Christina, this article is so great!! After being at the FAACT Allergy Summit and learning about how dairy can also cause inhalant anaphylaxis this just blows my mind because what do you think happens when you steam the whole milk in the matcha and coffee. Thank you for drawing attention to this. I think businesses are using the uptick in allergies and celiac to make false claims that could really affect someone's health and they have no idea...
Thank you so much for reading and responding! That is a great point about the dairy milk. This is why it's so important that food allergy customers ask questions before ordering anywhere. It does seem like some businesses are just hopping onto this as a trend and not putting the consideration into what people with food allergies and celiac actually need to be safe.
I don’t think they’re making false claims intentionally, but to not research and educate yourself on some of these basics before opening says a lot about the motivations you have with your business. Ie, are you here to serve the allergen community or just make a few bucks off of it?
Not saying they can’t learn and improve (and I truly hope they do!), but this isn’t the type of thing you can roll out with a minimum viable product like a phone app (and least not with regards to ingredients and allergens).
100% agreed! From my interview with the co-founder, it does sound like they are willing to learn and make changes, but this should all have been thought of from the start (especially when food allergies can be life-threatening).
A few weeks ago, I went to lunch with a couple of good friends of mine who have food allergies and sensitivities. Each of them asked the waitress about suitable substitutions and possible cross-contaminations. The waitress was on point, able to answer almost every question competently, and whatever she didn't know, she made it a point to go back into the kitchen and find out. We had a delicious (and boring) meal as a result.
Keep in mind, this was at a Jewish deli on the outskirts of Philly -- and yet, this waitress went above and beyond to ensure my friends were able to enjoy their meals safely. I could tell it really meant a lot to them, especially since it could literally affect their health (and their lives).
if a business is being marketed as a haven for patrons with food allergies and sensitivities, they should be super transparent about their ingredients and methods from the start. Of course, many people (like my friends) will still do their due diligence for insurance, especially to find the truth beyond the glossy influencer sheen when such places blow up and become viral.
Thank you for sharing your experience! When a staff member takes the time to listen to a food allergy customer's needs, it really goes a long way toward making these diners feel more comfortable and safe. I'm so glad your friends had a positive experience in such an unexpected setting! I agree that a business that's being marketed towards this specific community should be completely transparent from the start, otherwise it just seems like they're doing it as a trend and not to really benefit this group.
I personally don't have interest in giving them my money at this time (it's $9.50 for a cinnamon roll!). There are plenty of other gluten-free businesses in NYC that care about celiac and food allergy customers that I'd prefer to support.
Interesting that they are using Bob’s Redmill flour(s), their GF products are processed in the same facility (often on the same lines) as their nut products. They do have a pretty robust cleansing process but this is an often big no for some with severe nut allergies regardless.
Also, you can’t say your bakery is dairy free if you provide it for coffee. Your bakery items may be dairy free but not your establishment. An operation who wants to be trusted in this community should know that.
Thank you for commenting! That is a great point about Bob's Red Mill. And exactly - I was pretty surprised to learn about regular milk being served with coffee drinks when they claim to be an allergen-free establishment.
GREAT article; yes I did see the buzz out there about this bakery before it opened.
After reading all the comments on social media and here I don’t think I will be visiting this bakery (I’m disappointed).
The dairy for coffee/matcha being in the bakery blows me away (smacking my forehead).
Also; after working in a gluten-free bakery that used Bob’s GF Oats; I discovered I still had a reaction to them whereas other certified organic oats were fine (I splurge for sprouted gf oats and I feel fine).
Transparency, in this new allergy-friendly bakery, should have been front and center, from day one, and something that would set them apart and they could be proud of.
Thank you for taking the time to put this article together!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for reading and sharing! Yep, I was pretty surprised when I saw that they serve dairy milk. I’ve also heard mixed things from some other celiacs about Bob’s GF Oats as well.
You mention gluten free and coeliac in your post, I appreciate the mention on oats (GF or not) too, however, gluten in also found in rye which is not one of the 9 allergens listed. It is very important for everyone to note that coelic disease is not an allergy therefore to always be cautious with anything not clearly stated as gluten free!
Thank you for reading and for pointing that out! It's very true that barley and rye are not considered top 9 allergens, and if a business isn't well-versed in celiac disease, there's certainly a chance they may not know these ingredients contain gluten.
Thank you for always doing such thoughtful and meaningful research, and going above and beyond what the typical consumer could access by talking directly with a co-founder. With any business, I of course wish them success, but am extremely glad to hear they’re taking feedback to heart, especially in ensuring their staff is knowledgeable on ingredients!
Christina, this article is so great!! After being at the FAACT Allergy Summit and learning about how dairy can also cause inhalant anaphylaxis this just blows my mind because what do you think happens when you steam the whole milk in the matcha and coffee. Thank you for drawing attention to this. I think businesses are using the uptick in allergies and celiac to make false claims that could really affect someone's health and they have no idea...
Thank you so much for reading and responding! That is a great point about the dairy milk. This is why it's so important that food allergy customers ask questions before ordering anywhere. It does seem like some businesses are just hopping onto this as a trend and not putting the consideration into what people with food allergies and celiac actually need to be safe.
I don’t think they’re making false claims intentionally, but to not research and educate yourself on some of these basics before opening says a lot about the motivations you have with your business. Ie, are you here to serve the allergen community or just make a few bucks off of it?
Not saying they can’t learn and improve (and I truly hope they do!), but this isn’t the type of thing you can roll out with a minimum viable product like a phone app (and least not with regards to ingredients and allergens).
100% agreed! From my interview with the co-founder, it does sound like they are willing to learn and make changes, but this should all have been thought of from the start (especially when food allergies can be life-threatening).
A few weeks ago, I went to lunch with a couple of good friends of mine who have food allergies and sensitivities. Each of them asked the waitress about suitable substitutions and possible cross-contaminations. The waitress was on point, able to answer almost every question competently, and whatever she didn't know, she made it a point to go back into the kitchen and find out. We had a delicious (and boring) meal as a result.
Keep in mind, this was at a Jewish deli on the outskirts of Philly -- and yet, this waitress went above and beyond to ensure my friends were able to enjoy their meals safely. I could tell it really meant a lot to them, especially since it could literally affect their health (and their lives).
if a business is being marketed as a haven for patrons with food allergies and sensitivities, they should be super transparent about their ingredients and methods from the start. Of course, many people (like my friends) will still do their due diligence for insurance, especially to find the truth beyond the glossy influencer sheen when such places blow up and become viral.
Good stuff -- thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your experience! When a staff member takes the time to listen to a food allergy customer's needs, it really goes a long way toward making these diners feel more comfortable and safe. I'm so glad your friends had a positive experience in such an unexpected setting! I agree that a business that's being marketed towards this specific community should be completely transparent from the start, otherwise it just seems like they're doing it as a trend and not to really benefit this group.
This is the reporting we need!!!
Thank you!! Gotta keep my celiac friends safe.
Thanks for the breakdown! Do you think you’ll try it?
I personally don't have interest in giving them my money at this time (it's $9.50 for a cinnamon roll!). There are plenty of other gluten-free businesses in NYC that care about celiac and food allergy customers that I'd prefer to support.
Thank you for covering this story!
Thank you for reading! It’s so important for anyone with celiac disease or food allergies to do their research and not rely on internet hype.
Interesting that they are using Bob’s Redmill flour(s), their GF products are processed in the same facility (often on the same lines) as their nut products. They do have a pretty robust cleansing process but this is an often big no for some with severe nut allergies regardless.
Also, you can’t say your bakery is dairy free if you provide it for coffee. Your bakery items may be dairy free but not your establishment. An operation who wants to be trusted in this community should know that.
Thank you for commenting! That is a great point about Bob's Red Mill. And exactly - I was pretty surprised to learn about regular milk being served with coffee drinks when they claim to be an allergen-free establishment.
GREAT article; yes I did see the buzz out there about this bakery before it opened.
After reading all the comments on social media and here I don’t think I will be visiting this bakery (I’m disappointed).
The dairy for coffee/matcha being in the bakery blows me away (smacking my forehead).
Also; after working in a gluten-free bakery that used Bob’s GF Oats; I discovered I still had a reaction to them whereas other certified organic oats were fine (I splurge for sprouted gf oats and I feel fine).
Transparency, in this new allergy-friendly bakery, should have been front and center, from day one, and something that would set them apart and they could be proud of.
Thank you for taking the time to put this article together!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for reading and sharing! Yep, I was pretty surprised when I saw that they serve dairy milk. I’ve also heard mixed things from some other celiacs about Bob’s GF Oats as well.
You mention gluten free and coeliac in your post, I appreciate the mention on oats (GF or not) too, however, gluten in also found in rye which is not one of the 9 allergens listed. It is very important for everyone to note that coelic disease is not an allergy therefore to always be cautious with anything not clearly stated as gluten free!
Thank you for reading and for pointing that out! It's very true that barley and rye are not considered top 9 allergens, and if a business isn't well-versed in celiac disease, there's certainly a chance they may not know these ingredients contain gluten.
Thank you for always doing such thoughtful and meaningful research, and going above and beyond what the typical consumer could access by talking directly with a co-founder. With any business, I of course wish them success, but am extremely glad to hear they’re taking feedback to heart, especially in ensuring their staff is knowledgeable on ingredients!
Thank you for taking the time to read!