Ottawa Part 3: Peanut-Free Bakeries, Sweet Treats, and Cool Eats
One of the biggest challenges to dining out with a peanut allergy is dessert and baked goods. As many allergy families, we have become good at baking and finding safe store-bought treats. That being said, there is a sense of normalcy in going out for ice cream on a hot summer day or ordering that special birthday cake from a professional baker. Ottawa has lots of safe options when it comes to finding peanut-free sweet treats and cool eats. Here are some of the places we have found. For more information click on the business names to visit their websites
The Cake Shop
The Cake Shop, located on Wellington Street, this peanut-free bakery is our go-to for special occasions. They offer a wide variety of baked goods, including cakes, cookies, donuts, and cheesecakes. They even have soft-serve ice cream and ice cream cakes, making it the perfect spot for a summer treat.
The Merry Dairy
We used to track and follow this peanut-free ice cream truck around Ottawa to get their delicious frozen treats, so we were beyond excited when they added a brick-and-mortar location a few years back. Selections in soft-serve or scoops, waffle cones, ice cream cakes, take-home pints, cookie sandwiches, floats, and milkshakes are all on offer. Although we have our favorites, the rotating flavours also add to the excitement of our visits. Be prepared to wait in line on hot summer days!
Anabia Cupcakery Cafe
As the name suggests, Anabia’s is a good choice if you are looking for delicious, peanut-free cupcakes, however, that is not all they have on offer. Located in Barrhaven, Anabia’s is a popular local cafe featuring a wide variety of hot and cold beverages (including beer and wine), baked goods, and food. Selections include Portuguese tarts, muffins, scones, and cookies. If you are looking for something with a little more sustenance, they also offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options such as soups, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards. Customers are greeted with a sign on the door announcing that they are a peanut-free facility and no outside food is allowed. It is important to note, however, that they do use nuts in their products, so are not suitable for anyone with a tree nut allergy.
Tiny Tom Donuts
Anyone with a peanut allergy who has ever visited Canada’s Wonderland knows the joy of these hot, fresh treats. For us four hours away, it is not a “go-to” snack as I like to say. That was until we found out that there are several traveling carts that frequent many festivals. We have seen them in Ottawa at BuskerFest and most of the Poutine festivals just to name a couple. The carts offer the same made-to-order peanut-free mini donuts found at their permanent locations.
Kernels
A popcorn place located in many major malls offers a salty or sweet snack option. With several flavours and combinations to choose from and all peanut-free, it also serves as a good place to stop on occasion before a family movie night. If you do not live close to a location, they also sell all of their products online for home delivery. *Note: for obvious reasons, the peanut/nut-free statement does not apply to the locations shared with Baskin-Robbins.
Laura Secord
Another mall staple this iconic Canadian Chocolate company has really stepped up its peanut-free game over the last few years. I remember the excitement the first time we were able to buy Gabrielle an assorted box of chocolate and hearing her exclaim, “ I always wanted to eat chocolates from a box with a map”. The quickly growing peanut-free line offers a variety of full and mini-size bars, fondu kits, chocolate chips, and lots more. With revolving seasonal products such as Valentine’s and Easter treats, as well as advent calendars it is much easier to find good chocolate in a variety of flavours for any occasion. These products are also available for order online if you are not close to a location. This is also helpful if you want to send a nice gift to someone!
A word of caution; The ice cream and unpacked chocolates in the display case are not peanut-free or free from cross-contamination.
Wendy’s
Although it is already listed in the fast-food section of this page, I wanted to include it here as it is a good option for a cold summer treat since both the chocolate and vanilla Frosties are safe for peanut allergies.
The Piggy Market
This Westboro delicatessen and craft butcher is completely peanut-free. Their website attributes this to the fact that one of the owners has an allergy. While their bakery section may not be their main focus, they offer a variety of freshly baked goods. Selections include bread, pastries, pies, and fantastic donuts on Saturdays. They also have a great selection of cheeses, charcuteries, sausages, and pre-prepared meals. Don’t miss out on their store-made sausage rolls and Jamaican patties!
Strawberry Blonde Bakery
Another popular Ottawa establishment, with two locations. Their extensive menu featuring is vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and kosher. A large variety of sweet and savory items are available in-store, online, and in a variety of local grocery stores.
If you have any questions about the information in this post please contact me.
Feel free to add any peanut-free or peanut-friendly restaurants in Ottawa offering sweet treats and cool eats that I have missed in the comments section below.