If you’re a mom of a kid with food allergies, then you know a carefree outing to get a bite to eat can be an anxiety-inducing experience involving painstaking research before even heading out the door. Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork for you and found a bunch of safe and allergy-friendly options in New Jersey, ranging from mouthwatering gelato to customizable cookies. Scroll on for 10 bakeries, ice cream shops, and restaurants that are delicious and accommodating to kids with allergies.
Featured photo credit: @littledaisybakeshop
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10 Allergy-Friendly Spots For Sweets, Treats, and More
The Little Daisy Bake Shop
This nut-free bakery (they even use peanut-free sprinkles) makes everything from scratch and creates sweet treats ranging from cupcakes and cookies to banana bread and snack bars. Care packages can even be shipped via UPS to your out-of-state college student who is longing for homemade goodies.
622 Valley Road
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 707-2157
Haddonfield Donut & Bakery
With 100% nut-free ingredients, you can get creative with your treats (something kids with allergies don’t usually get the license to do). Indulge in a donut, crepe, milkshake, or waffle by mixing and matching toppings and fillings, or choose a tasty treat from the extensive menu. All bakery items are made to order and served warm, and the nut-free cafe provides a children’s play area.
109 East Kings Hwy.
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
(856) 429-3703
Sweet Ali Custom Confections
What’s sweeter than seeing your little one’s face on a personalized cookie? Pick your photo, logo, or customized design on a cookie or confection, and then upload and order online at this completely nut-free facility. And if wheat is the issue, Sweet Ali also offers several gluten-free options. The treats are popular for graduations, birthdays, and other special occasions and can be shipped anywhere.
1181 Sussex Turnpike, Bldg B
Randolph, NJ 07869
(862) 254-2400
Mo’Pweeze Bakery
Able to accommodate nearly every dietary restriction, this bakery’s products are vegan, Kosher, and free of the top 10 allergens (dairy, egg, gluten/wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, sesame, fish, shellfish, and mustard). Among the delectable offerings are custom cakes, cookies, donuts, cupcakes, and to-go baking mixes for fun projects at home.
32 Broadway
Denville, NJ 07834
(973) 627-2300
Guerriero Gelato
A full range of hard ice cream, gelato, and Italian ice is available, including many options that are free of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and gluten. The shop is the proud winner of a national gelato competition and has been preparing its desserts using only fresh and homemade ingredients since 2005. And good to know—you can download a PDF with specific details about allergens in each flavor from their website before you go.
Caldwell, NJ 07006
(973) 403-9968
571 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 509-1607
The WooHoo
You’re likely to shout “woo-hoo” when you see this huge assortment of mouthwatering ice cream flavors like cinnamon sugar pop tart, inside-out s’mores, and peachy beachy pie. Part of this shop’s mission statement is to be a place for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary needs— it’s peanut- and tree-nut-free and can accommodate guests with gluten, dairy, shellfish, and other allergies.
211 South Bay Ave.
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
(609) 492-5433
Cookman Creamery
This family-owned artisanal ice cream parlor offers yummy dairy-free frozen desserts made from vegan bases and sweetened with agave and brown rice syrup. Gluten-free ice cream is on the menu, too, along with traditional dairy-based options. Customizable vegan cakes and pies can be ordered in advance and picked up at the store.
711 Cookman Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 361-5215
Mama’s Café Baci
With a focus on Italian cuisine, this accommodating restaurant provides special menus for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets. Families can purchase a $10 DIY pizza kit that includes homemade dough and pizza sauce, fresh-cut cheese, a pizza cutter, and directions. The restaurant even features an outdoor Pooch Café, where dogs can enjoy cozy mats and water bowls and order off the vegan and gluten-free pet menu.
260 Mountain Avenue
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
(908) 852-2820
Kaya’s Kitchen
Kids following vegan diets can still order their faves, like mac and cheese, burgers, quesadillas, and nuggets, all made with plant-based, organic ingredients. Several items on the menu are also gluten-free. Kaya’s has three locations, and hours vary.
1000 Main St.
Belmar, NJ 07719
(732) 280-1141
Kaya’s Cafe
619 Lake Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 361-6545
Planted Plate
15 Spring St.
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 356-0845
Chef It Up!
Yes, you can do a cooking party for kids with allergies at Chef It Up!, a completely nut-free and allergy-friendly facility with three NJ locations. Hands-on cooking classes teach kids to create gourmet masterpieces, while travel teams can bring the culinary fun safely to your own home. Call for information about classes and camps or to schedule an event.
1174 Fischer Blvd. #2
Toms River, NJ 08752
(848) 226-3484
512 Franklin Ave.
Nutley, NJ 07110
(973) 542-8542
141 US-46
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
(973) 300-8898
Which allergy-friendly spots in NJ have you been to? Let us know if we missed any!
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