Michigan Farmers Markets and Cottage Food Law

In Michigan, many home bakers participate at local farmers markets under the Cottage Food Law. This law allows bakers and makers to sell products (that do not require refrigeration) from their home kitchen that has not been inspected.

However, they must still adhere to labeling laws. Therefore, any item sold at a market should have a complete list of ingredients, including sub ingredients. All baked goods must disclose the top 9 food allergens, and/or a contains statement. If a baker includes a contains statement, it must list ALL the allergens that are in the product.

Labels must also have the business name and address, or registration number with the MSU Product Center Voluntary Registration.

As of 2026, Cottage Law bakers may take online orders and ship ONLY within the state of Michigan. Cottage law stipulates that they may not sell wholesale directly to stores, restaurants or coffee shops. (They can have pop-ups where they sell direct to the consumer.)

Cottage law bakers may take orders and sell direct to the consumer, outside of the market. Cottage Law bakers should be personally present at farmers markets – not just sending a representative or family member.

How Is This List Organized?

I’ve organized a list according to geographic area, where you can find gluten free baked goods at various Michigan Farmers Markets. All baked goods are made in a dedicated gluten free kitchen, unless otherwise noted. Links to markets take you to their Facebook page, so you can easily get directions. 

St Joseph and Berrien County Farmers Markets

I do not know of any farmers markets with gluten free options in this area at the moment. While you’re in town, visit, Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joseph, Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor and Stray Dog Bar & Grill in New Buffalo. All are great places for a gluten free meal. 

Kent, Kalamazoo, Muskegon & Ottawa County Farmers Markets

Whippin’ Good Eats (interview) (Visit Facebook for Updated Schedule)

• SCA/ Saugatuck Market (May- Sept) Fridays 9 am – 3 pm
• Muskegon Farmers Market (May- Oct) Saturdays 8 am – 2 pm
  • Will also be at the Muskegon Winter Market (December – April)
• Creston Farmers Market (June – Sept) Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm (on the 2nd Saturday of each month)
  • ** Visit FIKA restaurant near Creston Market. It’s 100% GF and plant based.

Vigilant Sweets Bakery (interview link) Facebook

• Godwin Mercado Market : June 14, 21. July 12,19. Aug. 2,16, 23. Sep. 13, 30. Oct. 4,18
• Tasteful Vegan Frozen Desserts: July 25. Aug. 29. Sep. 5. Oct. 10

Other Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo Gluten Free Highlights

I always highly recommend visiting Fulton St. Farmers Market in Grand Rapids. It’s absolutely amazing. You can get Old World Gluten Free Pierogi at the Kruschinska Farms booth. Then, grab a meal at one of these Grand Rapids restaurants with gluten free options.

For dedicated gluten free baked goods in Grand Rapids/ Kalamazoo, visit the following bakers at their own storefronts. 

Rise Authentic Baking, Hall St. Bakery, and find Kind Crumbs products at area stores.

Ionia, Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Calhoun County Farmers Markets

Props to Pat (interview link) (Facebook page)

• Old Red Mill Farmers Market [Portland] (June-Sept) Saturdays 9am- 1 pm
• Meridian Farmers Market [Okemos]
  • (Year Round) Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
  • (June – October) Wednesday 3-7 pm
• Dewitt Farmers Market (June-October) Tuesday 4-7 pm (select weeks only. check FB)

(Anna’s House and Buddy’s Pizza are near the Meridian market, and have great GF dining options.) 

G3 Food For All (Facebook page) Attendance varies, please check their FB page

• Allen Street Market [Lansing] (Year Round) Wednesdays 3 pm- 6:30 pm
• Meridian Farmers Market (May – October) Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
• Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market (June – Oct) Tuesdays 4- 7 pm
• Dimondale Farmers Market (June – Sept) Thursdays 3-6 (every other week)
• Gratiot Area Farmers Market – Alma (June – Oct) Saturdays 8 am – 1 pm
  • June 14, July 12, August 16, Sept 20, and Oct 4
• Farmers Market at the Capitol July 22, August 26, September 23 9am – 2 pm

Taste Without a Trace (interview link) (Facebook)

• Meridian Twp Farmers Market (May – Oct) WEDNESDAY 3-7 PM

Golly Gee Gluten Free (interview link) (Facebook)

• Holt Farmers Market (Year Round) Sat 10am -2 pm
• Williamston Farmers Market Sun 10-2 (select dates starting June 14, check their FB page)
• Dewitt Farmers Market Tuesday 4-7 pm (select dates starting June 2, check their FB page)
• Dimondale Farmers Market Thurs 3-7 pm

Meadowview Acres (interview link) (Facebook)

• St. Johns Farmers Market (June – October) Every 2nd & 4th Saturday 8 am – 12 pm

Livingston, Washtenaw & Lenawee County Farmers Markets

Nirit’s Gluten Free Bakery (interview link) Facebook

• Ann Arbor Farmers Market Saturday 7:30 am – 1: 30 pm,

Tasty Bakery (interview link) Facebook

• Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Year Round) Saturday 7:30 am – 1: 30 pm
  • limited staff, check Facebook page before going

Everything is Gluten Free (interview link) Facebook

• Brighton Farmers Market (May – Oct ) Saturdays 8am – 1 pm
• Canton Farmers Market (May – Oct ) Sundays 9 am – 1 pm

Want to grab a bite to eat? Check out my Ann Arbor Gluten Free Dining Options guide.

Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County Farmers Markets

Allergy Free Bakery (interview) Facebook * Top 9 Allergen Free

• Royal Oak Farmers Market Saturday 7 am -1 pm

Bossy B Bakery (Facebook) *contains oats *NOT FULLY VETTED

• Royal Oak Farmers Market Saturday 7 am -1 pm
• Eastern Market (some Saturdays 6am-4pm and Sundays 10am-4pm)

Simply Sweet Gluten Free Bakery (interview soon) Facebook

• Ortonville Farmers Market Sat 9 am – 1 pm Date: June 20, July 11, August 1

Missy’s Sweet Treats (Interview link) Facebook

*Their attendance dates vary. Check their Facebook page for more info.

• St. Clair Shores Farmers Market: 2nd Thurs 5-9 & 4th Sun 8-2
• Allen Park Farmers Market Fri 3 pm – 7 pm
• Shelby Farmers Market Sat 9 am – 2 pm
• New Baltimore Farmers Market Sun 9 am – 2 pm

(For restaurant options in this area, check out my Detroit Gluten Free Dining Guide or my master Michigan GF dining list.) 

St. Clair County Farmers Markets

Genesee, Saginaw and Midland County Farmers Markets

Northern Michigan Farmers Markets

No other markets that I know of with gluten free options. However, I highly recommend visiting Third Coast Bakery in Traverse City. Want dinner too? Check out my Traverse City Dining guide.

Upper Peninsula Farmers Markets

How to Find a Local Michigan Farmers Market

Visit the Michigan Farmers Market Association to find a Michigan Farmers Market in your area, or near your summer travels. Want to know how to use some of that local produce? Visit my collection of recipes using Michigan’s most popular fruits and vegetables. Or listen to my interview with the Michigan Ag Council.

My List of Gluten Free Bakers and Restaurants

Looking for more gluten free goodness in Michigan? Check out my complete list of Michigan Gluten Free Bakers. During the fall, visit Michigan Cider Mills that offer gluten free donuts, too. Wanting dining options? Check out my list of great Michigan restaurants with gluten free options. (Always ask about food prep methods, as they can change!) 

Know of another gluten free baker, preparing items in a dedicated gluten free kichen, selling at a Michigan Farmers Market? Share about them in the comments! 

Originally Published May 2022

The post Michigan Farmers Markets Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

Gluten Free Cottage Law Business

Everything is Gluten Free operates as a “cottage law” business. Moonbeam prepares all baked goods inside their home, not at a storefront bakery. You’ll find their baked goods at local markets and pop-ups. Due to cottage law rules, they are not able to ship.

Dedicated Gluten Free Kitchen

What about the chance of cross contact with wheat flour? Moonbeam shares “I am a dedicated gluten-free baker. We do not bring any gluten into our home as I have Celiac Disease and my oldest son is gluten-intolerant. I even react to touching gluten, without ingestion.

Read more about this gluten free small business created from a momma’s love to feed everyone.

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free? 

I have loved baking since I was a small child. My family is Pennsylvania Dutch, and I loved learning cultural recipes with my Grandmother and Mom. That passion grew throughout my life, and when I was diagnosed with celiac 11 years ago, I was determined to still be able to make my favorite things. 

2. Are there other highlights of your products?  Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc? 

I do have a few dairy-free items but do not specialize in any other allergen. Growing up on the East Coast, I like to specialize in the baked goods I was raised eating. This includes bagels, sticky buns, and my almond cake. I also sell artisan jams that are gluten-free and vegan.

3. What steps do you take to ensure that your products are truly gluten-free? only use certified products? call companies?, etc ? 

I only use products labeled/certified gluten-free. I currently use Bob’s Red Mill oats in my baked goods. However after learning more about purity protocol oats, I will be switching to Bakery on Main. I do not use any gluten free wheat starch in my products.

4  Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business? 

Here is my favorite review: “This is the most wonderful place for gluten free baked goods ever! Moonbeam is so friendly and kind. The pumpkin rolls and new cinnamon roll recipe are amazing! I am unsure how gluten free food tastes so accurate to the gluten-full counterparts I have grown to miss. Your baked goods make living with Celiac Disease easier.”

5. What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business? 

We take custom orders for just about anything- I love a challenge! We rotate our menu seasonally and are always adding new items. Everything is Gluten Free is owned by a queer mom (they/them) who wants to make the world happy with their baked goods!

Everything is Gluten Free Location, Hours and Contact Information

Brighton – Home based baker

Participates in the following Farmers Markets – Brighton and Canton.

They also participate in the Suburban Collection Showplace Craft Show in April and December.

Facebook | Instagram | Email

Everything is Gluten Free 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. 

** All photos courtesy of Everything is Gluten Free

The post Everything is Gluten Free – Brighton, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

A Note About Shared Kitchens

Whippin’ Good Eats products are baked in a home where gluten is present, but wheat flour is not. I usually only share about companies who have a completely gluten free facility. However, when I polled my followers, some suggested I share about businesses, and their preparation methods, and let customers make their own decisions. 

When polled, 2/3 of people responded that they themselves do not keep a 100% gluten free kitchen. Of those, 2/3 responded that they do NOT keep wheat flour in their household. Also, 3/4 of my followers stated they would buy from a baker that may have gluten in the home, but NOT if wheat flour was also present. 

Therefore, I’m sharing about Whippin’ Good Eats today, including her methods for preventing cross contact. All information shared in this post comes straight from owner, Sam Hettinga.

1. What inspired you to become a baker? 

My mother was a chef for a short time and encouraged me to get into the kitchen. As an Asian parent, she wanted to make sure I could cook for whomever I’d marry some day. Being drawn to the arts and being creative all my life, I was fascinated by the fancy pastries. My mother took that as her cue to get me inspired in the kitchen. It worked and she realized I was a natural at it. I enjoyed creating and baking from the early age of 8. However, I didn’t know I had celiac back then!

What Encouraged You to Open a Gluten Free Baking Business? 

A little over 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Due to recurrent health problems,  my husband repeatedly suggested I may have issues with guten issues. After my testing, I took a 180 turn in my cooking and baking. This required me to relearn what was safe and what was not. I continue learning on the topic, because there are always new things to learn/ Im addition, I want my customers to know they are safe with the baked goods and baking mixes I offer.

2. Are there other highlights of Whippin’ Good Eats products? Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc? Local ingredients?

I do offer DF, EF and NF items in my cakes/cupcakes and cookies. Many times when I make gluten free vegan items, I will eliminate all three to offer those with these allergies. I will use local ingredients when I can, such as fruits and vegetables from farmers. In addition, I ask farmers about their growing and harvesting schedule,  and whether there is  cross contact with gluten grains. I often prefer organic when possible.

3.What steps do you take to ensure that you items are truly gluten-free?

I use gluten free certified products in most cases such as all the flours, spices and add-on items such as sprinkles and cookies like oreo/grahams. If an item is not certified, but says “gluten free”, I will contact the manufacturer or company to see what they mean by their label. I will find at times that the product is made from non-gluten containing ingredients but may use shared equipment. In this case, I will not use the product. I make sure to use only certified gluten free oats, such as Bob’s Red Mill and One Degree Organic Foods.

Your Family Eats Gluten in your Home. How Do You Prevent Cross Contact?

While my family eats premade items which contain gluten, (such as snacks, breads, and takeout), we don’t cook anything containing gluten in our oven. It’s a shared space (counters, sink, stove). However, all my business equipment is dedicated and not shared;  this includes a separate fridge/freezer as well. Sometime this fall, I hope to have a dedicated prep space. Gluten cross contact makes me sick, so I am very diligent about how my kitchen operates and is cleaned. No wheat, barley or rye flours are used in my home.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

There have been a few customers with younger children who have been recently diagnosed or have dietary needs. With those restrictions, it’s been hard for the parents to find special treats for them to enjoy. It has been gratifying to see the joy it brings to these individuals , as well as seeing the family members coming back weekly to share my baked goods with them.

5. What would you like consumers to know about Whippin’ Good Eats?

People often ask if my products are certified gluten free. As a cottage law business, I cannot certify my products, at this time. I do take steps and precautions to avoid cross contact as my kitchen is a shared space and I have celiac myself.

I’m making plans to move to a more dedicated space in the near future for all my baking and baking mixes. I have also curated my own flour blends for different baked items and do not use existing mixes off the shelf. I don’t plan to have a storefront, but aim to have my items available in stores and online retail spaces.

6. Where can I Find Whippin’ Good Eats Products?

I work under cottage food law currently, and sell products from my house and at farmers markets. In 2024, I plan to sell at the Saugatuck Farmers Market, the Muskegon Summer Farmers Market, and the Georgetown Twp. (Jenison) Farmers Market. I will announce additional pop-ups on my Facebook page.

I am working towards capital for acquiring my own commercial kitchen space that can be certified gluten free, while also having an allergen free co-packer produce my baking mixes, so I can sell them in stores and online marketplaces.

Whippin’ Good Eats Contact Information

Whippin’ Good Eats, LLC
Wyoming, MI
By appointment
616 – 309-3660

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Preferred Contact Method for Orders:
Email, Facebook messages, or Instagram messages

Whippin’ Good Eats 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. 

The post Whippin’ Good Eats – Gluten Free appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

Small businesses are truly the driver behind gluten free options in Michigan. While there are a few big name brands at stores, like Ethel’s Baking and The GFB, it is the small mom and pop vendors that provide the majority of gluten free baked goods in the Great Lakes State.

Many of our home based bakers also sell at Michigan Farmers Markets. That includes Meadowview Acres. Originally selling fresh produce and jams at local farmers markets, they recently started offering gluten free baked goods. Read my interview with owner Chrisine Schweigert, to learn more about their gluten free baking business

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

What inspired me to start baking gluten free? Well that can be a long story but in adulthood I discovered I have a wheat allergy. I always enjoyed baking, especially bread and bread products before my allergy was discovered.

As I bought the pre-made gluten free breads and muffins and other items, the taste was lacking in a lot of products. Or the texture would not be appealing. So I started the journey to learn to bake gluten free. And a journey it has been!

As you know, baking gluten free is not the same as baking with regular flour. With many many failed recipes, and gritty tasting muffins and cakes, I worked through each recipe until I was happy with it. I felt that if my husband ate my bakes and enjoyed them, they were a success.

Then I got brave enough to venture out and start sharing with people around me that also need to eat gluten free. Before I launched the Facebook page, I solely did orders for people that reached out to me and people that I knew. My friend Melissa was a huge motivator in starting the Facebook page to sell to other people.

2. Are there other highlights of your products?  Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc?

Most of my recipes contain dairy. However I am willing to accommodate additional dietary requests. My pumpkin roll contains no dairy and it turned out really well.

Most of my items are nut free or can easily be made nut free. I do not use almond flour in any of my recipes. Therefore any nuts used are added as an extra ingredient. like the pecans in my cinnamon roll muffins. I do use dairy free cream cheese that contains nuts.

3. What steps do you take to ensure that Meadowview Acres items are truly gluten-free?

I am a dedicated gluten free baker. I am lucky my house has two kitchens. Therefore I maintain a separate dedicated gluten free kitchen, and only use certified  gluten free flours, and certified gluten free oats.

I read every package even if it is a product I have used 100 times. I’ve personally been a victim to an ingredient change, so I’ve learned the hard way to check absolutely everything.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

My favorite story so far is a weekly standing order for a local college student. This young adult ordered a couple dozen donuts, and then apparently called home to tell her mom about them. The mom mom immediately started to panic about cross contact, etc, and I received a very worried email from the mom. 

It felt wonderful to be able to reassure her that I was doing everything in power to put out a good, safe product made from gluten free ingredients. By the time I got done talking with the mom she was really happy that her child could receive some homemade baked goods away from home. 

5. What would you like consumers to know about Meadowview Acres?

This business was created because I was tired of bringing pre-made gluten free food to parties. I wanted to be able to enjoy that fellowship you get when you get to actively participate in something. So I started 1 recipe at a time and worked until my family and friends liked my recipes  just as much if not more than the non gluten free ones. I’m also someone that is willing to try and accommodate any allergy. Please feel free to reach out and talk with me. 

Meadoview Acres Location, Hours and Contact Information

Meadowview Acres– St. John’s, Michigan

NO STOREFRONT- Will be at St. John’s Farmer Market starting in June
Preferred Contact Method for Orders – Through Facebook messenger 

Facebook  | Email

Meadowview Farms is one of many dedicated 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! 

The post Meadowview Acres- Gluten Free Baked Goods in St. Johns appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Before We Panic & Break Out the Pitchforks

Before I start to freak everyone out, the majority of food labeled gluten free IS in fact safe. Gluten Free Watchdog published a paper a few years ago, showing her combined test results of 158 different products. That report showed 96% did in fact test under 20 ppm of gluten, with 87% testing under 5 ppm of gluten.

However, what do we do with that remaining 5%? We make sure to read labels and ask questions. If a product makes us sick, we report it to the FDA. It a product is misbranded with gluten free labeling, but specifically contains wheat, barley, rye or their by-products, we report it to the FDA. (Here’s how to report items to the FDA.)

Bakers offering “gluten free” options

Five years ago, I visited a cupcake stand. A friend mentioned that they now offered “gluten free” options. However, when I asked the man at the counter about their preparation methods, he responded – “They’re gluten-free but not celiac.”

Not “celiac safe,” or “celiac friendly.” Simply, “not celiac.” Which is obvious, because Celiac is a disease, not a pastry. I don’t know which is scarier – that he had no clue what he was talking about, or that my friend almost bought me one and I would have eaten it. Later I learned they didn’t have dedicated gluten free equipment or prep days.

Preparation methods matter. I wish bakers catered to safety precautions, not trends. I recently had a keto baker tell me her products were not safe for those with Celiac Disease, despite using the hashtag #glutenfree on her Instagram and social media channels. Always ask questions. And DON’T get me started on wheat based sourdough. Oy vey.

Restaurants & “Gluten Friendly”

We see it all too often. Restaurants use gluten free labeling (or “gluten friendly”) on their menus, only to have a disclaimer that the food is not safe for those with Celiac Disease. This may be out of an abundance of caution and legalese. However, it could be because they refuse to boil fresh water for gluten free pasta, or use a separate fryer for gluten free french fries.

Products with Oats

Oats are the bane of my existence. The FDA states oats are a gluten free food. However, oats frequently come into cross contact with wheat. The result is oats and oat products that contain well over 20 ppm. See the graphic above for statistics from studies performed by Gluten Free Watchdog. My latest frustation? Tortilla chips with oat fiber.

Lately, companies started using “mechanically sorted oats.” Even products with gluten free labeling. However, Gluten Free Watchdog recently tested the John McCambridge Bread Kit. This Irish product, labeled gluten free, tested twice over 20 ppm. After hearing her results, they plan switch to a purity protocol oat provider.

Malt in products labeled gluten free

Unfortunately under FALCPA, barley is not one of the top 8 allergens. (Neither is rye, but it’s not as sneaky.) Malt comes from barley, and is found in brewer’s yeast, malt flavoring, and an assorted amount of items. Because it’s not an “allergen,” the FDA lacks enforcement of the gluten free labeling law.

For instance an Aldi snack bar in 2016, contained malt. Even despite being certified gluten free by a third party organization. It took frequent contacts to the FDA, the independent certifying organization, and even Aldi to remove the product from shelving. I say this not to freak you out, but to always remember to read labels, even if certified.

“Gluten Reduced” Labeling

There are plenty of food and beverage producers that make products that are natuarally gluten free. So why do some people feel the need to mess with science and our health by creating “gluten removed” products? If you’ve been following me, you know my disdain for Gluten reduced beer. (Click that link for research about why it’s not safe.)

The new latest item? The company Good Wheat release a product called “Reduced Gluten Wheat Flour.” They state their product contains”65% less (allergenic) gluten than regular flour.”  However,when Gluten Free Watchdog tested it, this flour contained at least 4,000 times the FDA’s defnition of gluten free. (20 ppm)

One Last Reminder About Gluten Free Labeling

The FDA does not require producers to confirm testing prior to adding a gluten free label to their product. This means misleading or misinformed producers will not be caught unless we ask the proper questions. While I don’t want us to live in constant anxiety, I want to make sure we all perform our due diligence to keep ourselves safe.

Therefore, support companies that have taken the time to certify their products through independent testers. Frequent businesses that have taken the huge investment to have a dedicated facility.  Publicly praise companies that do things right, so that others may support them as well.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

I want to reiterate that the majority of gluten free food items are safe. Most manufacturers seek to do things ethically and consciously, and want to keep us safe. Gluten free certification takes great strides to keep us safe. Even when products are made in a shared facility.

However, like anything in life, there are the outliers. And in those moments, we need to speak up.

If you see an issue with a product, GO TO THE BRAND FIRST. Maybe there’s a misprint on the labeling, and it needs to be changed. A brand can then alert the FDA and recall their products. If they refuse to act, then get the FDA and the gluten free community involved. We’re in this together. Let’s work to make things safer for us all.

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