British bakery firm, Sponge, celebrates gaining Coeliac UK approval
pic: Sponge
A Norfolk-based bakery can now offer the widest range of gluten-free cakes and brownies certified by Coeliac UK, recognising its commitment to producing high-quality, gluten-free baked goods that meet the rigorous standards set by the charity.
It is estimated that 10% of the UK follow a gluten free diet*, either because of coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, or a lifestyle choice, and traditionally gluten free cakes have been perceived as dry and grainy. To ensure its gluten free range avoided these taste and texture challenges and remained delicious and light, Sponge developed new baking techniques and experimented with flavours, whilst maintaining its strict traditional baking methods and use of quality British ingredients.
Sponge also worked to establish an entirely separate bakery that ensured an environment free from gluten contamination, which ensured it met and exceeded Coeliac UK’s rigorous requirements.
As a result, Sponge can now claim to have the UK’s widest selection of flavours marked with Coeliac UK’s instantly recognisable Crossed Grain trademark for both consumer and trade customers, including chocolate, lemon drizzle, zucchini & lime, and chocolate & caramel.
Mark Joll, Sponge co-founder, says, “Achieving Coeliac UK certification proves that Sponge can offer high quality products that are safe to eat. It was a real labour of love and is testament to the years of hard work our team has put in to make our cakes and brownies as accessible as possible for all our customers, from restaurants and bakeries to people wanting a sweet treat. I am very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve so far and am excited to continue to open up the boundaries of what we can achieve with our baking.”
A spokesperson from Coeliac UK, says: “We are so pleased that gluten free shoppers can now enjoy Sponge’s cakes and brownies certified with the Crossed Grain trademark. By working closely with us to meet our stringent standards, Sponge is now able to provide a trusted and quick signpost for consumers that their cakes and brownies are safe for them to eat.”
