Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Thinking Of Starting A gluten-free Bakery Business

anerissara

Recommended Posts

anerissara Enthusiast
anerissara
Posted

I have a good friend who has Celiac's also, and both of us have gotten good at gluten-free baked goods. Opal (my friend) makes incredible cookies and cobblers, and I've gotten good at a variety of fun birthday cakes as well as cupcakes, muffins, scones and the like. We have been tossing around the idea of doing a bakery, or a home-based baked goods business. Does anyone here have experience with that or thoughts on the subject? I'm not sure that I'm ready to take the plunge (I homeschool my 3 young kids so time is precious) but I've been thinking about it off and on for about a year now.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Juliebove Rising Star
Juliebove
Posted

One suggestion I have is to try to have at least some things that are made without soy, eggs or dairy. A lot of people with allergies to wheat or gluten are also allergic to these things. There is one vegan bakery here where I can get such things, but they are not nearby. Can get some of their things at a local grocery store though.

It's frustrating to me to find a gluten free bakery, only to discover that there is nothing my daughter can eat because all of the stuff has eggs or milk in it. Or worse yet, to be lied to about it. I once bought a gluten free brownie and was told it was safe. I couldn't figure out why she got sick after eating it. Then the next time I went to buy one, they had a nutrition label on it and it contained eggs. Made me not want to trust anything she sold after that.

anerissara Enthusiast
anerissara
Posted
  • Author

I was thinking about that...doing gluten-free, Dairy free, and egg free...or at least giving people the option of ordering things that didn't have other allergy-producing foods. I can do a good gluten-free/dairy free product (even cheese cake, believe it or not!) but I haven't had much experience cooking without eggs. Is it hard?

I think it's especially important for people with kids to be able to buy a nice birthday cake that the child can actually eat, and other kids at the party will not think is "weird". I love doing cakes shaped like legos, or teapots, things like that...and it's tough to make a *regular* cake like that w/o practice (much less gluten-free) so I'm thinking there's a market there. I remember my son's first gluten-free birthday cake...I ended up making 2 cakes because the gluten-free one looked so funny. I felt so bad for him! It stinks that your daughter got sick after eating a "safe" brownie, I think that's the worst part...finding fun, safe treats that you don't have to make yourself for your kiddos. Sigh.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
I have a good friend who has Celiac's also, and both of us have gotten good at gluten-free baked goods. Opal (my friend) makes incredible cookies and cobblers, and I've gotten good at a variety of fun birthday cakes as well as cupcakes, muffins, scones and the like. We have been tossing around the idea of doing a bakery, or a home-based baked goods business. Does anyone here have experience with that or thoughts on the subject? I'm not sure that I'm ready to take the plunge (I homeschool my 3 young kids so time is precious) but I've been thinking about it off and on for about a year now.

A gluten free bakery is a great idea, a gluten free home based bakery maybe not so much. To see what you would have to go through to do this you may want to contact your local health department, they are the ones who are going to be going through your kitchen with a fine tooth comb, literally. If you are a total clean freak with a large frig, (there are regs about what you can keep where in those), and no pets you may stand a chance of passing the requirements but they are intensive. Also check with your local zoning board about wheter they will allow a home based bakery. If your city has a local business incubator you may be able to get some assistance setting up a bakery in an out of home location though. Good luck and best wishes if you decide to do this. It will be a lot of work and bear in mind that your clients are not going to care if you or a child are sick they are only going to care about wanting that cake when they ordered it for so be sure you have reliable help.

Eriella Explorer
Eriella
Posted
A gluten free bakery is a great idea, a gluten free home based bakery maybe not so much. To see what you would have to go through to do this you may want to contact your local health department,

It will be a lot of work and bear in mind that your clients are not going to care if you or a child are sick they are only going to care about wanting that cake when they ordered it for so be sure you have reliable help.

Perfect advice!! It is so hard to own a home food business, and unless your house is 100% gluten free (down to the treats that your kid's friends bring into the house), you will have to disclose the cross-contamination. It will be an expensive investment, but if you live in a populated place and have the resources, please do it!

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

The Lego cake sounds neat!

NewGFMom Contributor
NewGFMom
Posted

There's a woman in my area that has a home based baking business. I don't know much about her, other than she is totally swamped with orders!

Her website is www.celiacakes.com if you want to check it out. It might give you some ideas.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


tom Contributor
tom
Posted

Awesome idea!!!

But, LOL, is it w/in driving distance of *ME*!! :o

Good Luck!!!

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I was thinking, if you have a good garage that you could spare, like any of us have any free space, but anyway, that might make a realistic way of setting up a for sure gluten-free space that you could fill with a couple of ovens, a sink and a frig. It would need to be a nice clean garage or outbuilding with a cement floor but you would have an easier time following regs if you do it that way. There are alot of regs that need to be followed but they are certainly not anything that should stop you if you have the desire and the finances.

You could also look into kind of 'renting' a restaurant kitchen, NOT a bakery (you would never decontaminate that). I have heard of someone that goes into one at around 2 am, wipes everything down good then brings in the totes with her flours and such and makes sure she is all gone by the time the chef comes in at 9 for the lunch crowd. If you can find a place that would let you do that you wouldn't need to worry about the health dept at all.

When there is a will there is a way, maybe not today or tommorrow but if you really want to do it, go for it.

tiffjake Enthusiast
tiffjake
Posted

There is a couple of sisters in Austin that started a business called McGoverns Organics. They do everything out of a "garage" attached to their house. It is an actual commercial kitchen now, but it looks like it was their garage before. You might want to contact them for advice. They are VERY helpful. They share recipes for their food with anyone who emails, so you don't have to feel like you are asking for them to give away a secret or something. All of their food is gluten-free and CF, but they also do Soy Free, Egg Free, Rice Free, Corn Free, whatever someone needs. I think that is a really good idea :)

grantschoep Contributor
grantschoep
Posted

In Denver, there is a completely gluten free rest. bakery called Deby's Gluten Free. You may be able to give them a call and ask for advice. Every one is really friendly there. The owner even made a wedding cake for my wedding last year. One thing I've noticed they do, which is probably good advertisement/spread the word. Is the come to local gluten free picnics and let you sample and buy things. At least they do that for the Celiac group I meet up with.

  • 2 weeks later...
wendy.is.a.pirate.princess Newbie
wendy.is.a.pirate.princess
Posted

Yes!!!!

What area are you in? If you are in Portland, I know of an entire network of small business owners and folks dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. I work for a CPA who's passion is to help the local economy grow. She is not your typical buttoned down CPA - she wears birkenstocks to work, and has hair hanging down to her behind, however she is very well respected in our community for her skill, understanding and expertise. She works with business owners all over the country, and if you want a free consultation with her where you can talk about anything from advertising, setting up your business entity, how to set up Quickbooks to reflect the flow of your business, how to prepare for taxes, how to determine pricing, and how to hook up and network with a ton of excellent sources, then give me a call - I am her admin assistant - at 503 244 6905.

And if you want to get started in Portland, I know of just the person for you to meet - a caterer named Carrie Peacock who works with people on restricted diets, but is having trouble meeting the needs of her celiac clients. I could see that being a good way for you to form an alliance. She's a very intelligent person too, who prefers cooperation above competition. I even have a suggestion for a commercial space! In to diffrent parts of town!

So I am excited for you. Please let me know how this goes, I am very curious.

From Wendy

  • 3 weeks later...
mother2gf3 Newbie
mother2gf3
Posted

We found out that 3 of my children have celiac right before their birthdays. I am not all that great at baking so I ordered cakes at a local gluten free store here in utah, the cakes tasted very good, but they didnt look so kid friendly. They only have two cakes to choose from. I think you have a great idea, people with allergies will always have birthdays ,weddings, graduations etc.. If you have the desire and the knack for it ... go for it. the demand for this is only going to grow.

Nikki'smom Apprentice
Nikki'smom
Posted

What a great idea! Good luck!

We are only 3 days into my dd's diagnosis and her bday isn't until November but I am already teary eyed about her bday cake!

Does any one know any of these kinds of bakery in Chicago or the suburbs of Chicago?

Guest andie
Guest andie
Posted

Hi

Don't suppose you would be interested in starting a small business in hicksville southwestern ontario?

Lots of people here need a good bakery.

Andie

Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

I looked into a business out of my home - decorated/fancy cookies (prior to my daughter's diagnosis). In Indiana, the board of health would NOT licence your family's kitchen. It had to be a separate kitchen from the one you use to make your family's meals. The person I talked to suggested putting together a second kitchen in my garage or basement. She also said that some people "rent out" or get access to their church's kitchen or a lodge (elks, moose, etc) kitchen that is licensed but is not in use all the time.

Good Luck.

nowheatnomilk Rookie
nowheatnomilk
Posted

contact a local nutritionist to help with special ingredient substitutions for those with other food allergies egg, nuts, soy etc. Also ask your doctor and the nutritionist and or dietitians in the area approximately how many people they believe in the general area have special need diets. Draw a menu from this information. Identify all ingredients in your bake goods post them so the customer can read them. Ask questions in your doctors waiting room, survey people who grocery shop for special diet.-- ( look in there shopping cart) as them questions like, would you like to see a bakery or restaurant in this area that caters to your diet needs.. Check with special needs services in your area, they would have a load of information that may even help you get a loan.

good luck. :D

  • 1 month later...
Rai-Lee Newbie
Rai-Lee
Posted
Yes!!!!

What area are you in? If you are in Portland, I know of an entire network of small business owners and folks dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. I work for a CPA who's passion is to help the local economy grow. She is not your typical buttoned down CPA - she wears birkenstocks to work, and has hair hanging down to her behind, however she is very well respected in our community for her skill, understanding and expertise. She works with business owners all over the country, and if you want a free consultation with her where you can talk about anything from advertising, setting up your business entity, how to set up Quickbooks to reflect the flow of your business, how to prepare for taxes, how to determine pricing, and how to hook up and network with a ton of excellent sources, then give me a call - I am her admin assistant - at 503 244 6905.

And if you want to get started in Portland, I know of just the person for you to meet - a caterer named Carrie Peacock who works with people on restricted diets, but is having trouble meeting the needs of her celiac clients. I could see that being a good way for you to form an alliance. She's a very intelligent person too, who prefers cooperation above competition. I even have a suggestion for a commercial space! In to diffrent parts of town!

So I am excited for you. Please let me know how this goes, I am very curious.

From Wendy

Hi

I too am interested in starting a gluten free baking business. I am curious, which Portland are you in Wendy? Oregon or Maine? I am from the Lewiston/Auburn area of Maine, not too far from Portland. I have been doing alot of research online lately, and am a bit overwhelmed at what it takes to get started. I would love some small business help!

Thanks,

Rai-Lee

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      Welcome, @JudyLou, Your rash sounds very similar to the one I experienced. Mine was due to a deficiency in Niacin B3, although I had deficiencies in other nutrients as well. Celiac disease causes malabsorption of all the essential nutrients, but eating a poor diet, taking certain medications, or drinking alcohol can result in deficiency diseases outside...
    2. Wheatwacked
      - Wheatwacked replied to Mark Conway's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Have I got coeliac disease

      This doctor is obviously under educated about Celiac Disease. Deficiencies that can cause oral thrush (Candidiasis) mouth ulcers: Thiamine B1 B12 Folate Zinc Vitamin C B2 B6 Iron Malabsorption Syndrome is often co-morbid with Celiac Disease causing multiple deficiencies of the essential vitamins...
    3. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Gluten tester

      I saw the thing for testing for gluten when at public places.I absolutely love but I wonder if they would come up with a bracelet or necklace that can detect gluten in the air.I would LOVE that, i know i get debilitating migraine from smelling gluten wheat what have you, all I know is when I go into places like Chevron- gluten Subway, migraine, Costco that...
    4. JudyLou
      - JudyLou replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      Oops! @Staticgypsy, I’ll get the book! Thank you!
    5. JudyLou
      - JudyLou replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      Thank you so much for your help, @trents and @Staticgypsy! I so appreciate your thoughts. My diet is high in foods with oxalates and I don’t notice any issues there. If eliminating gluten from my diet had changed anything I’d be happy to just keep on the gluten-free diet, but with eating gluten several times with no rash, and having a rash when I was man...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,149
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    gingerc
    Newest Member
    gingerc
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Welcome, @JudyLou, Your rash sounds very similar to the one I experienced.  Mine was due to a deficiency in Niacin B3, although I had deficiencies in other nutrients as well.  Celiac disease causes malabsorption of all the essential nutrients, but eating a poor diet, taking certain medications, or drinking alcohol can result in deficiency diseases outside of Celiac, too.  Symptoms can wax and wane depending on dietary intake.  I knew an alcoholic who had the "boots" of Pellagra, which would get worse when he was drinking more heavily, and improve when he was drinking less.   Niacin deficiency is called Pellagra.  Symptoms consist of dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death (the four D's).  A scaly rash on the feet and hands and arms are called the "boots" and "gloves" of Pellagra.  Darkened skin around the neck exposed to the sun is Casal's necklace.  Poor farmers with niacin deficient diets were called "red necks" because of this.    Does your rash get worse if you're in the sun?  Mine did.  Any skin exposed to the sun got blistered and scaly.  Arms, legs, neck, head.  Do you have dry, ashy skin on your feet?  The itchiness was not only from the rash, but neuropathy.   My doctors were clueless.  They didn't put all my symptoms together into the three D's.  But I did.  I'd learned about Pellagra at university.  But there weren't supposed to be deficiency diseases anymore in the developed world.  Doubtful it could be that simple, I started supplementing with Niacin and other essential nutrients.  I got better.   One of Niacinamide functions is to help stop mast cells from releasing histamine.  Your allergist gave you doxepin, an antihistamine which stops mast cells from releasing histamine.   Since you do have a Celiac gene, staying on the gluten free diet can prevent Celiac disease from being triggered again.   Interesting Reading: These case studies have pictures... Pellgra revisited.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4228662/ Steroid-Resistant Rash With Neuropsychiatric Deterioration and Weight Loss: A Modern-Day Case of Pellagra https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12532421/#:~:text=Figure 2.,(right panel) upper limbs.&text=The distribution of the rash,patient's substantial response to treatment.   Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8721081/#:~:text=Additional causes of yellow skin,the clinical features of Kwashiorkor.   Hello, @Staticgypsy, I would not recommend cutting so many nutritious foods out of ones diet.  Oxalates can cause problems like kidney stones, but our bodies can process oxalates out of our systems with certain vitamins like Vitamins A and D and Pyridoxine B 6.   People with Celiac disease are often low in fat soluble vitamins A and D, as well as the water soluble B vitamins like Pyridoxine B 6.  Focus on serving your granddaughter nutrient dense meals to ensure she gets essential vitamins and minerals that will help her grow. Micronutrient inadequacy and urinary stone disease: an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36976348/ Multivitamins co-intake can reduce the prevalence of kidney stones: a large-scale cross-sectional study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38564076/
    • Wheatwacked
      Have I got coeliac disease

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      This doctor is obviously under educated about Celiac Disease. Deficiencies that can cause oral thrush (Candidiasis) mouth ulcers: Thiamine B1 B12 Folate Zinc Vitamin C B2 B6 Iron Malabsorption Syndrome is often co-morbid with Celiac Disease causing multiple deficiencies of the essential vitamins and minerals.  Low or deficient  Vitamin D is almost always found in undiagnosed Celiac Disease. "Over 900 genes have been reported as regulated by vitamin D"  Possible Role of Vitamin D in Celiac Disease Onset  "The overall prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency was 41.6%, with the highest rate seen in blacks (82.1%), followed by Hispanics (69.2%)."    Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults
    • Jmartes71
      Gluten tester

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      I saw the thing for testing for gluten when at public places.I absolutely love but I wonder if they would come up with a bracelet or necklace that can detect gluten in the air.I would LOVE that, i know i get debilitating migraine from smelling gluten wheat what have you, all I know is when I go into places like Chevron- gluten Subway, migraine, Costco that food smell of nasty gluten- migraine and same with Walmart subway.I absolutely HATE im that sensitive, my body reacts.Sadly medical hasn't taken core issue of celiac being an issue considering glutenfree ever since 1994 and in their eyes not because they didn't diagnose me. I am and wish I wasn't. If there was a detector of gluten in the air it would make a world of difference. 
    • JudyLou
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By JudyLou · Posted

      Oops! @Staticgypsy, I’ll get the book! Thank you! 
    • JudyLou
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By JudyLou · Posted

      Thank you so much for your help, @trents and @Staticgypsy! I so appreciate your thoughts. My diet is high in foods with oxalates and I don’t notice any issues there. If eliminating gluten from my diet had changed anything I’d be happy to just keep on the gluten-free diet, but with eating gluten several times with no rash, and having a rash when I was many years into gluten-free eating (and was much more careful at that point), I’m just baffled. Many, many thanks to you both. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.