Retailers report strong demand in the baked goods category for both indulgent treats and more healthful options, including whole grain and allergy-friendly formulations. Gluten-free baked goods have been around for many years, but quality is improving, and these products appeal not only to shoppers with specific dietary concerns, but increasingly to a broad range of shoppers, said Bryan Reed, senior director of grocery, Mother’s Market & Kitchen. SFA News Daily asked Reed and two other retail buyers about their picks in the baked goods category.
Bryan Reed, Mother’s Market & Kitchen
• Abe’s Pumpkin Muffins
• Bread Srsly Gluten Free Sourdough Bread
• Mi Rancho Organic Corn Tortillas
• Pretzilla Soft Baked Pretzel Bread and Pretzel Buns
• Simply Layered Gluten Free Pumpkin Loaf
“With fall upon us, it’s officially pumpkin season, and for those looking for great-tasting baked goods, Abe’s Pumpkin Muffins offer a great option that is not only vegan, but is also allergy friendly. Abe’s Pumpkin Muffins are free of nuts, peanuts, eggs, sesame, soy and seeds, yet taste so good, they are sure to be a hit with any crowd.” — Bryan Reed, Mother’s Market & Kitchen
Noah Smith, PCC Community Markets
• Essential Sliced Fremont
• Grand Central Sourdough
• Macrina Bakery Organic Sour White
• Macrina Bakery Skagit Sour
• PCC Baguette (made by Macrina Bakery)
“We continue to see the ‘sourdough revival’ across our co-op. Whether baking it at home or choosing a loaf from one of our local bakeries, our shoppers gravitate to sourdough. For many, it’s popular because of its health benefits – like improving the bioavailability of important nutrients within the bread. And it’s that type of science that resonates here in the Pacific Northwest, home to the WSU Breadlab project, a nationally accredited program focused on developing better tasting, healthier, more affordable varieties of grains for use in baking.” — Noah Smith, PCC Community Markets
Samantha Mitchell, Harmons Grocery
• Harmons Carrot, Chocolate and Red Velvet layer cakes; Fruit Topped Cheesecake
• Harmons Dark Chocolate Cocoa Bombs and Peppermint Dark Chocolate Cocoa Bombs
• Harmons Eclairs and Cannoli, Harmons Pure Bliss Brownies
• Harmons White Chocolate Pecan and Sourdough Artisan Breads; Babka
• Lucky Spoon Bakery Chocolate Buttercream Cupcakes (gluten free) and Divvies Chocolate Chip Cookies (vegan)
Related: Buyers’ Picks: Holiday Entertaining; Buyers’ Picks: Trendy Teas.
