January 9, the same day as Gaugain's birthday, adding festive cheer to the event. Clutching his hopes of doing well, he reminisces about his success at the regional level back in 2022, which led to him competing nationally. He states, "We’ll give our best to meet customer expectations," referring to the high demand for his award-winning galette following the announcement of his win.
Gaugain also shared his experience with original submissions. This year, he fell short of the top prize, experiencing some disappointment after achieving only third place. The jury's theme revolved around hazelnut, and his creation, featuring layers of brioche dough, hazelnut cream, and delicate choux pastry, was met with admiration, though not quite enough to clinch the top spot.
Meanwhile, as discussions around the best recipes continue, innovative takes on the galette des rois are capturing attention. For those wanting to experiment, a popular recipe for hazelnut galette provides the perfect excuse to indulge. Utilizing basic ingredients—eggs, sugar, butter, and of course, the much-loved hazelnuts—a deliciously different version can be achieved. The process involves creaming together the components until they form the rich ‘cream’ filling, which is then sandwiched between sheets of store-bought puff pastry.
Food enthusiasts and amateur bakers alike take delight not just in the taste but also the tradition of concealing a fève (a small figurine) within the cake, granting royalty to the person who finds it. This touches on cultural aspects tied to festivities, illuminating the enduring significance of the galette beyond its mere flavor.
These galettes are typically purchased from bakeries, which claim about 51% of the market share compared to supermarkets (34%). Such numbers highlight the importance of artisan bakers and their pivotal role at the heart of this culinary tradition. Importantly, many consumers are not loyal to just one source; they might purchase galettes from different bakeries, fueling healthy competition.
Despite changing lifestyles and purchasing patterns, the beloved galette des rois remains firmly rooted within French culture. Every bite of this flaky, filled delight carries with it decades of tradition, celebration, and community bonding—whether you choose the classic frangipane or something with more variation, there’s something for every palate. The continuing surge in its popularity signals not just culinary but cultural vitality, as the pastry refuses to bow to modern pressures, instead flourishing amid January's winter chill.