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Gluten Free Food Just Got Good
“Gritty”, “flavorless” and “disappointing” are three words used by those on Gluten Free Diets when asked what causes them to stray. However, change is afoot...[more]
“Gritty”, “flavorless” and “disappointing” are three words used by those on Gluten Free Diets when asked what causes them to stray. However, change is afoot thanks to the creative baking talents of Lara Weihs, owner of Granny Lala’s Gluten Free Wholesale Bakery. In the past, people with dietary restrictions due to wheat allergies and other disorders were faced with great difficulty when attempting to meet the needs of their diets. Eating products that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, can cause a range of health issues for those with a wheat allergy or other condition such as Celiac Disease. Lara is one of these individuals. Her refusal to accept a tasteless future led her on a path to discovering ways to avoid foods that affected her allergies while maintaining great taste. In May of 2009 Granny Lala’s officially opened for business. Working from her commercial kitchen space in Tacoma, Lara perfected the art of baking gluten free goodies. The facility is a dedicated gluten free kitchen to avoid cross contamination. When Lara felt her brownies, muffins and cakes were of the highest quality and flavor, she hit the road in search of restaurants, coffee houses and tea rooms willing to accommodate the needs of their customers who have dietary restrictions. Lara has been met with some initial apprehension from buyers given gluten free’s tasteless reputation. Once buyers taste a brownie or muffin they are pleasantly surprised and enthusiastic about carrying the Granny Lala’s gluten free line.
Granny Lala’s products can now be purchased at Mud Bay Coffee Company in Olympia and in Tacoma at McGregor’s Natural & Organic Foods. Restaurants such as Woody’s on The Water and the Tacoma Garlic Jim’s Gourmet Pizza also carry Granny Lala’s products. Garlic Jim’s features gluten free brownie pizza.
The wholesale aspect of the business provides Lara the opportunity to have her products readily available throughout the King, Pierce and Thurston county areas. Partnering with others in the grocery and restaurant industries creates a wide reach that cannot be met with a single retail location. Granny Lala’s mission is to offer tasty treats for those with dietary restrictions. As Lara plans forward for the future of Granny Lala’s she envisions a time when those with dietary restrictions will have easy access to baked goods they can enjoy. She cautions that gluten free does not equal fat or calorie free. Brownies, cakes and muffins from Granny Lala’s should be eaten in moderation. “They are a special treat, just like their traditional recipe counterparts.” Lara insists When asked what is in items such as her moist and delicious carrot cake, Lara replies simply, “Nothing but goodness.” Her warmth certainly reveals itself in her baked goods. Lara is a real granny to her two-year old granddaughter, Brooklynn who also doubles as her official taster. Lara is a Washington native hailing from Sequim and currently residing in Spanaway. Her husband and children also serve on the board of taste testers. More information, history and ingredient information can be found at www.grannylala.com. Lara can be reached directly by phone or email at (253) 961-4928 or grannylala@grannylala.com. Resources and more information on gluten free foods can be found at www.gluten.net Granny Lala’s Gluten Free Wholesale Bakery products can also be found at the following area retailers:
Mud Bay Coffee Company 1600 Cooper Point Road SW Suite 630 Olympia WA 98502 360-754-6222
McGregor’s Natural & Organic Foods 8431 Pacific Avenue Tacoma WA 98444 253-267-5497
Tacoma Garlic Jim’s Gourmet Pizza 3602 6th Ave Suite 103 Tacoma WA 98406 Tel: 253-286-JIMS (5467)
Woody’s on The Water 1715 Dock Street Tacoma WA 98402 (253) 272-1433
G.F. Joe’s Foods 5739 Littlerock Rd SW Ste 103 Tumwater WA 98512 (360) 628-8010
Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters 516 Capitol Way S. Olympia WA 98501 (360) 786-6717
Olympia Food Co-Op 3111 Pacific Avenue E. Olympia WA 98501 (360) 956-1086
Yelm Food Co-Op 404 1st Street South Yelm WA 98597 (360) 400-2210
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