In this Gluten Free Vancouver Guide, I've put together a list of my favorite gluten-free places to eat in greater Vancouver.
As a holistic nutritionist and someone who is gluten intolerant, I'm thrilled to recommend Vancouver's greatest gluten free healthy places to eat :)
Make sure to bookmark this blog post for future use, whether you live in Vancouver or are considering a visit.
Have you ever noticed a connection between certain foods and how you feel? For me gluten is one of the top 3 foods I'd say make me feel different (in a not-so-good way).
I'd say I'm about 95% gluten-free. No celiac disease for me, just gluten intolerance with all its possible side effects like eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
Also, it's kind of wild how something as common as gluten can really mess with your mood. I used to ignore it, but I started noticing a pattern: whenever I had gluten, I'd be hit with extreme fatigue and even some depressive thoughts, despite not dealing with depression.
Now, that remaining 5% gluten: I still treat myself to some sourdough bread every now and then, maybe once a month or so. It's all about finding that balance and knowing your body's tolerance to gluten.
Sourdough is a bit gentler on the digestive system compared to regular wheat, thanks to its fermentation process. It's been a game-changer for me, especially since I have gluten sensitivity but don't have celiac disease.
(By the way, if you're okay with eating sourdough: you've got to check out Livia Forno e Vino on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. Their flour's straight from Europe and they make the best sourdough you'll ever taste).
Getting back to Vancouver gluten free bakeries and gluten free restaurants...
I've been on a mission to find the best gluten-free spots in Vancouver, and let me tell you, my fellow gluten-free folks: you won't miss out on a thing here. This city has everything we could ever want to eat in a gluten-free version. Pizza, donuts, cakes, lasagna, etc.
Here are some of my favorites 100% gluten-free dedicated places I've found since I embarked on this gluten-free journey:
Virtue Natural Bakery
Virtue Natural Bakery is an amazing gluten-free healthy place as it has an entirely gluten-free menu, with a range of vegan options and a focus on dairy-free, low-sugar goodies as well.
What makes them stand out is that they're all about using wholesome and healthy ingredients like fibre-packed buckwheat, organic brown rice and sorghum flour for their gluten free specialties.
Also, they don't use any inflammatory oils such as canola and sunflower in their recipes. Plus, they skip xanthan gum, a common additive notorious for causing digestive discomfort. Instead, they opt for chia and flaxseeds, which not only aid in binding but also promote gut health benefits.
And the coffee! – they have the option of grass-fed goat's milk! I could not believe it. There's so many benefits of goat's milk consumption! goat's milk is easier to digest than cow's milk and, it's less allergenic so causes less inflammation.
For those who have dairy intolerance it can be a good alternative. In case you want to go with a dairy-free alternative, they have coconut, house almond, and house pepita to go with your coffee.
(Truly impressed with this place I must say!)
Finally, behind the scenes stands Lisa Vertue, the heart and soul of Virtue Natural Bakery. She is Certified Natural Chef with a lifelong passion for baking and her hands-on approach ensures that every bite from Virtue Natural Bakery is infused with care and expertise, making each food or drink a truly wholesome experience.
Location: 2245 W Broadway #102, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4
Website: https://www.virtuenaturalbakery.ca/
Instagram: @virtuenaturalbakery
Delish Gluten Free Bakery
This place is definitely one of my favourite spots for gluten-free treats! With three locations offering different atmospheres, you have plenty of options to choose from. Two places are in Port Coquitlam, while the third is in Pitt Meadows.
The first stop is the lovely Café Delish, a cozy coffee shop that's entirely gluten-free. It's the perfect spot to relax with a latte and enjoy a gluten-free cinnamon roll. And don't forget about the bakery in PoCo, where you can order larger orders for pickup like wedding cakes and other special treats.
If you head to Pitt Meadows, you'll find a slightly bigger café that's great for families with young kids aged 1 to 3. They have even more savoury and sweet gluten-free options compared to Café Delish. But don't worry, all locations have delicious gluten-free treats for you to savour.
Personally, I can't resist their irresistible cinnamon rolls – they're absolutely delicious!
Locations:
Delish Gluten Free Bakery - 1730 Coast Meridian Rd #203, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6R8
Cafe Delish - 2180 Kelly Ave Unit #4110, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 3B1
Delish Pitt Meadows - 12528 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2J4
Website: https://delishglutenfree.com/
instagram: @caffedelish
Gluten Free Epicurean
This is a cozy spot for those craving tasty gluten-free treats in Vancouver. This place offers a yummy selection of gluten free cakes, cookies, cupcakes, smoothies, pizza, and sandwiches. What's special about them is they have options to suit different diets like dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, grain-free, paleo, and vegan.
It's the perfect spot to treat yourself to some gluten-free goodies, and maybe after head to the coffee shop next to the bakery (Matchstick cafe) to get some work done like I did.
Epicurean is a true gem in Vancouver's gluten-free food scene.
Location: 633 E 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 2R4
Website: www.glutenfreeepicurean.ca
Instagram: @glutenfreeepicurean
Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery
I discovered Lemonade unexpectedly while walking along Cambie village. Guess if this girl was happy?
It's a gluten-free bakery in Vancouver that specializes in gluten bread and other goodies, nestled in a cozy little spot. Although it may not be the best place for a work meetup because of its small size, it's filled with charm and tasty gluten-free treats.
What caught my attention the most were the various types of bread (including baguettes!), croissants, and the beautifully decorated gluten free desserts like their mini cheesecakes and cupcakes.
The owner, Tracy Kadonoff, got the idea for Lemonade because she's gluten intolerant herself, as mentioned on their website. After working with gluten flours for many years, she developed a sensitivity to gluten.
I was browsing their website and found it interesting why they chose the name. Now it makes sense, but at the time, I hadn't even considered it. When life throws you lemons... make lemonade! Love it.
Location: 3385 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W6
Website: https://lemonadeglutenfreebakery.ca/
Instagram: @lemonadeglutenfreebakery
Mountain Top Wheat & Gluten Free Bakery
This bakery is a hidden gem in North Vancouver, but more suited for pick-up orders. I never noticed it until I stumbled upon it on Google Maps. It's a bit tucked away, which adds to its charm. It's a 100% dedicated gluten free bakery.
If you're into cozy afternoon coffee sessions with sugar cookies, shortbread, or a slice of apple pie, this place is a must-visit.
I had a chat with the owner, and he was incredibly friendly. He mentioned that the bakery has been around for over 20 years, and he's been a pastry chef for over 50 years. You can also find their products at the Whole Foods Market a few blocks away.
Location: 1124 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H6
Website: -
Instagram: -
Eternal Abundance
If you're searching for a gluten-free and vegan spot in Vancouver, Eternal Abundance is the place to go. When I worked in the Commercial Drive area, this was my favorite spot for grabbing a bite after work.
Alex's Salad is hands down my favorite. And their pecan brownie it's just too good to resist. Oh, and their hot chocolate chaga is absolutely divine. What I really appreciate about their menu is how they're not just delicious and gluten free, but gut friendly as well. Plus, they sell amazing herbal teas there too.
Location: 1025 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X1
Website: https://eternalabundance.ca/
Instagram: @eternalabundance
Honorable Mentions
Wendels Cafe
Whenever I visit the cute little spot of Fort Langley, I always make a stop here. While they're not completely gluten-free, they offer plenty of gluten-free options and can even make their sandwiches with gluten-free bread. Their Nanaimo bar is to die for, and their brownies are simply delicious.
Wendels Bookstore & Cafe is a great place to go if you also want to purchase new books for your collection.
Location: 9233 Glover Rd #103, Fort Langley, BC V1M 2S5
Website: https://wendelsonline.com/
Instagram: @wendelsbc
Festal
If you ever find yourself heading to Whistler, make sure to swing by Squamish for a visit to Festal Paleo Cafe – it's definitely worth the stop. I'm mentioning this place here because they used to operate in Vancouver until last year, and fun fact: I actually worked there years ago while studying holistic nutrition.
Their menu has tons of gluten-free options, and they have meals ranging from paleo and ketogenic to vegan. Trust me, you've got to try their gluten free desserts, they're absolute must-haves!
Location: 38334, Buckley Ave Suite B1, Squamish, BC
Website: www.festalcafe.com
Instagram: @festal.cafe
Lastly...
Have you ever asked yourself ' where can I find gluten free near me ' ? If you're in Vancouver and feeling a bit lost about where to find gluten free restaurants or gut friendly options nearby, let me introduce you to my go-to: the Find Me Gluten Free app. I rely on it whenever I'm looking to discover what's around and explore new places.
Hope this blog post was helpful!
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And if you're looking for personalized support and guidance on your gluten-free journey, my 1:1 program might be just what you need. Let's connect and make your gluten-free experience even more enjoyable and healthier!
Xo
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