Food sensitivities are a fact of life for many of us. The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those who have been diagnosed with Celiac disease or have gluten sensitivity. Both conditions mean that gluten, often found in wheat, barley, and rye, is a no-go in the diet. That means forgoing many breads and desserts. But including options that include gluten-free options may take a little planning ahead. Here are five black-owned bakeries with delicious gluten-free goodies around the country. Bonus: many of them offer shipping.
Maya’s Cookies, San Diego
Maya Masden has been baking delicious gourmet, soft-vegan cookies for eight years. Her popularity among vegans and nonvegans has won her the distinction of being America’s #1 Black-owned Vegan Cookie Company. While many of her offerings contain soy and wheat, this Wheat-Free Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookie is among her comprehensive collection of cookies. The Holiday Tin, $39, includes six 3-ounce cookies. Maya’s Cookies ships Monday – Thursday, but orders must be received by Wednesday noon PST to go out that week.
Southern Roots Bakery, San Antonio
Marcus and Cara Pitts’s vegan journey was inspired by wanting to create healthier options for a family member. A business was born when Marcus developed a Vegan donut recipe that became a hit with family and friends. Many of the desserts are available. The couple has adapted their offerings to include the Gluten Free Cake Donut ($48.99 for a half dozen). It is nut-free, made with rice flour, and available in Original Vanilla, Lemon Drop, and Red Velvet, or you can order a mix. This item ships free nationwide.
Plant Based Sweets by Lotus, Baton Rouge
If you are planning a gathering for New Year’s Eve or Day. Now is the time to check out the offerings at Plant Based Sweets by Lotus. The baking business, started by Marla and Allen Howard, was inspired after the couple transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in March 2019. The goal was to put a vegan spin on some of their favorite recipes. Through their business, they hope to contribute to building a healthier community. Some recipes, like this Vegan Chocolate Cake, $74.99, are offered in Vegan or Vegan Gluten-Free. This double-layer 8″ cake is also nut-free upon request.
Mo’Pweeze, Denville, NJ
Christine Miller, founder and head baker at Mo’Pweeze, began her baking business in 2013 which is a plant-based, small-batch destination where all of its products are free of the top 10 allergens (dairy, eggs, tree-nut, peanut, gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, and mustard), and both vegan and kosher. She is doing something right because USA Today recognized her spot in their Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the 10 Best Gluten-Free Bakeries. The bakery sells breads, cookies, donuts, cakes, and muffins. But the Brookies, $30 for 6, a hybrid between a brownie and cookie, are unique. Mo’Pweeze orders are shipped within 24 hours but order ahead to ensure you receive your treats in time.
Cutie As a Cupcakes, Schererville, IN
Owner Michelle A. Wainwright started Cute as a Cupcake as a cupcakery destination in 2015. Her food trucks sell over 30 sweet treat flavors, including Salted Carmel, Coconut, and Turtle. Plus, she sells gluten-free and vegan options of some of her most popular flavors. But because they are challenging to travel with, let alone ship, Wainwright has developed a perfect portable option with her Cutie Cupcakes in a Jar. The individual flavors come in two sizes, four oz.($5.00) and eight oz. ($8.50) each, or you can order a gift pack of six for $57. This is ideal for accommodating one or many individuals with gluten-free options.
