One of my loved ones was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease. As I supported them throughout their transition to a gluten-free lifestyle, I quickly realized that food became a source of stress instead of pleasure. In order to avoid a painful night of gluten-fueled gut discomfort, the gluten intolerant are forced to research every morsel that passes their lips. As such, this article is a compilation of New Jersey bakeries that not only carry gluten-free delicacies, but are completely, totally, and 100 percent devoid of gluten.
Annie & Em’s Bakery – Hoboken, NJ
Annie & Em’s is one of the newest Hoboken storefronts. Hellbent on omitting gluten from their favorite recipes, two sisters started the brand to make Celiac-friendly treats. The duo began their journey in August 2018 at farmer’s markets across Monmouth and Mercer counties. A few years later, the brand is now a brick-and-mortar at 155 Third Street in Hoboken, NJ. Highlighted items include banana bread, cinnamon sugar donuts, and vegan blueberry lemon crumb bars. In addition to the gluten-free menu, Annie & Em’s also has a selection of vegan and dairy-free options.
WHOS Gluten Free – Paramus, NJ
In 2008, Stephanie Wong was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Coupled with her other food-related allergies, Wong began experimenting with allergen-free recipes in her home kitchen. It wasn’t until a friend urged her to explore the entrepreneurial side of her hobby that Wong thought she could develop a business out of her circumstances. Since 2013, WHOS Gluten Free has been catering to the gluten-free community of North Jersey.
Plum – Montclair, NJ
When a customer came into her first bakery and bought out the entirety of her gluten-free items, Natalie Lee had an idea. From there, Plum was established in Montclair. Plum specializes in a wide assortment of cakes, including their classic, three-tiered birthday cake. Other treats include gluten-free scones, brioche rolls, English muffins, brownies, and sandwich bread. The team at Plum also hosts virtual cooking lessons, where students can learn how to make the bakery’s iconic gluten-free offerings at home.
WildFlour Gluten-Free Kitchen – Lawrenceville, NJ
WildFlour is so much more than a bakery. Marilyn Besner opened WildFlour eight years ago after realizing her love for the food scene and admiration for all the women-owned businesses in Lawrenceville. The bakery and cafe, formerly known as WildFlour Bakery and Cafe, has shifted its focus away from table service and toward wholesale and catered gluten-free goods in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. WildFlour Gluten-Free Kitchen has everything from bread, pastries, and cookies as their bakery offerings to pizza, sandwiches, and breakfast in their cafe portfolio.
Two Fields Bakeshop – Stirling, NJ
Nick Nikopolous is a second-generation French-trained pastry chef. He began his professional culinary career at his family’s bakery in Brooklyn. Nikopolous’ mission to create a wheat-free space started when his two sons and nephew were diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to gluten, nuts, and dairy. That space is called Two Fields Bakeshop and is located in Stirling, New Jersey. Two Fields Bakeshop features traditional bakery fare—cakes, cookies, pastries, and muffins—along with more savory options like pizza and bread. Today, their items are found in select wholesale retailers throughout the tri-state area.
Mo’Pweeze – Denville, NJ
“Mo’pweeze!” were the words that Christina Allen’s son Maddox said after his first bite of her allergen-free pastry. Maddox has over 35 food allergies, which inspired Christina to bake allergen-free sweets full time over seven years ago. The entirety of Mo’Pweeze’s menu is free of the top 10 most common food allergies. And Christina thanks the local town of Denville for being so loyal and welcoming to her small business.
Have you tried any of these gluten-free bakeries in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image by Yeh Xintong
