For the past few years, going gluten-free has become one of the biggest health crazes in North America. Whether you’re celiac, gluten-sensitive or simply choose to omit gluten from your diet, it can be difficult to find tasty, mouth-watering treats that are up to par with their gluten-ridden counterparts.
Thankfully, more and more gluten-free bakeries have been popping up all over the Greater Toronto Area. Here are our five favourites:
1. Bunner’s Vegan & Gluten-Free Bakeshop, 3054 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Voted best dessert shop by Now Magazine’s Reader’s Poll in 2012, Bunner’s Bakeshop is dedicated to serving traditional baked goods that are vegan and gluten-free and also free from other common allergens such as soy, eggs and refined sugars. Baked fresh daily with fair-trade, organic and local ingredients, Bunner’s offers delicious, quality treats that will leave you wanting more.
Delivery: Yes, within downtown Toronto for a $12 flat rate.
Custom Orders: Yes. 48 hours notice for standard celebration cakes, and 72 hours notice for non-standard cakes. Bunner’s also offers catering for large and small events.
Try: The Supersonic Cookie (a Bunner’s classic) and the Creamies (two chocolate chip cookies sandwiching a scoop of rich, creamy vanilla frosting).
2. Cup of Tea Bakery and Café©, 25 Thickson Rd. N., Whitby, ON
For the gluten-conscious living east of Toronto, try Cup of Tea Bakery in Whitby, ON. The organic and nut-free bakery has recently gone 100 per cent gluten-free and offers a variety of delicious treats and eats including fresh bread, cupcakes, pies and scones. Along with their baked goods, Cup of Tea also sells lunch and dinner options such as lasagna, perogies and pot pies and a variety of organic teas and coffee.
Delivery: Not currently, but orders can be made online for pick-up.
Custom Orders: Yes, with 48 business hours notice.
Try: Pumpkin square topped with maple frosting.
3. Baked at Frankie's, 64 Brock St. W., Uxbridge, ON.
Celiacs can find a safe-haven in delicious form at Baked at Frankie's in Uxbridge, ON. The award-winning bakery is 100 per cent gluten, wheat and nut-free and also features sugar-free options for diabetic customers. Frankie’s not only offers freshly baked breads, baguettes, cakes and other baked goods, but they also carry their own blend of gluten-free all purpose flour and baking mixes, including sticky toffee pudding and chocolate cake. Frankie’s also has a restaurant up the street specializing in gluten and wheat-free Mediterranean cuisine, where the chefs are very accommodating with any other food allergies or sensitivities you may have.
Delivery: Yes, across southern Ontario.
Custom Orders: Yes! Frankie's will even go as far as specifically modifying their recipes to suit your dietary restrictions.
Try: Classic bread loaf and sticky toffee pudding baking mix.
4. Goodbye Gluten, 2066 Avenue Road, Toronto
Looking for a one-stop gluten-free shop? Head to Goodbye Gluten on Avenue Road in Toronto where you’ll find everything from baked goods to prepared foods and refrigerated grab and go items. Its kitchen is 100 per cent gluten and nut-free to ensure no cross-contamination, and the store also features egg, dairy, soy and salt-free items, along with some vegan options.
Delivery: Yes, to the GTA and across Ontario.
Custom Orders: Yes. Goodbye Gluten also caters.
Try: Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Muffin
5. Prairie Girl Bakery, Various Locations in Toronto
Toronto’s best cupcakes can be found at Prairie Girl bakery. Baked from scratch the old-fashioned way, Prairie Girl draws on traditional family recipes to create their drool-worthy cupcakes. Though not a dedicated gluten-free bakery, Prairie Girl does offer gluten-free versions of all their cupcake flavours.
Delivery: Yes. $20 for a minimum two dozen orders of mini or regular cupcakes in the City of Toronto, extending north from the lake to Hwy 401 and east from Hwy 427 to Markham Road.
Custom Orders: Yes. Must be placed by 5p.m. two days before the desired delivery or pick-up date. Prairie girl also offers corporate gifts and branding.
Try: Red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting – it’s Prairie Girl’s best-seller.
