A new bakery in Massapequa is giving Long Islanders with gluten intolerance something they may have lost long ago — peace of mind.
Jenna Vanacore, a Hicksville native diagnosed with Celiac Diseaseover 10 years ago, owns The Gluten Free Shop, which officially opened in mid-October. After years of struggling to find safe and tasty desserts, she decided to create her own.
“I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease over 10 years ago and have found it incredibly difficult to find delicious baked goods and desserts that are gluten-free and safe for Celiacs,” Vanacore said.
Vanacore started as a home baker, selling her creations at farmers’ markets and on Etsy. Over time, her passion grew into a business plan.
“Bringing tasty gluten-free treats to others who have Celiac Disease and who are gluten intolerant is something I have been incredibly passionate about for the last few years,” she said. “I decided this is what I wanted to pursue full time and luckily found the
perfect spot here in Massapequa.”
Growing up nearby in Hicksville, she said, opening in Massapequa felt like a good fit. “The community has been incredibly welcoming and kind, and we’ve met so many wonderful people over the last few months,” she said.
What makes the shop stand out, Vanacore said, is its focus on baked goods that are often hard to find gluten-free.
The bakery is now expanding into breads and bagels. “Finding a gluten-free bagel that tastes like a ‘regular bagel’ is incredibly hard to find,” Vanacore said. “But give ours a try, they are delicious!”
The Massapequa location bakes all items in-house. “We have an entirely gluten-free facility where everything is made,” she said. There are no gluten-containing products on site, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Source: LI Press
