The Best Gluten-free Eats in the Fox Cities of Wisconsin
- Julia Flaherty
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
As we welcome the new year, I've decided to take a break this week from my usual reflective content to highlight some of my favorite gluten-free friendly small businesses in the Fox Cities of Wisconsin. Last year, I completed a nutritional therapy program, which revealed that I have a gluten intolerance.
Since discovering this about my body, I have embraced a gluten-free lifestyle while still enjoying several establishments that I loved before my diagnosis. I should also mention that my bloating has completely disappeared since going gluten-free, but that's a story for another article!
Whether you're a local in the Fox Cities or are just visiting, here are some places you should check out if you're interested in gluten-free options:
Happy Bellies Bakery
Happy Bellies Bakery has been a long-time favorite of mine, even before I discovered my gluten intolerance. Their blue moon donuts captivated me right away. Although I shouldn't indulge in sugary treats all the time, they are certainly a nice treat occasionally. Happy Bellies is also my go-to for my birthday cake each year, which is beautifully decorated in lavender colors with a flavor palette that matches its namesake.
Everything in the establishment is totally gluten-free! Additionally, Happy Bellies accommodates various dietary needs in some of its products, offering dairy-free, vegan, refined sugar-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free options. It is friendly to many different dietary restrictions. Just pay attention to the well-marked labels when checking out to ensure the product you're getting matches your needs! The staff is exceptionally helpful (and wonderfully friendly) when it comes to this.
Happy Bellies isn't just a lovely place to eat; it's also home to a heartwarming community.
Happy Bellies BakeryLavender and blue moon aren't the only flavors Happy Bellies isn't afraid to try. You'll also find matcha, bubble gum, apple cider, and mocha-flavored goods, too, among other unique offerings!
Rest assured, if you have no plans to visit the Fox Cities or are not local, you can still get a taste of Happy Bellies through their Donut Mail. I'm not kidding. This is the best subscription you will ever sign up for! Learn more about it here or plan your visit.
Cornflower Cafe
Cornflower Cafe is a great lunch spot in Appleton, Wisconsin. It is also a dedicated gluten-free facility. The menu features an array of breakfast options, salads, sandwiches, and soups. The rolls and buns are incredibly popular and super tasty! This cafe also tends to incorporate local ingredients and artisanal beverages. I have not had anything I didn't like at this cafe.
Additionally, Cornflower Cafe features items from Ann's Gluten-Free Bakery, so you can get a little treat with your meal, too.
Bonafide Juicery
To my knowledge, Bonafide Juicery is not a completely gluten-free establishment, but it does offer a variety of gluten-free options. Their menu is rich in superfoods and vitamins. I have particularly enjoyed the Blue Lagoon and Strawberry Shortcake smoothies, as well as their green juices and oatmeal bowls. I am consistently impressed by the freshness of their ingredients and the quality of service. After dining at Bonafide, I always feel well-nourished and balanced.
They tend to update their menu according to the season, to my knowledge, so you won't get bored of their options.
How to find gluten-free dining near you
If you want to find a gluten-free establishment or gluten-free options near you, I recommend using the "Find Me Gluten Free" app. You can use a free or paid version to find options close by, whether you're at home or traveling. I have found it to be a very useful tool in navigating this lifestyle change.
You can filter your preferences by gluten intolerance or Celiac as well to feel more at ease about where you're ordering from.
None of these establishments or apps have compensated me for writing about them; these are my genuine recommendations, shared as someone with dietary restrictions. I hope you find these suggestions helpful. If you try them, please let me know what you think! Additionally, if you are local to the area, I would love to hear about other Fox Cities establishments you would recommend. I am still relatively new to the gluten-free community and am always eager to learn!