Whether you’re living with celiac disease or avoid wheat for other reasons, these local treats taste so good you won’t even notice they are gluten-free.
Go Nuts for Doughnuts
Sidecar Doughnuts is a longstanding Costa Mesa favorite for fresh handmade doughnuts. Its custom flavors, such as the sweet huckleberry cake and the Cara Cara orange with a tangy citrus glaze, are scrumptious, but the revolving selection of gluten-free doughnuts is not to be missed. The shop’s Saigon cinnamon crumb with its subtle salty finish is so delicious and its texture – just like a true cake doughnut – is so crumbly that you don’t even miss the gluten. Grab them while you can, as the offerings change weekly.
*Note: For serious gluten allergies, you should avoid these scrumptious treats. Sidecar’s doughnuts are prepared and fried in the same workspace as their regular offerings.
Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee, 270 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.873.5424 :: sidecardoughnuts.com
Pudding Pleasure
When Steve and Alexis Schulze cofounded Nekter Juice Bar in 2010, promoting a healthy lifestyle was as crucial to them as taste. So the Schulzes concocted a series of cold-pressed juices and revolutionized the liquid-cleanse movement. While their juices satisfy – those seeking solids find a sweet treat with the acai banana berry bowl with gluten-free granola suitable for breakfast, lunch or dessert. Flavored with housemade vanilla cashew milk, fresh strawberries, blueberries and bananas this slushie bowl of goodness offers an added boost of energy. Nekter’s newest location, which opened at South Coast Plaza last month, is an ideal outpost for those seeking a refreshing nibble during an afternoon of binge shopping.
Nekter Juice Bar at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa :: nekterjuicebar.com
Have a Ball
A cake ball alternative, the GFB Gluten Free Bites satisfy your sweet tooth. Each bite is vegan, soy-free and made with non-GMO ingredients. The spheres are sweetened with agave nectar and organic dates. Six flavors include dark chocolate hazelnut, chocolate cherry almond and coconut cashew crunch, but the real crowd pleaser is the classic PB+J, which combines creamy peanut butter with tart dried strawberries – satisfying flavors that transport you back to childhood.
Available at various Sprouts markets and Nordstroms EBar at Fashion Island, 901 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach :: theglutenfreebar.com
