Busy moms know the struggle: finding a sweet treat that actually fits into your family’s wellness goals. Whether it’s navigating food sensitivities or simply wanting better-for-you options, Wilmington has more to offer than you might think. If you're looking for gluten-free and dairy-free treats that meet your family's health needs, you're in the right place! From cozy cafés to ice cream shops and local lunch spots, there are plenty of local spots waiting to be discovered.

Why Go Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free?

For many families, skipping gluten or dairy isn't a trend; it's a way to feel better every day. Reducing bloating, easing skin flare-ups, improving digestion, or supporting kids with sensitivities are just a few of the reasons moms make the switch. This isn't to say that gluten or dairy are inherently "unhealthy" - many people tolerate them just fine, but for others they trigger uncomfortable symptoms. This is functional nutrition in action: understanding individual responses and using food to improve energy, mood, and overall health.

Local Bakeries & Cafés

Wilmington’s bakeries and cafés are full of hidden gems that don’t compromise on taste. Here are a few standouts we love at FNS:

• Nothing Bundt Cakes: Select gluten-free bundt cake flavors available, including Lemon Raspberry and Chocolate Chip Cookie.

• Cinnaholic: This is an all-vegan bakery chain that focuses on cinnamon rolls, with choose-your-own icing and decadent toppings. They have other pastries, coffee, and soft serve, too. 

• Gluten Free By The Sea: Gluten-free bakery that includes dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan items on a regular basis (cookies, biscotti, muffins, wedding cakes and more)! Contact for other ingredient concerns. 

• Drift Coffee & Kitchen: Smooth coffee drinks with oat, almond, or coconut milk and small GF bites.

• Cafe Mata: Known for their health forward menu with vegan and gluten-free optional pastries, and coffees with oat, almond, and coconut milk. 

Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Lunch Spots

Because moms need more than snacks...they need satisfying, energizing meals that keep the day running smoothly! These Wilmington lunch spots offer options to keep you on track:

• Chopt Creative Salad Co.: Build-your-own salads with endless gluten-free and dairy-free dressings and toppings.

• Chicken Salad Chick: Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza: This hot spot offers dairy-free cheese alternatives at no charge! The pizza crust is vegan, and their gluten-free pizza dough is also dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide additional allergen information.

• Rx Chicken and Oysters: Southern cuisine with fresh seasonal ingredients is just what we ordered at this renovated drugstore. They label dairy-free, custom dairy-free, gluten free, and vegan items. Dairy-free options include a plant-heavy sandwich, and a few gourmet mains.

• Indochine: Thai and Vietnamese cuisine offering many naturally gluten-free rice noodle dishes, curries with coconut milk, and dishes that can be made dairy-free or gluten-free upon request.

Frozen Treats & Smoothies

Kids don’t want to miss out on dessert - and they don’t have to! From allergy-friendly cookies to fruit-based smoothies, Wilmington has plenty of kid-approved options that fit your family’s health goals.

• Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream: Their homemade ice creams include 4 to 6 dairy-free and vegan flavors, with a coconut milk base.

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Fully customizable smoothies made dairy-free upon request.

• Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar: Smoothies and acai bowls with GF/DF-friendly bases.

• Buzzed Bull Creamery: This create-your-own ice cream chain uses nitrogen to instantly freeze your chosen flavor. They have a dairy-free sorbet base and a dairy-free almond milk base. They also have guides to the dairy-free and vegan mix-ins on request, and can blend a custom milkshake just for you.

• The Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt Bar: They offer a couple dairy-free flavors daily, often including Silk almond milk frozen yogurt (in chocolate or vanilla) and sorbet or dairy-free Dole Whip.

Smart Tips for Navigating Treats (When You Have Food Sensitivities)

• Ask about preparation. Gluten-free items may share kitchen space with wheat, so confirm if cross-contamination is a concern.

• Look for dairy-free swaps. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are common substitutes at most shops.
• Keep backups handy. Portable snacks like Enjoy Life cookies or Lara Bars make birthday parties and school events easier to navigate.

Living gluten-free or dairy-free in Wilmington doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your favorite treats, it just means knowing where to look. From local ice cream shops to family-friendly cafés, the options are growing every day. With a little planning, you can enjoy indulgence while staying true to your wellness goals.