Indiana Bakery Owner Thrives By Delivering Healthful Products For Special Needs

Working under the theory that “bad” bacteria in her autistic daughter’s gut – nourished by preservatives, refined sugars, and corn starches – were encouraging her symptoms, a baking entrepreneur created a product line that turned out to have wide appeal. Nutty Bakery (Indiana) owner Amy Ervin bakes her products – gluten free and lactose free – using coconut or almond flour and none of the “unhealthy” stuff. Her baked goods "starve" the bad bacteria, she believes. She also sells organic bakery items for “paleo”, vegan and other specialized diets. Customers include cross-fit trainers and parents of autistic children. Most of her orders come from her Web site, and she ships all around the U.S.