In honor of Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on innovative female entrepreneurs who are revolutionizing the gluten-free food industry. These visionary women have created exceptional products that not only cater to those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities but are delicious enough for everyone to enjoy. From sumptuous breads to decadent gluten-free desserts, these brands are proving that dietary restrictions never need to compromise flavor or quality.
1. Bread Srsly: Reinventing Sourdough for All
When Sadie Scheffer moved to San Francisco in 2009, she was determined to win over a crush who couldn't eat gluten. Her solution? Perfect a gluten-free sourdough bread recipe that would rival traditional versions. While the romance didn't last, her passion for creating exceptional gluten-free bread certainly did.
Bread Srsly was officially born in 2011, beginning as a bicycle delivery service for Sadie's handcrafted gluten-free sourdough. The company has since grown into a beloved brand known for its commitment to creating gluten-free bread that doesn't compromise on texture or flavor.
What makes Bread Srsly unique is their dedication to traditional sourdough fermentation methods. Each loaf undergoes a lengthy fermentation process, resulting in bread that's not only delicious but also more digestible. Their products are free from common allergens, including gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and potatoes, making them accessible to those with multiple food sensitivities.
Today, Bread Srsly offers a variety of gluten-free sourdough options, from classic sandwich loaves to dinner rolls and stuffing mix. Their commitment to quality ingredients and artisanal processes has earned them a devoted following among the gluten-free community and beyond.
2. BTR Nation: Born from Personal Adversity
BTR Nation, which stands for "Be BOLD, TENACIOUS & RESILIENT," was founded by Ashley Nichelsen as a direct response to a deeply personal experience. The inspiration came at an unlikely momentâstanding in front of a hospital vending machine while serving as the primary caretaker for her parents, who were both diagnosed with rare forms of cancer.
For over three years, Ashley found herself relying on hospital vending machines and cafeteria food while accompanying her parents to chemotherapy, radiation, and doctor appointments. She quickly became frustrated with the so-called "better-for-you" options that were high in sugar and filled with unpronounceable ingredients. With her background in food studies and biochemistry, Ashley began creating her own protein-packed, gluten-free bites enhanced with plant-based, superfood ingredients like maca, almonds, and cordyceps.
What sets BTR Nation apart is their commitment to creating snacks that are not just "better-for-you" but "ACTUALLY good-for-you." Their products are designed to nourish the mind, body, and taste buds with clean, transparent ingredients that are low in sugar and easy to digest. Each snack serves a purpose beyond simple satisfactionâit's part of Ashley's mission to help fix a broken food system.
After her parents passed away, Ashley made it her mission to share these nourishing, gluten-free snacks with the world, passing on their legacy and embodying their personal mantra to "Be BOLD, TENACIOUS & RESILIENT." Today, BTR Nation is reaching tens of thousands nationwide, with a vision of becoming a household name while making a meaningful impact on public health through better nutrition.
3. Seven Sundays: Revolutionizing Breakfast
Hannah and Brady Barnstable founded Seven Sundays after being inspired by a New Zealand honeymoon where they experienced the joy of real, minimally processed breakfast foods. Returning home, Hannah set out to create a breakfast option that maintained that same commitment to whole, nutritious ingredients.
Seven Sundays specializes in gluten-free muesli and grain-free cereal products that transform the morning meal into something special. What began as a farmers market stand has grown into a nationally recognized brand with a passionate following.
The company's dedication to sourcing goes beyond simply being gluten-free. Seven Sundays works directly with farmers practicing regenerative agriculture, focusing on sustainability at every level of production. Their products feature ingredients like sunflower seeds, nuts, dried fruits, and ancient grains, all minimally processed and free from artificial additives.
Hannah's vision for Seven Sundays extends beyond creating exceptional gluten-free breakfast options. The company is committed to transforming the food system by supporting sustainable farming practices and making nutrient-dense, clean-ingredient foods more accessible to all.
4. Supernatural: Elevating Gluten-Free Baking
Supernatural founder Carmel Hagen has transformed the world of gluten-free desserts with her innovative approach to natural food coloring and baking ingredients. What began as a quest to create vibrant, naturally colored sprinkles has evolved into a comprehensive line of clean, gluten-free baking products.
Supernatural's mission is to "take artificial out of the occasion," offering products that bring joy and celebration without synthetic ingredients. Their line includes naturally colored sprinkles, food coloring, and baking mixesâall gluten-free and made with plant-based ingredients.
What distinguishes Supernatural is their approach to innovation. Rather than simply creating gluten-free alternatives to conventional products, Carmel has reimagined what these products can be from the ground up. The result is a line of baking ingredients that are not only safe for those with gluten sensitivities but are actually superior to conventional options in terms of flavor and ingredient quality.
For those looking to create stunning gluten-free desserts without artificial ingredients, Supernatural offers the tools to make baking both beautiful and aligned with dietary needs.
5. Bake Me Healthy: Sustainable, Inclusive Baking for Everyone
Bake Me Healthy is a groundbreaking Top 9 Allergen-Free, upcycled baking brand founded by Kimberle Lau. As a woman and Asian-owned business, Bake Me Healthy was born out of Kimberle's personal health journey when she developed lactose and egg intolerances during pregnancy and had to eliminate soy due to a high risk of breast cancer.
Launched in 2023, Bake Me Healthy stands out in the gluten-free market for its dual mission of making baking inclusive while addressing environmental concerns. Their product line features easy-to-make, plant-based baking mixes that are not only gluten-free but also vegan and free of the top 9 allergens, making them accessible to the 85 million Americans and beyond who live with food intolerances.
What truly sets Bake Me Healthy apart is their innovative use of upcycled ingredients. The brand incorporates "ugly" bananas and flour made from the byproduct of sunflower oil production into their mixes, fighting food waste while simultaneously combating climate change. This commitment to sustainability adds another meaningful dimension to supporting this women-owned business.
Their recent product launch showcases their commitment to both taste and nutritionâDark Chocolate Chip Soft-Baked Cookies that contain 0g of added sugar while delivering 8g of plant protein and 4g of fiber. Conveniently packaged in snack packs of 4 cookies, these gluten-free treats are designed for everyday enjoyment without compromise.
Through Bake Me Healthy, Kimberle has created a brand that embodies the intersection of personal wellness, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility, proving that gluten-free treats can be delicious, nutritious, and planet-friendly all at once.
Celebrating Women's Innovation in Gluten-Free Foods
As we celebrate Women's History Month, these five brands remind us of the innovation and determination that women entrepreneurs bring to the food industry. Each founder identified a gap in the marketâoften inspired by personal health challengesâand created solutions that have improved the lives of countless individuals with dietary restrictions.
From Sadie's fermented sourdough to Kimberle's upcycled baking mixes, these women have elevated gluten-free food beyond mere substitutes to products that stand on their own merits. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity sets a standard for the industry as a whole.
By supporting these women-owned businesses, consumers not only access exceptional gluten-free products but also champion female entrepreneurship and innovation. In the world of specialty foods, these women are not just keeping paceâthey're leading the way forward.