By Jennifer R. Farmer
It’s the beginning of the year and many of us are vowing to adopt healthier lifestyles. In fact, many consumers are demanding food products with clean and natural labels, and to offer these items without sacrificing taste.
As part of my own health journey, I’m thinking critically about how much I consume and what I consume. As such, I’m excited to explore several plant-based and gluten-free bakeries. These bakeries meet consumer demands for dairy- and cruelty-free products. They offer other benefits, including:
- Less Saturated Fat. Plant-based baked goods may have less saturated fat and cholesterol, making them a healthier alternative to many sweet treats.
- Options for persons with dairy or gluten allergies. As someone with a mild case of lactose intolerance, dairy-free options are always attractive. But for years I wondered whether dairy-free products could rival the taste of their counterparts. However, that’s a myth. For some bakeries, one won’t miss the dairy or gluten. The treats are that good.
- Lower Carbon Footprint. Plant-based baked goods tend to have a lower carbon footprint, making them more sustainable and ecologically friendly. This is right on time as more consumers are demanding sustainability from the entities they engage. This includes bakeries.
- Animal and cruelty-free Products. As the publication Food Ingredients Insights noted, “Within this environmental realm, consuming food that is better for health and better for the planet is often linked with alternative proteins and shifting away from animal-based ingredients.”
For these reasons and more, I’m excited to try (or get reacquainted with) several plant-based bakeries and bakeries with gluten-free options. Below are five bakeries I’m anticipating visiting this year.
- Pattycake Bakery is located in Clintonville, Ohio. It has been a staple of the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area since it’s founding in 2003. Pattycake was around long before being vegan was cool, and their existence has allowed vegans and health-conscious consumers to feel seen and heard. I think what I love most is that they are a worker owned cooperative, and strive to create a democratic environment where everyone’s voice is valued. It’s been years since I’ve had their products and I can’t wait to get reacquainted.
- Bake Me Happy. This gem offers gluten-free baked goods, which is a lifesaver for persons with gluten allergies and a sweet tooth. They have two locations in Columbus – one at the intersection of Parsons and Whittier Street and another in the Dublin North Market. I’ve tried their cinnamon cake donuts and let me just say that they are “finger-licking good.” I mean just excellent. I look forward to visiting them again in 2024.
- Maya’s Cookies. Maya’s Cookies is based in the San Francisco area, and ships nationwide. They offer gourmet vegan cookies and baked goods. The owner, Maya Madsen, notes that “she is a vegan with a sweet tooth, who hadn’t been able to find perfectly delicious, vegan cookies.” Maya’s company espouses quality service and community engagement. I can’t wait to visit this special shop.
If you’re traveling to Columbus or San Francisco, be sure to check out these cool shops. And if you’ve been to a plant-based bakery that you really enjoy, please drop a comment and let us know.
