Gluten-free doesn’t mean going without in Mendocino County

MENDOCINO CO., 11/15/25 — The holidays are here, and it’s generally a time of overindulging, including what is often the most anticipated part of any meal—dessert. But if you suffer from celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant, that anticipation can end fast when you can’t sample those delicious–looking cookies or pies.   

Luckily, many bakeries around Mendocino County are here to ensure gluten-free options are readily available for everyone’s holiday celebrations.

Ona Rynearson is the creative force behind the Happy Hermit, a Fort Bragg-based, 100% gluten-free bakery. The Happy Hermit was born out of a need for options after Rynearson herself was diagnosed with celiac disease. “I learned how to bake when I was six years old, and I had always had a lot of gluten issues throughout my life,” she explained. “I would bake every week as stress relief or whatever in between work, and I would give everything away.” Rynearson left a career in corporate HR to follow her dream of baking. 

“I realized this area didn’t have really adequate gluten-free options,” she said.

“There are several bakeries that offer some gluten-free options, but they’re not celiac-safe. They’re made on-site in a mixed kitchen. I appreciate the effort, but when you’re someone like me, who has to eat really strictly, eventhose gluten-free treats are still off-limits.”

Rynearson began modifying all of her recipes and relies on her friends who can tolerate gluten as taste-testers. “I basically don’t sell anything until it meets that standard of where it’s safe and more inclusive for people who have eating restrictions,” she said. “I always say I’m a gluten-free baker first, and then if I can add in sugar-free, vegan or dairy-free, then that’s a bonus.”

As for the name, Rynearson explains it’s a playful way to describe herself. “I’m an introvert—friendly but solitary,” she said.

Rynearson has a booth at the Fort Bragg Farmers Market on Wednesdays, as well as the seasonal Mendocino County Farmers Market on Fridays. Her treats can also be found at
Mendocino Cookies, Corners of the Mouth, Harvest Market, A Frame Coffee, Headlands Coffeehouse, Elk Store, Rollin’ Dough, Zappas Coffee and Patrona Restaurant. Rynearson offers shipping as well. 

“Food should be inclusive,” Rynearson said. 

That same spirit of inclusion is also at the heart of Mendocino Baking Company’s philosophy. 

“My grandmother always said food should be made to share,” said co-owner Rick Beal. “So, our main goal locally is to make sure that anyone who has celiac can get something they can eat and enjoy with their family.” Beal started crafting gluten-free cakes, cookies, bread, pizza crusts, and even crackers for one of his biggest fans—his Mom. “I send her care packages to Puerto Rico all the time because she can’t get decent food down there,” he said.

Beal spent time perfecting his recipes and flavor profiles, including spinach-spirulina flaxseed and carrot-cumin flavored crackers. “My maple cake remains a popular favorite,” he said. 

Beal sources 100% organic products through a combination of providers in Northern California and Oregon. 

Mendocino Baking Company goodies are available throughout Northern California at a range of independent retailers, cafés, and markets. In Mendocino County, they can be found at Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op, Namaste Café in Ukiah, and Down Home Foods in Fort Bragg, as well as Harvest Market, Corners of the Mouth in Mendocino, Navarro General Store, and Nature’s Food Center in Lakeport. Additional retail partners include Firecrest Market in Sebastopol, A Frame Espresso in Fort Bragg, and Ukiah Brewing Company. 

Beal says they also do a big business at farmers markets across Northern California, including Ukiah (Saturdays), Fort Bragg (Wednesdays), Santa Rosa’s Luther Burbank Center (Saturdays), Sebastopol (Sundays), and Cloverdale (Sundays). 

Check out more Mendocino County gluten-free dining options here.

While many restaurants around the county offer gluten-free options, it’s best to check in advance if you’re concerned about cross-contamination. Thanks to bakers like the Happy Hermit and Mendocino Baking Company, everyone can enjoy the sweetest part of the holidays safely and deliciously.