In my final two weeks of classes and finals, I didn’t really have the time or heart to make a grocery store run. After all, I’ll have to clear out my refrigerator and freezer before I go. Not one to go without a supply of bread however, I decided to treat myself to an early Christmas present and order from a gluten-free bakery I’ve had my eyes on for awhile. 


Mariposa Bakery is a California-based, dedicated gluten-free bakery that serves up artisan-crafted baked goods. Offering products not usually found with the gluten-free label such as croissants, focaccia, tea cookies, and more, it’s downright dangerous to browse through their assortment of mail delivery products as I found myself wanting one of everything. Realizing that my wallet and limited time frame restricted me from ordering one of everything, I decided to pick and choose three items I most wanted to try: iced gingerbread men, rosemary rolls, and challah. 


The day my package of goodies arrived, I couldn’t wait to get my first taste. Pairing a warmed rosemary roll with a steaming cup of vegetable soup, I loved the addition of the fragrant bread to elevate my dorm-cooking meal into a little luxury. Each roll is plump and round, far bigger than the average dinner-sized rolls I’ve seen. This bread lover is not complaining though! The rolls have a nice crusty exterior which reveals a soft interior that would rival any of its gluten-containing peers. This is the kind of bread that makes you forget about gluten altogether and enjoy the simplicity of safe, homemade bread.


These rolls are dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. They come in a pack of 5 for $8.50 or in a pull-apart nest for $10. The rolls were good fresh and kept well in the freezer.

The next product to be samples was the sextet of cheery gingerbread men individually decorated with icing. I loved the intricate details put into each and every cookie character. The cookies themselves were crunchy and perfectly established a balance between the cinnamon, ginger, and molasses that lends gingerbread its unmistakable taste. The icing added an added touch of sweetness without overpowering or becoming sickeningly sweet. The storybook tale of the gingerbread man running away might be half true because before too long, I found mine had one-by-one disappeared… into my belly! 


The gingerbread men are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free. Both the cookies and the icing contain eggs. They come in packs of 6 and are available with and without icing. Each pack is $10 without icing and $12 with icing. The cookies kept well in an airtight container.

Last, but most certainly not least comes the largest loaf: Challah. As this was my first encounter with the traditional bread, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but quickly found myself a fan of the sweet bread. Warming it up really gave life to the bread and rendered the inside fluffy, yet chewy- the perfect bread texture. It made for the perfect breakfast bread and paired well with an omelet for a Sunday brunch. 


The challah is gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. It does contain eggs. Each loaf is $7.25. It was good fresh and kept well in the freezer.

I was duly impressed by Mariposa’s craftsmanship and artistry in their delivery of beautiful and delicious gluten-free baked goods. Without a doubt, a trip to their bake shop in Oakland or San Francisco is now on my gluten-free bucket list. I fear that I would walk away from any such visit with my savings diminished and my waist line a little larger, but completely and totally satisfied. Until then, I’ll have to settle for their mail order line of products which is pretty extensive and diverse. 


Though not all of their offerings are both gluten and dairy free (such as their pastries and croissants). They do allow for access to fresh breads and sweets not normally found on grocery store shelves and were free from the artificial preservatives, colors, and additives sometimes found in gluten-free fare.


For information on their in-store pickup options, click here. For more information on their delivery options click here. For more information about Mariposa Bakery’s story, click here.


Disclaimer: This review is current to the original publication date. Updates will be noted. Ingredients and manufacturing processes can change without notice. Each product should be reviewed for individual nutritional needs. Feel free to to contact me with any questions or comments. I was not compensated for this review and it is a reflection of my personal opinion.