Who Am I to Give Parenting Advice? 

I have no children. Therefore it may seem odd that I’m writing a post trying to encourage parents. I have, however, listened to many parents with concerns and burdened hearts. In addition, I’ve been blessed to run a gluten free camp, and see firsthand how children have thrived and grown despite their Celiac Disease diagnosis. 

Living with Celiac Disease is a fine line between trying to get people to take our health seriously, while also not allowing it to hold us back from living a full life. It’s hard enough as an adult, and even harder to explain to our children. Hopefully this post can encourage you and your kids that a gluten free life can be a good, eventful life. 

Dear Celiac Parent, this is not your fault.

Celiac Disease is genetic. And often I see parents who feel guilty, awful that they passed on this disease to their child. And while I can’t tell you how to feel, please hear me say that this is NOT your fault. We know 30% of the population carry these genes, but only 1% develop Celiac Disease. We have no idea why I have Celiac Disease, but my sister doesn’t. There is nothing you did to cause this, and nothing you failed to do to prevent it. Be kind to yourself. 

Dear Celiac Parent, one day your child will thank you

Living with Celiac Disease as a child is difficult. It may make them feel anxious and frustrate. They may feel they had to grow up way too fast. But one day, they will thank you for trusting your hunch that something was wrong. That you fought for a diagnosis and never gave up. One day they will understand that by gettting diagnosed young, they avoided years of unexplained symptoms. 

Dear Celiac Parent, you will make mistakes.

Just allow yourself the grace to know this now. You will obviously try your hardest to make sure that your child never ingests gluten. But we’re human. Mistakes happen. And you’ll do all that you can to make your kid feel better. You are not awful or careless. You’re human, and you’re learning. And your child is learning how to react to mistakes by how you handle them. 

Dear Celiac Parent, empower kids to manage their own diet

Parents want to shield their kids from pain. That’s natural. However, at some point, your kids will leave the house. Whether it’s grabbing something to eat with high school friends. Or totally on their own after they graduate. They need to learn how to keep themselves safe, and they need to see that you trust them to make good decisions.

Dear Celiac Parent, it will get easier.

When your child receives a Celiac Disease diagnosis, it can be overwhelming. Removing any and all gluten from one’s diet is no quick and simple task. You’ll likely feel overwhelmed. Not sure who to trust. But with time, you will. You will become a better gluten free chef and baker. Your kid will find gluten free products they love. It. Does. Get Better.

Dear Celiac Parent, being included doesn’t have to mean “same.”

Unfortunately, there are times where our kids won’t be able to eat the same things as every one else. Sometimes that means we bring a treat. Or do something special at home. My friend, whose two daughters have Celiac Disease said, “They won’t always have the same food. As long as they enjoy the food they are having; that’s all that matters.” Ask your child what inclusion means to them. 

Other helpful resources for parents whose children have Celiac Disease

• Children’s Books that Explain Celiac Disease
• Brands of Gluten Free Playdough
• Top 8 Allergen Free Snacks
• Gluten Free Mason Jar Cupcakes to Go
• Celiac Mama’s Guide to Gluten Free at School
• Raising Our Celiac Kids
• Save 10% on Little GF Chefs Baking Kits with code MIGFGAL

Do you have a child with Celiac Disease? What would you tell a fellow parent?
What encouragement do you wish was shared with you at the time of their diagnosis?

Originally Published May 2022

The post 6 Tips For Parents of a Celiac Child appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

These gluten free playdough brands are perfect for classroom use. In fact, you can list it as a required accommodation under a student’s Section 504 plan.

Store Bought Gluten Free Playdough

Aroma Dough Gluten Free Modeling Dough

A parent messaged me, asking about gluten free playdough products. Moms & dads who follow our Gluten Free Michigan Kids Camp Facebook page quickly recommended Aroma Dough. They offer scented and unscented doughs, all which contain none of the top 8 allergens. Created by a California mother whose child has Celiac Disease, it sounds like a great small business.

How to Order – Directly from Aroma Dough website

Colorations Wheat & Gluten Free Dough

Colorations produces both a wheat based and a  wheat & gluten free play dough. The gluten free playdough “does not contain peanuts / tree nuts, dairy, casein or egg. Additinally it does not contain corn starch, or latex.” Made in Great Britain, it comes in a 5 1/2 lb container, of 8 colors.

How to order – Amazon and Discount School Supply

Crayola Model Magic

Quite a few parents, including Jereann from Celiac Mama, stated they purchase Model Magic for their kids. Please don’t confuse this with the Crayola dough, which DOES contain gluten. Crayola does state that they produce Model Magic and their dough on the same machinery, but clean machines between each run. Made in the USA.

How to Order – Amazon, Target, and Michael’s

Whoa Dough

A good friend shared this product with me, available at Target. Whoa Dough looks a bit stretchier than Play Doh, more like a soft putty. All 8 colors come in one resealable package, making them easier to find and put away. Whoa Dough is also Peanut Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, and Milk Free. It is made in China.

**PLEASE see note in the comments below. Some parents do not recommend this product.

Where to order – Target

Kinetic Sand

My friend Joy shared about this product, stating her daughter loved it. Fellow blogger Brianna Wolin, who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at a young age, stated she played with magic sand and liked it much more than Play Doh. The Spin Master Kinetic Sand brand states their product “easily cleans up and is wheat, gluten and casein free.” Made in Sweden.

How to order – Amazon and Michael’s

Mad Mattr

One mom shared that her children loved Mad Mattr. She also stated “The small packages are perfect for school and they don’t dry out!”  Websites state this product is wheat, gluten and casein free, and does not dry out like PlayDoh. A reply to a question on Amazon stated it contains no soy. Another statement said this product is similar to Magic Sand. Made in Sweden.

How to order – Amazon and School Specialty

MODO Simply Gluten Free Dough

“MODO is more than just dough — each box features three vibrantly colored gluten-free doughs. They are stored in sturdy reusable 6-oz containers with lids, with the added play features of plastic textured stamping bands with four patterns each and a wooden sculpting tool.

MODO encourages parent/child bonding through simple exploration and play, focusing on tactile learning and development. MODO’s vibrantly-colored formula is made with simple non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and fragrance-free ingredients. MODO’s vibrant colors, clean scents, and cool tools will inspire young minds to create. Squish, play, learn, repeat.”

*Note- MODO makes gluten free and non-gluten free doughs. Make sure to look for the package that says gluten free.

How to order – Rainbow Resource Center

Homemade Gluten Free Playdough Recipes

Of course, one can also make their own homemade gluten free playdough. Many recipes exist on the internet, but I’m listing a few to give you some ideas.

• Gluten Free Playdough Recipe from Eat at Our Table
• Grain Free and Gluten Free Playdough Recipe from Against All Grain
• Allergy Free Playdough Recipes from AAAAI
• 2 Ingredient Silky Smooth Playdough from Our Best Bites
• Edible Gluten Free No Cook Playdough from Fun at Home with Kids

Other Back to School Resources

Please know that Play Doh brand is not the only school product that may contain wheat or gluten. I find this list of Potential Food Allergens in Craft Supplies from Kids with Food Allergies to be very helpful. Celiac Mama also created a list of Art Supplies that Contain Gluten.

Of course, we also need to work about snacks and cross contact in the classroom. I love these Top 8 Allergen Free Snacks.

What Back to School Resources are you looking for? Leave a comment below, and I’ll try to help you find it! 

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made through those links, help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

First Published August 2020

The post Gluten Free Playdough Brands appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

History of the Michigan Gluten Free Camp

Nicole VanZwoll started this camp a decade ago. Her children live with Celiac Disease, and she realized no safe camp existed for her children. She realized her children must not be the only ones. In connection with a support group, and grants, VanZwoll helped start the Michigan Gluten Free Camp for kids.

The Michigan Gluten Free Camp program started at Camp Manitou-Lin near Grand Rapids. However, as the camp expanded and needs changed, the gluten free camp moved to Camp Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan. With their larger kitchen, they are able to accommodate gluten free needs, year round. We are still working on transitioning from one location to another so please be patient with us as we grow.

Where is the Michigan Gluten Free (Beyond Gluten) Camp?

Beyond Gluten Camp takes place at YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan. It is located between Flint and Ann Arbor, just off of US 23. Camp  Copneconic is situated on “700 acres of beautiful, serene property, with a medley of historical and modern facilities.” This includes Lake Copneconic. Learn more about this 100+ year camp on the camp website.

Who Can Attend the Michigan Beyond Gluten Camp?

This camp is open to children entering grades 4 to 11. The original mission of this gluten free camp was to serve kids who are diagnosed with Celiac Disease and other medically necessary gluten related disorders. Non-gf siblings have attended in the past as well, for emotional support.

What Activities do Kids Enjoy at the Beyond Gluten Camp?

Gluten free campers enjoy all the same activities that other kids do. That includes swimming and rope climbing, crafts and games.

Who Cooks the Food at the Michigan Gluten Free Camp?

Camp Copneconic has full time kitchen staff that prepare all meals. Staff use dedicated pots and pans for cooking. For safety reasons, the camp does not allow volunteers in the kitchen. (The camp also hires full time medical staff, so no volunteers are needed for that, either.)

What do Kids Eat at the Michigan Gluten Free Kids Camp?

Campers will be served breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack each day at camp. More information about the menu will be available as we get closer to the week of camp.

How is Gluten Free Food Served at Camp?

The tentative plan is that campers attending Beyond Gluten Camp will be served from a separate food line. Our goal is to have enough campers so that children with Celiac can solely be in cabins with other Celiac Kids, and have their own separate seating area.

Which Businesses Support the Michigan Beyond Gluten Camp?

This camp could not exist without the generous donations from many brands. In 2018, food donations totaled almost $3,000. Below is a list of some past sponsors.

Bread – Canyon Bakehouse, BFree Foods, Three Bakers, Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery

Mixes – King Arthur Flour, Better Batter, Namaste, Full Flavor Foods Sauce Mixes, Chebe Grain Free Mixes

Snacks – Enjoy Life Foods, Made Good Foods, Schar, SuperSeedz, Zego Bars, Libre Naturals, , Don’t Go Nuts, Beanfields Chips, The Greater Knead

Treats- Kind Crumbs, Rise Authentic Baking, Katz, Kinnikinnick, Ethel’s Baking Company, Cybele’s Free To Eat Cookies, Free 2 B Foods

Other Ingredients – Hain Celestial, Foods For Living Health Food Store, Ener-G, Golden Platter Chicken Nuggets

What about Kids with Additional Dietary Restrictions?

If your camper follows a special diet, please contact Jacki, the camp Food Service Director at 810-629-1206.

Are Children with Type 1 Diabetes Welcome at the Michigan Gluten Free Camp?

Fantastic question. Technically, anyone is welcome to attend Beyond Gluten camp, However, I would recommend that children with diabetes attend Camp Midicha, which is also held at Camp Copneconic. That program meets at the end of June, with multiple medical staff available. This includes a two level 11,580 square foot health and wellness center. Camp Copneconic has routinely served gluten free meals during that camp program.

What Other Health Camps Does Camp Copneconic Offer?

Camp Copneconic offers many health based partner camps. Specialty camps include camps for Children living with Cancer (Camp Quality of America), Camp Kesem (for children whose parents have cancer), Chron’s and Colitis (Camp Oasis), National Kidney Foundation Summer Camp, and a camp for children with Asthma (Camp Easy Breathers). Camp Copneconic also offers a special day camp, Power Camp, “tailored to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

When is the Michigan Beyond Gluten Camp? How Do I Register?

The dates for Beyond Gluten Camp for 2026 are August 9-14, 2026. Registration is now open. IMPORTANT !!!! When registering, do so for the typical Session 6 week, and then add in “Gluten Free” in the Cabinmate Request spot. This is how gluten free campers can be organized into their own cabins.

How Much Does One Week of Beyond Gluten Camp Cost?

One week of camp is $885.

Do Gluten Free Campers Have Their Own Cabins?

This is a great question. It depends on how many total gluten free kids we have. The camp director shared the following feedback with me.

“It would need to be a minimum of 8 per cabin. If we have 20 total campers that’s wonderful. However, if there’s 10 of each gender and they’re ages are spread out between 4th-12th grade we wouldn’t be able to give them their own cabins. We try to keep our cabins within three years of age/grade of one another.”

As the registrations come in, Camp Copneconic will group campers together by their gender in their closest age groups. The earlier the kids register for Gluten Free camp the better, so they have a better chance of getting them in their own cabins.

Our Family Isn’t Available That Week? Can Our Child Come a Different Week?

The advantage of the Beyond Gluten camp is to allow children with Celiac Disease to meet with other kids like them. However, we understand that schedules don’t always mesh. Camp Copneconic accommodates the needs of gluten free diets year round.

Are Scholarships Available?

Yes, please follow this link on the Camp Copneconic page for more information about scholarships.

What Should My Child Bring to Camp?

Camp Copneconic has an excellent Overnight Camp Parent Packet on their website covering what children should pack. Items campers should NOT bring are cell phones, other electronics, and money. The goal is to help campers “unplug,” connect with others, and enjoy nature. Due to children with add’l allergens, PLEASE do not send food for their cabins.

Who Should I Email for More Information About Camp?

Please know that I, MI Gluten Free Gal/ Margaret Clegg, am not a staff member at Camp Copneconic. My main role is to promote the camp. For additional questions not answered in this post, please contact Camp Copneconic directly. Please use the contact form on their website to ask specific questions about camp. You can also email Justin Goodwin, who is the Senior Program Director for Overnight Camps at Camp Copneconic.

What Gluten Free Dining Options are Available Near Fenton?

For a quick meal, there is a Culver’s and a Jersey Mike’s on Owen Rd, as well as 2941 Street Food. Jacq and Diane’s Juice Box is a dedicated gluten free, soy free and vegan eatery in Holly. Social House in Flint has an EXTENSIVE gluten free menu.

Visit my post on Gluten Free Dining in Ann Arbor for more local ideas. Traveling from out of state? Visit my master list of Michigan Gluten Free Dining Options.

Gluten Free Kids Camps in Other States

Camp Copneconic gladly accepts kids from outside of Michigan, and even from Canada. We’ve had campers from Illinois, Ohio, and even as far away as Mississippi.

However, the Michigan Gluten Free Camp is not the only celiac focused camp in the country. There are many other camp programs, with volunteers and staff who are dedicated to keeping your kid safe.

Below are various links with lists of gluten free camps across the country. (These lists may or may not be up to date.)

Dedicated Gluten Free Camp Weeks

June

• Camp Waypoint – Tulsa, OK
• Roundup River Ranch – (Celiac & GI) Colorado (FREE)
• Camp Tag – (two locations) DAY CAMP (Bring your own food- top 9 free)
• Great Gluten Escape Camp – Gilmore, TX

July

• Celiac Camp- Camp Arroyo – California
• Camp We Can Eat It – Georgia
• Camp R.O.C.K – Maple Lake, MN
• Camp Celiac – Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania

August

• Beyond Gluten Camp – Fenton, MI
• Gluten Intolerance Group Teen Summit (August)
• Camp Blue Spruce – Portland, OR (Top 9 Allergen Free Camp)
• Camp Celiac Strong – Hunt, NY at Camp Cherith
• Farm, Forester Chef Camp – Week 8 Dover, MA

Camps that Can Safely Accommodate Gluten Free Dietary Restrictions

• Lake of the Woods – Decatur, MI
  • Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods does NOT serve any food in our dining hall that may contain peanuts or tree nuts. We have a gluten-free bar at every meal, as well as non-dairy milk options, including soy and rice milk.”
• Camp Emerson – Hinsdale, MA
  • “The kitchen utilizes separate equipment for celiac campers, and chefs are trained in cross-contamination. Registered dietitians are on hand to plan meals and special food allergy brochures can be downloaded from their website.”
• Camp Eagle Hill – Elizaville, NY
  • Separate Gluten Free Kitchen
• Camp IHC – Pennsylvania
  • Separate Prep Space
• Camp Wekeela – Hartford, ME
  • The camp directors have a child who has Celiac Disease. Counselors are trained in proper etiquette and sensitivity training for children who have dietary restrictions. It can be a hard adjustment for children with allergies to go to camp.
• Camp Kanata- Washington State
  • We list each meal with their potential dietary need (including gluten, soy, nuts, etc.) on a large board, and we have a dedicated staff member in the Dining Hall who is specifically assigned to ensure gluten-intolerant campers get their correct meals in a timely manner.
• Find more camps on the Go Dairy Free website

My Gluten-Free Kitchen’s Tips on Sending Your Gluten Free Child to Summer Camp Safely

Camp Address and Contact Information

Camp Copneconic
10407 North Fenton Rd
Fenton, MI 48430
810.629.9622
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Contact Form

Originally written December 2022

The post Michigan Gluten Free Camp (Beyond Gluten Camp) appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Dear Celiac

I had the pleasure of meeting Kristen Adam at the Nourished Festival. Listen to her interview with The Celiac Project Podcast to learn more about this young lady!

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Adam’s Gluten Free Surprise: Helping Others Understand Gluten Free

This Celiac Disease children’s book is written by Debbie Simpson, from Gluten Free Respect. A similar book for girls, Hailey’s Gluten Free Surprise, is also available. 

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Everyone’s Got Something: My First Year with Celiac Disease

The greatest thing about this children’s book? Two teenagers wrote it! This book tells the story of Lexi, a girl newly diagnosed, in journal entry format. It even includes a gluten free brownie recipe!

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Celiac Lost: A Family Guide to Finding a Gluten-Free Life

This book was written by a mother and son duo. After Christopher was diagnosed with Celiac Disease as a teenager, they wanted to help others navigate the gluten free diet. This book shares what to eat and what not to eat, as well as a collection of gluten free recipes. Available in Kindle and Paperback. 

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Willie Villie Meets Casey Kramps in Sprueville: A Book About Celiac Disease

At our gluten free camp, we have so many girls. Therefore, I love Celiac Disease children’s books written with a young man as the focus. This book is available in paperback and Kindle formats.

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Eating Gluten-Free with Emily: A Story for Children with Celiac Disease

This children’s book has many great reviews on Amazon. Multiple reviews say it helepd their children to understand their diagnosis. Some even mentioned using it in their children’s classroom to explain Celiac Disease to their peers.

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Mommy, What Is Celiac Disease?

Written in 2010, gastroenterologists Dr Fasano and Dr Guandalini endorse this Celiac Disease children’s book. Written by a graphid designer with Celiac Disease, the images are bright and eye catching.

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

The Celiac Kid

Who doesn’t love a super hero?! Follow Will in this children’s book as he “fights off” his rival, gluten. I’m encouraged about the great review from registered dietitian, Amy Jones.

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Violet and the Crumbs: A Gluten-Free Adventure

Filled with pluck and humor, this informative story provides a great opportunity to discuss this increasingly common condition with children who have celiac disease and gluten-intolerance as well as those who know people who have it and are seeking to learn more about it.

This book has been approved by the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Joe Vs. the Ce-Monster: Health Stories for Kids: Celiac’s Disease

This Celiac Disease children’s book is one in a series of “Health Stories for Kids” by Brian Wu. Currently free on Kindle, this book offers a parent section and glossary.  KINDLE ONLY

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Ainsley joins the Silly Yak Club

Sometimes living with Celiac Disease makes you feel alienated. The focus of this children’s book is that we don’t have to be alone. Many reviews state the illustrations are adorable!

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Andrew joins the Silly Yak Club

“A sequel to Ainsley joins the Silly Yak Club. Join Ainsley as she guides her cousin Andrew through his journey as a new member of the Silly Yak Club, and picks up a few unexpected friends along the way.”

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Beyond A Gluten-Free Dream

Review on Amazon from a Purchaser –

Wonderful children’s story about handling the sometimes confusing and overwhelming feelings that come with being diagnosed with a food allergy– in this case, celiac disease.

The author uses the opportunity to share a hopeful, positive message about taking care of one’s body and thinking outside the box when it comes to making life changes. The story will make you want to explore new ingredients too and a few simple, child-friendly recipes are included at the back!

The main character, Livie Bloom, is a bright, spunky, energetic, and fun girl. She is brought to life by the artist with great imagination, an attractive color palette, and tons of little drawn details to delight readers of all ages. Would recommend 100%!

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Kids Cook Gluten-Free: Over 65 Fun and Easy Recipes for Young Gluten-Free Chefs (No Gluten, No Problem)

All the other books on this list are about learning how to live with Celiac Disease. However, this cookbook is written by and for kids with Celiac Disease, to learn how to cook gluten free. The parents, Kelli and Peter, have written many other cookbooks, including a gluten free pizza cookbook. 

Buy from Bookshop.org | Buy from Amazon

Cooking with My Dad, the Chef

70+ kid-tested, kid-approved (and gluten-free!) recipes for YOUNG CHEFS!

Another gluten free kids cookbook, written by a chef and his daughter who has Celiac Disease.  Plus, each recipe has been kid tested and kid approved by America’s Test Kitchen Kids’ at-home kid recipe testers (15,000 families and counting!)

Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon

Other Children’s Books about Celiac Disease?

What other children’s books about Celiac Disease have you read? More great books exist, but some are no longer in print. Please leave comments below about what books or resource you found helpful for you or your children. Looking for books geared towards adults? Visit my link on 5 Celiac Disease Books You Should Read.

**Please know I belong to the Amazon Affiliate program, and all links within this post are affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

ALL IMAGES FROM AMAZON

Originally Published March 2020

The post 15 Children’s Books about Celiac Disease appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Yates Cider Mill?

Fall in Michigan is definitely my favorite season. Hot days give way to cool evenings and long walks. Tree foliage slowly changes to vibrant oranges and reds. Michigan State University football is on the television. Sweet apple cider passes our taste buds once again. And at Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills Michigan, those with Celiac Disease can again enjoy donuts with their cider!

How’s the Parking at Yates Cider Mill?

I recently took a trip to Yates Cider Mill with my parents when they were visiting from Tennessee. They were eager to escape the southern heat and embrace Michigan’s crisp fall temperatures. We weren’t the only ones with this idea on a bright Saturday afternoon. Traffic surrounded the mill as far as the eye could see. We were lucky enough to find a spot on the premises and not have to park in the overflow lot.

What Activities Does Yates Cider Mill Offer?

There are many things to see and do at Yates Cider Mill. There are pony rides, Frankenmuth fudge, face painting and more. I was so happy to see that the property is pet friendly. There were dogs EVERYWHERE! It made me wish we had brought along our small peek-a-poo. Of course, there were also babies in strollers, grandmothers in wheelchairs, and happy children everywhere. I will say the hilly terrain was a bit difficult for my aging parents to navigate with their canes. That didn’t stop them from having a good time though.

Gluten Free Donuts from Gluten Free Specialties

Going to a cider mill in the fall is a long standing tradition in my life. When I was young, a trip to the cabin wasn’t complete without stopping for cider and donuts. That was prior to my Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2001. Our trip to Yates Cider Mill was the first time I was able to eat a gluten-free donut purchased AT the cider mill.

Gluten Free Specialties bakes the donuts for the mill, off-site. This dedicated gluten-free bakery is located in the same city. I love that the gluten-free donuts are sold in two packs in individually sealed packages. This prevents issues of cross-contact. I panicked though when I took a bite. They were so good  I worried they sold me regular donuts by mistake! I quickly pulled out my receipt to check. “Gluten-Free Donuts” printed in black and white. Whew!

Fun for the Whole Family and New Friends

We purchased a half-dozen of Yates Cider Mill’s regular donuts, a gallon of their cider, and found our way to one of their large picnic tables. It was pretty packed that Saturday, so we shared a table with another family. This is my new friend Merlin. Isn’t his face painting the coolest?! He was proud to tell me that he was a raptor, and gave me permission to take his picture. (So did his guardian.)

I suggest taking a trip to Yates Cider Mill as soon as you get the chance. They’ve been making cider since 1863, and they’ve perfected the process. If you don’t like crowds, they’re open during the week. They are located at 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 and are open 9am-7pm year round.

What Other Michigan Cider Mills Offer Gluten Free Donuts? 

Luckliy, there are many other Michigan cider mills that offer gluten free donuts, both in Metro Detroit and the Grand Rapids area. Gluten Free Specialties supplies most of the cider mills in the Metro Detroit area. Kind Crumbs supplies most of the donuts in the Grand Rapids area. To see a complete list, check out my article entitled, Michigan Cider Mills with Gluten Free Donuts.

Yates Cider Mill
1950 E Avon Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Hours- Mon-Sun 11 am to 9 pm

What’s your favorite fall tradition? Do you have a favorite cider mill that you love to visit? Comment below! (Please, only name additional places if you know for certain donuts are made in a dedicated facility / prep space.) 

The post Yates Cider Mill: Gluten-Free Donuts and Cider! appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.