Those with alternative diets avoiding allergens like gluten, dairy, or eggs, are often left with a puzzle to solve on where to eat safely. Cross-contamination and menu mishaps can leave eaters with stomach troubles or worse. Luckily, there are many great establishments and food-makers in Michigan that safely feed all local eaters! Check out our suggestions for an allergen-friendly bite:
Fresh Forage in Ann Arbor
Fresh Forage takes cross-contamination seriously, separating areas for products containing gluten and dairy, and cleaning and sanitizing work areas before creating a dish for an eater avoiding an allergen. They have a dedicated gluten-free fryer, and their staff is trained on special diets, ready to suggest substitutions for many items on the menu. Enjoy a Tobiko and Tuna Bowl or a KBBQ Bowl without worrying about gluten or dairy, or try the owner’s favorite, Sunshine Bowl, topped with carrots, cucumber, and a sunny-side egg, as well as a tomato-cashew crème. Head to their website for more options and to place your order!
DoughChicks in Kalamazoo
The Doughchicks are a mother-daughter duo who are also avid runners, cyclists, and foodies that have decided to fuel the lives of their clients with gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free ingredients! Their original MIbar contains dried fruit, nuts, gluten-free organic oats, organic dark chocolate, and Michigan honey. Don’t sleep on their pancake mix, which includes all-organic teff flour, golden flaxseeds, and chia seeds for a great start to a sporty Sunday! Find their products and more about their story on their website.
Nourish Juicery & Kitchen in Blissfield
Looking for vegan options as well as gluten-free? Make sure to head to Nourish Juicery and Kitchen in Southeast Michigan. Their entire menu of cold-pressed juices, snacks, salads, and baked goods are vegan (thus dairy- and egg-free), gluten-free, and soy-free. They’re also equipped to handle nut-free, coconut-free, and grain-free requests, as well as small catering and special order desserts! Don’t miss out on their cupcakes or their Rooted juice, which brightens earthy beets and carrots with apple and ginger. Order online with their website!
The Fresh Palate in Alpena
This Northeast restaurant goes by the motto, ‘Conscious Food for Conscious People,’ and regularly serves up allergen-friendly and locally sourced dishes. They have an array of gluten-free bread options and have options from a Veggie Burger to Fennel Risotto for those eating dairy-free, as well. They use plenty of plant-based products in tandem with local produce for everyone, especially vegans and vegetarians. Find more information or order online through their website!
Detroit Jerky in Detroit
Understanding their clientele of vegan eaters are cautious of what they choose to eat, Detroit Jerky makes a satisfying snack that is safe for everyone. Before making their delicious vegan jerky, they sanitize all surfaces, dedicated trays, and cookware, to ensure there is no cross-contamination. Try their gluten-free, non-GMO Mojito Inferno flavor, or go nut-free with their Hickory Cracked Pepper! Find more flavors and order online here!
Galley Sweet Shop in Alpena
Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and still eat gluten-free? This bakery sources gluten-free and sugar-free options, carefully and individually packaged, from Chef Kristy Koets at Bliss Bakery. Start drooling at photos on their Facebook page!
Where do you find great allergen-friendly meals? Let us know using #tastethelocaldifference on Facebook and Instagram!