Ottawa’s Original Gluten Free Bakery
When Susan Phipps opened The Joy of Gluten Free on February 18th, 2012, she wasn’t just opening a bakery; she was pioneering a safe haven for the celiac and gluten-sensitive community in Ottawa. As the city’s first dedicated gluten free bakery, it has spent over a decade proving that gluten free does not mean “flavour-free.”
With recipes meticulously developed over 20 years, Susan and her team have mastered the art of texture and taste, winning numerous awards and the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
A Massive Selection Built on Science and Love
Operating out of a 1,500-square-foot commercial kitchen on Greenbank Road, The Joy of Gluten Free offers what is arguably the largest selection of gluten free baked goods in North America. Their daily rotation features over 90 different products, all made from scratch using a unique blend of 22 different gluten free flours. This diverse approach to ingredients is the secret behind their success, allowing them to mimic the exact crumb of a traditional baguette or the flaky crust of a homestyle pie without the grittiness often found in mass-produced alternatives.
More Than Just Gluten Free
While gluten is the main focus, the bakery is a powerhouse for those with multiple dietary restrictions. They are a 100% dedicated gluten free, soy-free, and peanut-free facility. Recognizing the complexity of modern food sensitivities, they also offer a vast selection of:
- Dairy-free and Lactose-free items
- Vegan and Egg-free options
- Sugar-free and Paleo-friendly snacks
From their famous “Red Velvet” cake, which uses nutrient-dense beets for its signature colour instead of artificial dyes, to their “Guilt Free Brownies” sweetened with applesauce and honey, every item is crafted with both health and indulgence in mind.
From Breakfast to Dinner
The Joy of Gluten Free is more than a dessert shop. Their lunch menu is a hidden gem in Ottawa, featuring savory favourites like pulled pork quesadillas and daily soups. If you’re looking to stock your own kitchen, their “Bake at Home” section provides pizza crusts, frozen dough, and buns that hold up to any sandwich.
Don’t leave without trying their Butter Tarts, which many customers claim are the best they’ve ever had (gluten free or otherwise), or their Nanaimo Bars, which received high praise from Ottawa Magazine. Whether you are picking up a custom-designed confetti cake for a birthday or a simple loaf of fresh bread, The Joy of Gluten Free delivers on its promise: making people’s lives easier, healthier, and much more delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Location
Yes. The bakery is a 100% dedicated peanut-free facility. While they do use other nuts like almonds and walnuts in specific recipes, they take rigorous precautions to prevent cross-contamination.
Absolutely. They specialize in custom cakes (including vegan and dairy-free options). You can even provide a photo, which they can print on edible rice paper at no extra cost to personalize your cake. Note that larger slab cakes usually require at least 5 days’ notice.
Yes! They have a wide selection of frozen items, including pizza crusts, cookie dough, and bread loaves, so you can enjoy the smell of fresh gluten-free baking in your own oven.
Their Red Velvet is a fan favourite because it is vegan and uses natural beets for colouring instead of red food dye. This results in a moist, rich texture that is as healthy as it is tasty.
Yes, they offer a rotating lunch menu that includes savory options like slow-roasted meats, quesadillas, and homemade soups, available during business hours.
Yes, they offer several items suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake, including Paleo-friendly “Almond Bliss” cookies and “Guilt-Free” brownies sweetened with natural alternatives.