These storefronts rise to every free-from special occasion.
For allergy-friendly and gluten-free bakeries in the U.S., click here.
Petit Lapin Patisserie
342A Victoria Avenue, Montreal
patisseriepetitlapin.com
Free of: Gluten and Top 11 food allergens.
Stars of the Show: Choco-coco Cupcake
Why We Love It: From French macaroons to diner-style donuts, this sweet new shop whips up formerly forbidden delights in a fully dedicated kitchen. The owner shows a keen attention to detail.
Organic Works Bakery
222 Wellington St. London, Ont.
organicworksbakery.com
Free of: Dairy, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut (can accommodate soy-free)
Star of the Show: Quinoa & Honey Bread
Why We Love It: While decadent cakes and cookies are on the menu, the focus is on wholesome quality ingredients. The bakery is certified organic by Ecocert and gluten-free certification is underway.
Pikanik
959 152nd St. No. 127, Surrey, B.C.
pikanik.ca
Free of: Dairy, gluten, peanut, soy and tree nut
Star of the Show: Classic and Honey Sandwich Breads
Why We Love It: While their friendly bakers are proficient in custom cakes and cupcakes, they also satisfy our savoury side with beloved buns, breads and handmade to-go mixes.
Sweet Impressions
669 Stafford St. Winnipeg, Man.
sweetimpressions.ca
Free of: Peanut and tree nut (dairy- and egg-free Angels line also available)
Star of the Show: Hand-decorated Sugar Cookies
Why We Love It: Whimsical cookies and cupcake creations are customized for any occasion, from weddings to school programs. The storefront studio hosts birthday parties and decorating classes.
Kelly’s XO Bake Shoppe
401 Brant St. Burlington, Ont.
kellysxo.com
Free of: Dairy, egg, gluten, and peanut*
Star of the Show: Mile-High Brownie
Why We Love It: Run by a mother-daughter duo this vegan venture focuses on nutrient-rich, organic ingredients and won “Best Bakery” at the 2013 Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival.
*Tree nuts aren’t used, but the gluten-free flour that’s used has a ‘may contain’ statement for tree nuts.
The Cupcake Shoppe
2417 Yonge Street, Toronto
& 9340 Bathurst St., Vaughan, Ont.
thecupcakeshoppe.ca
Free of: Peanut and tree nuts
Star of the Show: Cookie Dough and Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Why We Love It: Toronto’s first cupcake bakery knows how to do allergy-friendly. And they have fun, with clever cupcake names like Margarita Senorita, After Ate and Sleepless in Toronto. The bakery works only with ingredients that are free of peanuts and nuts.
Fairy Cakes
3586 Fraser St., Vancouver
fairycakescupcakes.ca
Free of: Peanut, tree nuts, dairy, eggs. Gluten-free options available; 100% vegan.
Star of the Show: Various flavours of Fairy Cakes
Why We Love It: Three words: Dairy. Free. Cheesecake. Their entire menu of Fairy Cakes (cupcakes) and other fabulous baked goods are made in house, in their nut-, dairy- and egg-free facility.
Alisa Fleming is a contributing editor to Allergic Living magazine and the author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance and Casein Free Living, and founder of Godairyfree.org.