Jackson Bakery makes coconut macaroon cookies that are gluten-free.Three months ago, Gigi’s Cupcakes instituted “Gluten-Free Fridays.”
Each Friday, says Michaela Mahlo at the Gunbarrel Road Gigi’s, customers are assured of finding at least three — and possibly as many as five — cupcake choices that contain no gluten.
And since these treats come in Gigi’s signature flavors of Wedding Cake, Birthday Surprise, Midnight Magic, White Midnight Magic or Strawberry Shortcake, customers coping with special diets don’t feel deprived, he says.
Bakery owners across Chattanooga say they are receiving more requests for gluten-free products, which exclude foods containing a protein complex found in wheat, barley and rye. The gluten-free diet is a medically prescribed treatment for celiac disease or patients with allergies; but in recent months, it has taken on almost a fad status followed by folks not dealing with either, just wanting to lose pounds.
Jennifer Downey of Jackson’s Bakery in Brainerd Village says her business has added coconut macaroon cookies on a daily basis as its first step into the gluten-free market.