Simply Gluten Free Kitchen – Bay City
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Alicia Horton started making gluten free sourdough because she was craving good bread. After sharing it with friends, her business Simply Gluten Free Kitchen has grown by leaps and bounds. Read my article to learn more about her, and how to order her baked goods.
**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to BOTTOM of the page for bakery address, phone number, website, EMAIL and social media links.**
What inspired you to become a baker?
Honestly, I’ve been drawn to baking for as long as I can remember. I baked and even sold my cakes before my Celiac Disease diagnosis. At first I was so frustrated. My knowledge of gluten free baking was limited, and products just weren’t as available as they are now.
What lead you to focus on gluten free sourdough bread?
A few years ago I dipped my toes back into basic gluten free baking and have been slowly getting better and better. In Thanksgiving of 2023, I really wanted real tasting rolls, and heard gluten-free sourdough was the way to go. I had NO idea how much time and effort went into making a starter.
Long story short I didn’t have my rolls till Thanksgiving 2024. But while I was keeping my starter alive, I was baking like crazy. In addition, my family and extended family was loving everything I made.
How Has Your Community Supported Your Gluten Free Business?
I shared one of my loaves with my husband’s coworker, whose parents follow a gluten free diet. They loved it and became my first customers. Within a couple of months I was booked solid with vendor events and orders.
It has been a short but amazing ride so far. I have met so many amazing people and I love hearing their gluten free stories, along with being a little part of their lives. It truly fills my soul by filling their bellies with yummy gluten free baked goods.
Is the space where you bake 100% dedicated gluten free?
Yes, it is a dedicated gluten free home cottage kitchen
Do you use certified gluten free ingredients?
Yes, every ingredient used is certified gluten free.
Do you use oats in your baking?
Not generally. I will use certified gluten free oats upon special request, but they are not used in regular menu items.
Are there other allergens your product line is free from?
I do my best to keep most of my baked goods free from lactose, egg and soy. Many are dairy free as I use plant based butters. I can accommodate most allergies and often have special requests from customers.
I’m very mindful when it comes to nuts. However, some recipes might include specific ingredients (like almond flour in a certain cookie), and I keep nuts in my house. Therefore I make sure to label everything clearly, to try to keep cross-contact to a minimum. I never having nuts out when I’m not using them in a particular baked good.
Do you sell at Farmers Markets?
Yes, you’ll definitely find me at local Farmers Markets and vendor events! I love the sense of community- chatting with people face-to-face, and sharing samples right there on the spot. I’m working on getting into a regular spot in the Bay City Jefferson Street Market and/or the Thomas Twp Market in Saginaw.
If someone places an order, do they pick it up from your house, or do you deliver?
When it comes to ordering logistics, people generally pick up their orders from my home. I package everything in my cottage kitchen, so it’s easiest (and most personal) if folks swing by. I’m also open to meeting up at local Farmers Markets, vendor shows or arranging a delivery within a reasonable distance, especially if it helps someone get what they need.
Do You Ship? Do Your Baked Goods Have Ingredient Lists?
As a cottage business, I don’t ship. At the markets, all my products have labels listing ingredients. Transparency is key, especially when dealing with allergies or intolerances.
Are there any other memorable customer stories you’d like to share?
Absolutely—I have this one story that never fails to warm my heart. I was at a local vendor show, and a woman came up to my booth with this cautious excitement in her eyes. She glanced at my display of gluten-free goodies and then looked up at me, almost in disbelief.
“I can actually buy something here,” she said, her voice trembling a bit. “It’s so amazing to just walk up to a booth and feel normal.”
I could feel myself tearing up, because in that moment, I realized how something as simple as a gluten-free loaf of bread or an English muffin can make someone feel seen and included. It was such a beautiful reminder of why I’m passionate about making gluten-free baked goods. Everyone deserves that chance to say, “Yes, I can have that!” without a second thought.
Is there anything else you’d like potential customers to know about your business?
I’m all about inclusivity. I want people who typically have to skip dessert or special breads to finally say, “Yes, I can have that!” Whether it’s gluten, dairy, soy, or another ingredient causing issues, I’m always happy to talk substitutions or special orders.
My kitchen is small, but my enthusiasm for helping folks enjoy real-deal baked goods is huge. I have been exactly where they are now, and want them to know they aren’t alone. That there is a way for them to feel “normal” again.
Simply Gluten Free Kitchen Location and Contact Information
Home Based Business in Bay City, Michigan
Preferred Method for Ordering – Use her website
Simply Gluten Free Kitchen is one of many gluten free bakers across the state of Michigan. Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map! Looking for more local eats? Check out my list of gluten free baked good options at Michigan Farmers Markets.