I remember when I was newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Ice cream was my best friend. Since I could no longer eat sweet baked goods, I told myself I was allowed to eat as much ice cream as I wanted.

That being said, we need to remember that not all ice creams are created equal, and some are unsafe. There’s the obvious culprits that contain baked goods.

You also need to watch out for cross-contact and even some soft serve ice creams and frozen yogurts that contain gluten. Visit one of these places that offer great Michigan gluten free ice cream options!

How To Order Ice Cream When You Eat Gluten Free

The Gluten Intolerance Group wrote an article about what concerns people with Celiac Disease should have about buying ice cream.

“When ordering from any food business including ice cream shops, ask questions. If a business serves cones that are not gluten-free, simply requesting a scoop in a dish instead of a cone does not guarantee safety.

When previous cone orders were filled, the same utensil used to serve your ice cream could have been used to push a scoop onto a cone, possibly resulting in cross-contact with the gluten-containing cone, transferring cone crumbs into the ice cream container. 

When in doubt, be vocal about a need for assurance of a totally gluten-free product. 

Ask if there is an ice cream container that has not yet been opened that could be used, along with clean serving utensils, to guarantee that your scoop is free of cross-contact with gluten. 

How is this Gluten Free Ice Cream Parlor List Organized?

In short, I’m terrible at geography. However, I’ve tried to list businesses in order of similar area.

Although Frosty Boy is listed first, as I think it has so many gluten free options that you won’t find elsewhere in the states.

Also, I don’t currently have any stand out locations in the Upper Peninsula, although I’m sure there are safe places to get ice cream up there.

Also, you’ll find the ADDRESS to each business at the END of their respective sections.

West Michigan Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

Frosty Boy (Grand Rapids Plainfield Ave ONLY!!)

Frosty Boy was a Grand Rapids tradition until 2005. It sat vacant for at least a decade until owners Kyle and Alyssa Naumann gave it new life.

They offer a variety of hard scoop ice cream, including flavors from Ashby’s, Country Dairy, Mooville, and Homemade. But what most of us are excited about are their soft serve options, including dairy free options as well.

What sets them apart are the EXTRAS. You can get your ice cream in a homemade gluten-free waffle cone, your flurry made with gluten-free cookies from Kind Crumbs, or even get VEGAN soft serve! 

Address & Phone – 1757 Plainfield Ave Grand Rapids MI 49505 (616) 284 – 1436

(Gluten Free Options available at Plainfield location ONLY.)

Love’s Ice Cream – Grand Rapids

Located inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, Love’s Ice Cream makes an amazing assortment of gluten free flavors. Including S’mores*! I

n fact, only 7 of their flavors are not gluten free. Visit their scoop shop in the market to try all of their flavors. (You can also find their pints in various stores across Michigan.)

*Some of the baked good items in Love’s Ice Cream flavors are made with oats. Make sure to ask about ingredients if you are oat intolerant.

Address & Location – 435 Ionia Ave SW Stall 106 Grand Rapids MI 49503 (616) 965-1054

Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts – Wyoming, MI

Tastefull Vegan just opened (2022) in Wyoming, Michigan. Desserts are “free of dairy, nuts, soy, gluten, eggs, and refined sugar.”

“Our soft serve is made with a non-dairy milk that has a pea protein base. We use oat milk for milkshakes, but can offer an alternative non dairy milk.”

Address – 2265 Porter St SW Wyoming MI 49519 (616) 320-4763

Frosty Cove – Muskegon

I heard about Frosty Cove through my connections with the Muskegon Celiac Support Group.

Frosty Cove proudly serves Hudsonville Ice Cream, which has over 20 flavors that are gluten-free.

Frosty Cove makes sure to always have gluten-free cones on hand as well. I hear that their servings are large – almost as big as your head!

Address – 2565 Lakeshore Drive Muskegon MI 49441 (231) 955 – 7130

Oliver Gramm Ice Cream – Caledonia

Oliver Gramm Ice Cream opened in Caledonia in May of 2025. They make their own ice cream, one small batch at a time. I learned about this business from a follower, so I reached out to the owner for more information.

Yes, we offer a list of gluten free ice cream flavors. Our flavors rotate often, but we list our Vegan/DF/GF flavors in a separate list on our menu and in our daily flavor updates in our social media stories.

Many of our regular flavors are also gluten free and our staff can help customers choose one that works for their needs. However, the exclusively DF/GF flavors are kept in a separate freezer away from the others.

I was told they will scoop out of a fresh tub if requested. But be mindful that they make their ice cream in small batches, so an unopened tub may not always be available.

Other gluten free serving precautions include changing gloves, using a separate scoop, ad maintaining a separate dip cabinet for dairy-free/gluten-free flavors.

For those who are dairy free: “We make most of our dairy free flavors with a pea protein base, but a couple flavors are made with a coconut base when it suits the flavor better (example : Toasted Coconut Macaroon).” They do not offer Dole Whip.

They do not offer gluten free cones.

Lastly, this is what the owners of Oliver Gramm would like to share with my followers-

We make all our ice cream ourselves in house so we know every ingredient that goes into it. All our ice creams are free of artificial dyes and flavors. We make only hard scoop ice cream (no soft serve).

Our df/gf flavors are kept separate from our other flavors with a designated freezer and fresh scoops to avoid any cross-contamination. These are the safest options for guests who must avoid gluten.

However, a large selection of our dairy flavors are often gluten-free as well unless they have a pie/cookie/cheesecake element listed in the flavor name (Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, etc).

We are always happy to help our guests select a flavor that would be safe for them based on the severity of their dietary restrictions and take precautions such as opening a fresh tub/using a new scoop, etc.

ADDRESS – 9866 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Ste B, Caledonia, MI 49316

Southwest MI Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

Plainwell Ice Cream – Plainwell, MI

Plainwell Ice Cream makes all of their 50+ ice cream flavors by hand since 1978. (That’s the year I was born!) You can find a list of their gluten free flavors on their website, under Allergen Info.

For gluten free customers, they are willing to scoop from a fresh tub, with clean scoops and isolated spoons.

They state that if you let them know you eat gluten free, they’ll be happy to accommodate you! (Sadly, they do not offer gluten free cones.)

As for dairy free options, they offer hard scoop Dairy free chocolate, Raspberry Choc Chip, and Lemon Blueberry Swirl, which are all gluten free.

I do not know what dairy free base they use (oat, almond, etc) they use for their dairy free ice cream.

Address – 621 E Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 685-8586

Mikey’s Ice Cream – Watervliet

Per their Facebook page, “at Mikey’s Ice Cream we make Premium, small batch, craft made Ice Cream using only the highest quality ingredients all made In House! We also make Premium Dairy Free Gelato, Sorbet, and Italian Ice.”

They maintain a list of gluten free ice cream flavors. They will scoop out of a fresh tub is requested.

They also shared this about their cross contact prevention procedures – “We change gloves, use a separate Container for Gluten Free Cones, and a one Time Use Scooper until cleaned and sanitized. We NEVER go from one flavor to another without a clean scooper.”

Gluten Free Ice Cream is never exposed to inclusions containing gluten. All surfaces and appliences when working with gluten free ice cream and cones have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before each use.

As for dairy free options, all dairy free options are also Gluten Free. Dairy free options are made using Almond or Oat Milk. Our sorbet is made from Fruit Juice.

They do offer house made gluten free waffle cones, which do not contain oat flour. They did state that they do NOT have a dedicated iron for their gluten free waffle cones.

***NOTE – They do make their own cookies on premises. I asked if dough is mixed, prepared and baked in a different room than where the ice cream is stored. This was their response.

“We do not have a big enough facility to store our ice cream in a separate room from where we handle ingredients that contain gluten. However, we are very thorough about keeping our gluten free products separate from those with gluten.

We never go from preparing products with gluten to preparing gluten-free products without washing and sanitizing the area/appliance. We do everything we can to ensure the safety of our Gluten Sensitive Customers, within our ability as a small family owned business.”

ADDRESS – 8279 Arnt Blvd, Watervliet, MI 49098

Neon Moon Gelato – Union Pier

Neon Moon Gelato in Union Pier has LOTS of gluten free ice cream options. “All of our gelato and sorbetto is marked for an allergen-friendly experience. We have 33 flavors in our shop at anytime and rotate between 35-40 flavors per season. About 20-25 are gluten-free.”

They are willing to scoop out of a fresh tub if a customer requests it. “If requested we will change gloves and use a sanitized scooper. All of our gluten products are in a dedicated gluten and nut case.”

“We dedicate our scoopers and shake containers as well, but we can always use a fresh sanitized scooper gloves and container. Our baked goods are either individually wrapped or in a dedicated cake case separate from the non GF items.”

They offer Gluten Free Sugar Cones, Gluten Free Cake Cones, and homemade Gluten Free Waffle Cones,. The gluten free waffle cones are made on a dedicated waffle iron. They do contain oat flour.

For those who follow a dairy free diet, their sorbettos are dairy free and gluten free. They have a fruit base. Their vegan gelato has a cashew base.

They stated the following – “We are not a gluten free facility but we do our best to be transparent about allergen ingredients. We ask that customers are kind and patient with our young staff who may not be as knowledgeable as the owners. We are always one question and answer away from a safe and happy experience for everyone!

In addition, Neon Moon Gelato sells gluten free baked goods from a 100% gluten free bakery in Chicago called Defloured Bakery. They also use Defloured baked goods for our sundaes and a la mode items.

They also work very hard to source gluten-free and vegan (when possible) toppings, snacks, and candy items for their retail shelves. Finally, they’re launching a (mostly) gluten-free breakfast menu, available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, which includes gluten free Belgian Waffles.

ADDRESS – 16090 Red Arrow Hwy, Union Pier, MI 49129 (269) 231-5381

Calhoun County Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

True North – Marshall & Battle Creek

True North in Marshall makes their own ice cream, and has been since 2021. They are also known for their “grown up flavors,” which include alcohol.

Their flavor board is constantly changing, however we have many gluten free flavors, often with over two dozen gluten free flavors. They are willing to scoop out a fresh tub if a customer requests it.

They do offer gluten free cones, including gluten free waffle cones that they make in house. The gluten free waffle cones are made on a dedicated iron. They do contain oat flour.

For those who must follow a dairy free diet, they do offer dairy free ice cream options. They are made from a coconut cream and/ or tapioca cream base.

ADDRESS – 403 South Kalamazoo Avenue , Marshall, MI, United States, 49068

Central MI Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

MSU Dairy Store – East Lansing

Michigan State University and dairy cows have a long history. MSU was known as “Agriculture College of the State of Michigan” in 1855, and they’ve been a leader in teaching agriculture ever since. Dairy cows are housed on campus and milked daily, which visitors can observe for free.

The milk is then transported to the dairy plant to be turned into cheese and delicious ice cream. There’s even an observation deck to watch the dairy process. While The MSU Dairy Store does not have gluten-free cones, they are always willing to changes gloves and open a fresh tub of ice cream to prevent cross-contact.

Address – 474 S. Shaw Lane East Lansing MI 48824 (517) 355 – 8466

Kirby’s 1892 Ice Cream – Corunna

Kirby’s 1892 Facebook pages states they “Serve MOO-ville ice cream in a quaint little one room school house build in 1892.” I LOVE seeing one room schools houses repurposed! And after living in the Flint area for over 20 years, I don’t know how I missed this place.

For gluten free customers, they do keep a list of gluten free flavors, and they’re willing to scoop from a fresh tub if they have that flavor in stock. They will also change gloves if requested.

They do offer gluten free waffle cones that are made in house. However they are not made on a dedicated waffle iron. For those who are oat intolerant, please know that they are made with oat flour.

For those avoiding dairy, they offer an oat based chocolate ice cream.

ADDRESS – 4990 E. M 21, Corunna, MI, United States, 48817 989-998-2663

Gluten Free Ice Cream Options in the Thumb

Bailey’s Ice Cream & Smokehouse – Metamora & Ortonville

Bailey’s Ice Cream and Smokehouse maintains a list of gluten free ice cream flavors. In addition, they also offer gluten free cake cones.

They stated that they will scoop out of a fresh tub if requested. They also shared this information with me.

“With an allergy, our staff change their gloves and then have a two-step process in which they use to clean ice cream scoop. The first one to remove the top layer of ice cream and the second one to scoop underneath to prevent cross-contamination.

For those with dairy restrictions, they carry an oat milk based chocolate chunk ice cream, and a black raspberry pomegranate sorbet that is both dairy free and gluten-free.

While their Metamora location does not offer Dole Whip, it is available at their Ortonville location.

ADDRESS – 3546 S Lapeer Rd, Metamora, MI 48455

Oakland Co. Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

Dairy Twist Cafe – Wolverine Lake

I found Dairy Twist Cafe when I wrote about the best places to get vegan ice cream in Michigan. Turns out this place is great for Michigan gluten free ice cream options as well!

All of their dairy-free ice creams are gluten free. In addition, Dairy Twist Cafe has gluten free cones too! They have LOTS of options, too. They were awarded Oakland County’s Largest Ice Cream Store.

Address – 2660 Benstein Rd, Wolverine Lake, MI 48390 (248) 624- 4001

Washtenaw & Livingston Co. Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

Blank Slate Creamery – Ann Arbor and Brighton

This iconic Michigan ice cream parlor opened in Ann Arbor in 2014. In 2021, Blank Slate Creamery expanded to a second location in downtown Brighton. Blank Slate Creamery makes their own ice cream, using Michigan’s own Guernsey Dairy.

They offer dairy free options as well! They have a separate case with seven flavors of non-dairy ice creams and sorbets. The gluten free status of all their flavors is clearly marked on the menu, and they will open a fresh tub from the back, if you tell the you have Celiac Disease. 

Ann Arbor – 300 W Liberty St / Brighton – 126 E Grand River

Milkshake Factory – Ann Arbor

The Milkshake Factory offers several flavors of gluten free milkshakes. For those with Celiac Disease they have a separate allergen area. Only a manager trained in allergy and cross-contamination processes makes those shakes. It is thoroughly cleaned down between every shake.

Gluten free flavors include:

• Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
• Rasperries & Cream
• Bananas Foster
• Chocolate
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberry
• Strawberry
• Vanilla
• Dairy Free Chocolate
• Dairy Free Strawberry
• Dairy Free Peanut Butter
• Root Beer Float
• Dairy Free Root Beer Float

In addition, most shakes can be made gluten free. “For instance, we have a seasonal Pumpkin Pie shake that can be made gluten free if they take don’t use the graham cracker crumbs.” The owner and her son both have Celiac Disease, and they take cross contact very seriously.

ADDRESS – 326 S Maple Rd Ste 326, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Jackie’s Custard Co. On Millpond – Brighton

As the Explore Brighton Howell Area website states, their “specialty is the creamy custard, with rotating flavors packed with deliciousness.”

Their custard base is gluten free. In addition they “use use all gluten free Oreos and several other gluten free ingredients.”

Staff are willing to scoop out of a fresh tub if asked. They use gloves and have a separate cabinet for gluten free flavors. They can create most flavors gluten free because they create their custard by hand.

They offer gluten free sugar cones and gluten free cake cones. For dairy free customers, they offer popsicles. Jackie’s Custard Co. can also make gluten free ice cream cakes. Please note that they are CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.

ADDRESS – 415 Mill Pond Lane Brighton, MI 48116 (810) 588-6581

Metro Detroit Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

Wally’s Frozen Custard – St Clair Shores

Wally’s Frozen Custard is located in St. Clair Shores and offers gluten-free cones. If we’re honest, that’s the hardest part of summertime ice cream experiences during the summer- no cone.

Wally’s has another draw though- they offer Dole Whip! If you’ve never head of it, it became popular in Disneyland and is dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and fat-free. This makes “ice cream” available to SO many other people!

Address – 22501 Harper Ave St. Clair Shores MI (586) 552- 5038

Bombshell Treat Bar – Berkley, MI

I spoke with owner of Bombshell Treat Bar, Jill Kasle, at length about their gluten free options and ice cream preparations. I have personally enjoyed a treat there, and was impressed with the precautions that they take.

As you likely know, we are not a certified gluten-free facility so I hesitate to make any promises. But we will ALWAYS do our best to accommodate those with celiac or gluten considerations, as you experienced! Please note that we do have gluten-containing items on our menu so there is a natural chance of cross contamination in our store. I just don’t want to mislead anyone.

Our vanilla soft serve mix and signature Madagascar vanilla ice cream are both gluten-free. Our ice cream menu also features strawberry sorbet, chocolate ice cream and vanilla oat milk – all of which are gluten-free and individually packaged, ensuring they are well protected.

All of our premium chocolate dips are gluten-free with the exception of cookies and cream and a possible seasonal flavor. And we have many gluten-free toppings to choose from.

For anyone with a strong allergy, our staff is happy to go into the back kitchen and prepare an ice cream bar or soft serve cup with chocolate that has never been dipped into.

We can also incorporate toppings that are fresh out of their packaging. While taking these measures should give comfort to many, there is always a chance of gluten in the air, so it really boils down to a personal level of comfort.

In full transparency, we did not set out to be a gluten-free destination. I just think it’s so important to try to accommodate your guests and deliver an experience that makes them feel seen and appreciated. If there’s a way to help someone with a dietary restriction, we will simply do our best to accommodate!

I do not personally have celiac or a gluten intolerance, nor does anyone in our family. But I am mindful of how prevalent this concern has become and want Bombshell to be a place where most everyone can indulge and enjoy something truly delicious.

We also have a great coffee and hot chocolate menu that is “safe,” as well as soda floats and milkshakes.

Address – 2688 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072 (248) 629-4121

Detroit Water Ice Factory – Detroit, MI

Detroit Water Ice Factory offers a wide variety of flavors, with almost all being gluten free. (Their Motown Mash flavor is not gluten free.) This business is owned by Mitch Albom, and the majority of their profit go to Say Detroit, which provides funding to Detroit non-profits.

Address – 1014 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48226 (313) 888-9106

Cold Truth Ice Cream- Detroit

All flavors of ice cream at Cold Truth are gluten free, as well as dairy free. Flavors are made from a coconut cream base. In addition, all ice cream is soft serve. They no longer offer gluten free cones.

In addition to their flagship Detroit location, they also have locations in Ann Arbor and Ferndale.

ADDRESS – 4240 Cass Ave Ste 100, Detroit, MI 48207

Custard Corner – Trenton

All frozen yogurt and custard flavors are gluten free, they have gluten free cones, and will open fresh toppings like their amazing toasted coconut for those of with worries of cross contact.”

ADDRESS – 2972 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183 (734) 499-0481

Northern Michigan Gluten Free Ice Cream Options

Milk & Honey Cafe – Traverse City

Milk & Honey Cafe and Ice Creamery was first brought to my attention while writing an article for the Pure Michigan campaign.

Unfortunately, I ran out of time while in TC and had to pass it up. But after reading a review by my friend Dallas, (those are her adorable daughters above), I had to learn more.

Milk & Honey makes their ice cream from scratch with local, organic and non-gmo ingredients.

They create flavor combinations with mix-ins, and pull fresh ice cream with a clean spade for those with Celiac Disease.

They have gluten-free cones and also have a full sandwich menu with gluten-free bread.

(**Honorable Mention – Moomers Ice Cream in Traverse City. Voted #1 Ice Cream in the country.)

Address – 240 E Front St Traverse City MI 49684 (231) 944- 1036

Dalzell Dairy – Suttons Bay

Dalzell Dairy maintains a list of the gluten free ice cream options that they offer. Staff are willing to scoop from a fresh tub if requested. They will also change scoopers and gloves upon request.

For those who follow a dairy free diet, they offer oat based black cherry, blueberry, and vanilla, along with a few other rotating flavors. Plus, they offer Dole Whip.

And they offer gluten free cake cones.

ADDRESS – 403 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Ice Cream Parlors Mentioned by Other Readers

Here I’m sharing a few specific places mentioned to me on Facebook and Instagram. Make sure to check out the comment section below, for more suggestions.

• Zac and Mac’s Chocolate Haus– St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie and Frankenmuth

Marks the gluten free status of their ice cream, and offers gluten free waffle cones. “Gluten Free waffle cones are made on the same irons as the other cones but the irons are steamed and bleached before and after use. As for ingredients, we use the Krusteaz Gluten Free Flour and Tom Sawyer Gluten Free flour. “

• Dairy Go Round – 1226 S Main St, Plymouth, MI

Has gluten free cones, vegan ice cream, and gluten free oreos

• Arctic Corner – 314 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906 (Lansing Old Town)

 Has Gluten Free Cones

So, there we have it. I’m sure there are other great places you’ve found that go the extra mile. Leave a comment below and let others know the other great gluten Michigan ice cream parlors offering gluten free options!

Map of Michigan Gluten Free Ice Cream Businesses

Gluten Free Options Outside of Michigan

Live outside of Michigan? Or planning a road trip? One of my favorite ice cream shops to visit is Jeni’s Ice Cream.

They offer many gluten free ice cream flavors, including Birthday Cake, Banana Cream Pudding and Texas Sheet Cake. You can also find their ice cream in stores.

As for smaller independent businesses, Erin Ann’s Ice Cream in Sylvania,OH and Ice Cream Social in Madison, WI are on my bucket list to visit. They are both 100% gluten free.

Spokin also has a List of 50 Celiac Friendly ice cream shops. Please keep in mind that this list is generated based on customer suggestions and comments on social media.

Store Bought Ice Cream Worth Mentioning

• Hudsonville labels their ice cream flavors that are gluten free, and they are made in Michigan.
• Jolly Llama makes gluten and dairy free ice cream sandwiches and Sundae Cones
• Coconut Bliss makes delicious dairy and gluten free ice cream
• Ben & Jerry’s now offers certified gluten free flavors among their product line.

Originally Published June 2016

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1. A dairy cow must get pregnant once a year to produce milk.

Yeah, I know, this should be obvious. I’ve been watching way too many movies and stories of sheep being born in the spring. Fun fact about about dairy cows and babies. Almost all dairy cows are artificially inseminated.

2. Fraternal twin cows do not produce milk.

If a cow has twins, and one is female and the other male, the female cow will never produce milk. Therefore, the farmer sells her. I learned this at Paulen Farms in Howard City. This family dairy farm has been around in one way or another for over 100 years. The day we visited him, we were lucky enough to see twin calves that were born the night before.

3. Cows are pretty shy animals and don’t have top teeth.

When I first talked to Andy, I asked him if I could pet the cows and if they would try to bite me. He explained cows are pretty shy creatures. They become nervous around large crowds and generally don’t come near enough to let you pet them. Another interesting fact? They have no upper teeth!

4. Cows only sleep 3-4 hours a day

As a person who easily needs 6-7 hours of sleep, this astounded me. I admit that life seems pretty easy for a cow on a dairy farm. It pretty much involves eating, relaxing, and producing milk.

5. Cows need to keep cool to make milk.

Above 72 degrees, cows will stop eating and therefore stop producing milk. I actually learned this at the Pyle Farm. We were all amazed at how cool it was inside the barn, even on a hot summer day. 

6. Michigan dairy farmers are part of one large co-op.

This is because they believe in working together as an industry instead of being in competition with each other all the time. In this dog eat dog world, I’m amazed that each  Michigan dairy farm chooses to work together as an industry. I don’t think I know of ANY other industry that does this. Michigan even has a United Dairy Industry. You can follow them on social media at @milkmeansmore to learn all sorts of facts, recipes, and learn about events.

7. Michigan ranks 6th in the entire nation for milk production

An average Michigan dairy farm cow produces over 2,000 gallons of milk a year. We’re not just huge in milk production. We’re #1 in the nation in the production of lowfat ice cream mix. Since August 19th is National Soft Ice Cream Day, we all have a lot to celebrate in this state!

8. Milk containers with the first two digit code of “26” indicates it is Michigan milk.

We often see notifications on Facebook, Twitter, and other places about making sure to check your produce for codes that specify it is organic. Who knew that dairy uses a similar coding system!

9. A dairy farm can be a dangerous place to work.

I’ve known that Andy has worked long hours at his dairy farm for a long time. Because farm work is never “done,” he often misses family functions. There are many times that farmers pay a much larger sacrifice than of just their time and talents. Andy told me of a local farmer that died within the past few years because he was killed by a bull.

10. Farmers are 3.5 more likely to commit suicide

A 2024 PBS article talks about the high stress and suicide levels in farming. A 2023 article from DairyHerd.Com states that ““Forty-five percent of farmers’ and ranchers’ suicides in the last 15 years were committed by people aged 65 and older.” I say these things not to cause uproar over safety in the farming industry. I say these things because, with the growth of supermarkets, we lose the connection to the people who produce the food we eat.

We disconnect from the needs and concerns of those who make it possible for us to take in nourishment every day. It makes it easy for us to lose our sense of gratitude for what they do for us.

So the next time you drink a glass of milk, eat some ice cream, or sprinkle cheese on your pizza or salad, remember that there is someone working, literally, all the time to make it possible. Someone who cares for the animals and for our communities. Someone who deserves our gratitude and respect.

Do you have any farming experience? What do you wish society knew about farm work? Leave me a comment below!

The post 10 Udderly Fascinating Dairy Farm Facts appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

History of Hudsonville Creamery

I’ll have to admit that prior to this trip, I didn’t know much about Hudsonville ice cream. I knew they were a Michigan company and I know that just over a year ago they took great strides to label their gluten free products. (25 flavors to be exact!) After touring their facility and learning more about Hudsonville, I’ve become a faithful supporter for years.

Hudsonville Creamery began (as a co-op) in 1895. They started making their first ice cream in 1926. This means Husdonville has been around in some capacity for over 100 years! During that time, Hudsonville headquarters moved to Holland, Michigan. Although the address has changed, the commitment to excellent ice cream has not.

Supporting Local Farmers

Hudsonville prides itself on supporting local farmers. I learned that all of their dairy comes from farms within 60 miles of their plant. The plant receives milk to the facility that was milked from the cow within the past 12 hours!

They took us over to Pyle Farm, located in Zeeland, to meet the dairy farmers that they work with. It was such a blessing, as I think far too often we take where our food comes from for granted. It reminds me the hard work that these people do every day to make sure that the food the comes to our table is great in quality and superior in safety.

Hudsonville Keeps Gluten Free Consumers In Mind

Not only did they tell us about their processes, they took us through the entire plant, allowing us to ask questions. As a person with Celiac Disease, I asked about the steps that they take to prevent cross-contact, especially as they have flavors that do contain gluten.

Hudsonville maintains a very detailed allergen matrix. This matrix stipulates the order of flavors made. For example, they manufacture vanilla ice cream first. Other flavors that contain baked good mix-ins are produced later in the day. If there is any concern about safety, they will shut down the complete system and flush it. This is no small order, as it takes hours.

Not only do they take allergen safety steps in their facility, but they also offer training for scoop shops to educate them on allergens. While food allergy training primarily occurs through their website, Hudsonville also willingly sends staff to scoop shops to give in-person education. Many of the scoop shops on my Michigan Ice Cream list serve Hudsonville.

Hudsonville Gives Back

They are also incredibly generous. I moved me to learn Hudsonville often donates ice cream tubs to local homelss shelters. They even keep a freezer in the back of the plant, by the loading bay, to give ice cream to the drivers to take home to their families. Gotta love that!

What’s your favorite flavor of Hudsonville Ice Cream? Let me know in the comments! 

I participated in this excursion freely, received free product coupons, and was provided a free lunch. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

First published in 2015

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