Gluten allergies and intolerances are increasingly common in today’s food landscape. As a result, many local businesses are offering menus that more than accommodate those who are sensitive to gluten — without sacrificing taste. Sweet treats, in particular, are becoming gluten-free in more and more cafes and restaurants, including many in Hudson County. Check out our list of where to get gluten-free baked goods and desserts in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Disclaimer: Some of these spots may have cross-contamination. Ask each owner to confirm cross-contamination if you have a true gluten-intolerance or celiac. This article is for informational purposes only.
Hoboken
Alfalfa | 1110 Washington Street, Hoboken & 160 1st Street, Jersey City
This local business recently went fully gluten-free with its doughnuts. In addition, build-your-own salads and bowls can be made gluten-free if needed, making an entirely gluten-free meal from entree to dessert possible. And everything is just so cute and Instagram-worthy, which can only be an added bonus.
Annie + Em’s Bake Shop | 155 Third Street
Founded by two Hoboken-based sisters who grew up in New Jersey, Annie + Em’s offers freshly baked gluten-free goods and treats. The brick-and-mortar space opened in 2020 after 2 years of surfing farmers’ markets in Northern New Jersey. A selection of vegan and dairy-free items is also available.
Baking Mama | 88 Hudson Street
Custom treats are the name of the game at Baking Mama, where the selection is seemingly endless. French macarons, cupcakes, custom cakes, and more are available and can be made gluten-free by request.
Read More: Where to Get Gluten-Free Sandwiches in Hoboken + Jersey City
Black Rail Coffee | 800 Jackson Street
This quaint coffee shop offers Baking Mama’s gluten-free cookies, other desserts, and bread for its sandwiches. Bagels, novelty sugar cookies, and pecan bars are among the offerings at Black Rail, perfectly paired with a hot cup of coffee.
Bluestone Lane | 409 Washington Street
Instagram-worthy and delicious, this breakfast and lunch spot has a ton of gluten-free baked goods and bread for toasts on hand. The easy-to-navigate menu alerts allergens right beside the title. Collective granola and banana bread are some of the options available at this cute spot.
Carlo’s Bakery | 95 Washington Street
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Of course, Hoboken’s most famous bakery has some offerings for gluten-free dessert lovers. With outposts across the country and continent, Carlo’s Bakery has grown to cater to every kind of dessert lover and won over hearts across the globe with its sweet treats and family history.
Old German Bakery | 332 Washington Street
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The lightweight, delicious chocolate cake is a customer favorite — and not just because it’s gluten-free. While the entire menu isn’t necessarily gluten-free, select items are, and they’re all definitely worth salivating over.
Jersey City
Busy Bee Organics | 451 Palisade Avenue
If you’re into doughnuts, Busy Bee Organics has you covered. The doughnuts here are dairy-free, gluten-free, and even soy-free. These decadent creations have three different flavors to choose from: vanilla toasted coconut, dark chocolate, and sprinkles or hibiscus glaze. The doughnuts are made with ingredients safe for all kinds of dietary restrictions, but if you’re nut-free, steer clear!
Cocoa Bakery | 275 Grand Street + 475 Central Avenue
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Since 2013, chef Jessica Isaacs has operated Cocoa Bakery — where custom cakes meet cookies, bars, and cupcakes. In 2019, she opened the business’ second location, creating a bigger kitchen that allows her to craft even more baked goods. There are gluten-free cupcakes, cookies, tarts, and cake truffles.
Jam Cakery | 326 5th Street
This business is an entirely vegan bakery suitable for all dietary needs. It’s entirely plant-based, Jam Cakery makes all kinds of sweets such as cupcakes, cakes, and doughnuts, among other desserts. Catering is also available for all kinds of events.
See More: Celiac? Here’s a List of Fully Gluten-Free Bakeries in New Jersey
Subia’s Cafe | 506 Jersey Avenue
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Gluten-free cookies are available at this vegan cafe, which is open for breakfast and lunch. Everything is hearty and organic, promising a meal that tastes good and is good for you.
Whealth Kitchen + Bake Shop | 615 Pavonia Avenue
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This business titles itself as a “modern-day grandma’s kitchen.” This business creates gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats. Whatever baked goods you could want — scones, cakes, brownies — Whealth can make it.
Bonus
Defying Gravitea | 211 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock Township
Defying Gravitea, located in Pequannock Township, is home to coffee, tea, and gluten- + dairy-free treats. For a breakfast craving, try out the Flourless Oatmeal Pancake, made with egg whites, oats, cinnamon, and warm Buck Hill Farm syrup. Defying Gravitea also sells an assortment of baked goods — customers are welcome to check daily for the ones that are available.
This Hoboken Pizzeria Just Debuted a Robot to Up Its Catering Game
This article is sponsored by Old Lorenzo’s.
It’s no secret to locals that Hoboken is one of the best pizza cities in the world (in 2022, it had the most pizzerias per capita out of any New Jersey town). With so many good options, catering pizza for a large party or an event is a no-brainer — and if you’ve got a big order, Old Lorenzo’s, located at 301 Jackson Street, can get the job done. This family-owned Hoboken pizza shop has served the community since 1996, specializing in large orders and party packs (at really great prices). A new addition in the kitchen allows the Old Lorenzo’s team to whip up an impressive 60 pies in under an hour, and we got a behind-the-scenes look. Keep reading to learn more about Old Lorenzo’s in Hoboken and its different pizza catering options.
About Old Lorenzo’s
Old Lorenzo’s is a longtime contender in the Hoboken pizza scene. Oguz Kimil and a close friend opened the restaurant in 1996. However, after the friend moved back to Turkey, Oguz decided to continue running the pizzeria on his own.
Oguz is very hands-on at the restaurant and in the kitchen. In addition to managing daily operations, he makes the dough and signature sauce. He and the dedicated team work hard to make sure every pizza is created with care. He loves that his pizzas have become a major part of the community and local celebrations.
“We love the community feel of Hoboken and how though there are so many food options many like to support each other and try different great food,” Hatice Kimil, Oguz’s daughter, told The Hoboken Girl.
High-Quality Pies
Old Lorenzo’s opened in 1996 and has continued to serve some of Hoboken’s best pies ever since.
The menu is pretty much a pizza lover’s dream come true. There are tons of options, like pepperoni, sausage, onions, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese, so get creative with your add-ons. We especially love a classic cheese pizza with black olives, mushrooms, and beef bacon, but you can add any number of toppings to your specialty pie.
Old Lorenzo’s specializes in catering and large orders. There are several “party packs” for occasions of all shapes and sizes — and the prices are great. Lorenzo’s Variety Feast, for example, includes four large cheese pizzas and a two-liter soda; while the Mega Party Pack includes 10 large cheese pizzas just for $105.99. The Big Bites is perfect for family dinner night: a large specialty pizza (choose from meat lovers, veggie lovers, white, CBR or buffalo chicken), 2 large cheese pizzas, and a 2-liter soda.
“The best part of running our pizzeria is making our local customers happy and being affordable for everyone to try,” Hatice said.
New Addition to the Kitchen
The Old Lorenzo’s team is tight-knit, having the same staff for 15+ years. That is, until recently, when the shop welcomed a Pizza Robot into its kitchen.
The machine helps the team speed up the pizza-making process. All the ingredients are still homemade, but the robot helps with distribution so that Old Lorenzo’s can keep up with catering orders (and produce up to 60 pies an hour!) We got a behind-the-scenes look at the process, and it’s pretty fascinating.
Only cheese pizzas are made using the robot, and the product is a gooey, delicious thin-crust pie that tastes just as good as a traditionally made pizza. Specialty slices are still handmade by the team.
“We offer very affordable prices because of our pizza robot and have had the same team for 15+ years,” Hatice Kimil, marketing specialist with Old Lorenzo’s, told The Hoboken Girl.
“Old Lorenzo's loves to be a part of people's celebrations and events and will always ensure a great place for customers to go to whether they need a quick slice or a large party order,” Hatice said.
Don’t forget, you can get 20% off your first order at Old Lorenzo’s with code ‘HOBOKENGIRL20’.
Old Lorenzo’s is located at 301 Jackson Street in Hoboken. You can call 201-714-9446 with questions.
