Baking for the one in five: Totally Gluten Free

Wendy Smith, a traditional baker, says the only thing going for Coeliac Disease and associated gut disorders is that it unites people from across the cultural and class divide.

“I remember when Totally Gluten Free was located at our original Worcester Street premises, seeing this elderly Merivale lady chatting away to this biker looking guy with full face tattoos; they were comparing notes on the various breads – talk about surreal!”

The Totally Gluten Free Bakery, now located at 290b Colombo Street, is a bright, airy space with funky retro décor and lovely staff who’ve been with Wendy for years. Everything is made onsite.
It was in 2006 that due to rising demand, Wendy approached the Coeliac Society and pitched her idea for a bakery producing solely gluten free products. The Coeliac Society came on board and Wendy opened Totally Gluten Free that same year.

Wendy estimates one in five Cantabrians are now gluten intolerant, “because it’s present in so much more of our food nowadays – soy and pasta sauces, dressings, sausages… even ice cream”.
Totally Gluten Free makes breads, buns, biscuits, muffins, pies, savouries and sausage rolls, plus vegan loaves and biscuits.

Customers can relax and enjoy a coffee while watching the bakers work their magic in the kitchen. “Our customers are awesome! People have cried because they’re so relieved to have finally found a bakery committed to their needs. I love baking; I love people; I love my job!”

Phone 03 341 1172, visit www.glutenfreebakery.co.nz or find @GlutenFreeNZ on Facebook.