Meet Your Neighbour: Boon Bakery

“Thriving.” That’s how Boon Bakery owner Maegan Cookson would describe the Collingwood downtown community in one word. The same can easily be said for Boon Bakery itself. Since its opening three months ago, it’s already become a downtown staple for many. It’s not uncommon to see a line wrapped around the shop or out the door. The wait? Totally worth it.

Boon Bakery provides people with something different. Its fully gluten and dairy-free selection means customers are not limited to a small selection of specialty items, and don’t need to worry about cross-contamination. Instead, Boon Bakery gives customers the freedom to choose what they like without concern. Cookson says she “checks every spec sheet and reads every label of every ingredient and product that comes through the door.” She wants Boon Bakery to be a place where people “can walk in and experience the joy of being able to eat anything they want.”

Like many people who don’t eat gluten or dairy, Cookson began following a gluten-free diet out of necessity when a diagnosis required changes to her son’s diet. After seeing a need in the community for better gluten-free products, she started Boon Bakery at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, where the response quickly grew, which led to a storefront and eventually a location in Collingwood, where she discovered the demand was just as strong.

“People are looking for satisfaction in what they’re eating. They’re tired of eating bland, dry, crumbly bread and sweets that are overly sweet and not made with quality ingredients.” That’s where Boon Bakery shines.

It hasn’t taken long for her to find her place in the community and her love for Collingwood. She’s found “it’s bustling. It’s happening. It’s a destination. People are happy here. There are things going on. There’s good food. There’s good shopping. There are good places to go.” Boon Bakery is certainly part of that delicious lineup. 

Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or someone who simply enjoys an excellent baked good (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), Boon Bakery has an option for everyone. And yes, they’ll be going all out for Easter in case you were wondering, with lemon meringue pies and hot cross buns galore.

Find Boon Bakery at 191 Hurontario St., Unit 3 in Collingwood Downtown, or visit them online on Instagram and Facebook @boonbakeryglutenfree or on their website boonbakery.ca