It wasn’t all that long ago that most of us barely knew what gluten was, let alone fancied ourselves well-versed in the language of gluten-free foods—save for those suffering from celiac disease. But now, whether you have a sensitivity or just prefer to avoid gluten, there are crackers, breads, and pastas lining the shelves of Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s for you to choose from.
But do they taste good? The answer is a resounding yes if you’re talking about the flavorful options from local company Native Bread—founded by Hayley McGinley after she learned she had a sensitivity to gluten and dairy. She says she wanted to “create products that look, feel and taste like glutenful bread—only better—to eliminate the stigma associated with gluten-free foods and to bring a sense of normalcy back to the dinner table.”
So what makes Native Bread different from others on the market? “We created products you can feel good about eating because they’re nutrient-dense and delicious,” McGinley says. “We do not use any of the top allergens including wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, nuts, and processed sugars. Each loaf is also shaped by hand and made in small batches.”
Her current favorite is the new Rye Not loaf. They also offer Roasted Garlic & Rosemary, Seeded Boule, Honey Oat, Sourdough, Cinnamon Raisin, and Baguette.
“It’s our dream to be in every local restaurant and grocery store.”
“It’s our dream to be in every local restaurant and grocery store,” McGinley says. “We don’t want anyone who suffers from food allergies to be without choice when they’re wanting to shop or eat out. In 2020 you’ll also see us define our philanthropic model and begin giving proceeds to organizations doing work we believe in.”
In the meantime, you can find Native Bread served at restaurants like The Garden Table, Café Patachou, Le Peep, and Newfield’s Beer Garden, and available for purchase at local stores such as The Good Earth, Trader’s Point Creamery Farm Store, and Wildwood Market. You can also visit the Native Bread storefront on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a full list of options on where to buy, click here.
Native Bread, 9546 Allisonville Road, Suite 106, (317) 537-2707, www.nativebread.com.
Abby Gardner is the executive editor of Indy Maven. She loves bread (with gluten and without) almost as much as Oprah.
