By Michelle Carfagno, Founder and CEO, The Greater Knead
This June, The Greater Knead turns 13—marking over a decade of dedication to greater taste, greater ingredients, and greater trust for the gluten and allergen-free community.
Our story began in 2012, when two beloved family members—my grandfather, Poppy, and my sister, Nicole—were diagnosed with Celiac Disease. That diagnosis brought more than a dietary change. It disrupted one of our most cherished family rituals: Sunday morning bagels. When we searched for gluten-free options, what we found was disappointing at best. The ingredients were unrecognizable, the safety standards were questionable, and the flavors were forgettable. Nothing came close to the iconic New York-style bagel we knew and loved—crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
That frustrating experience sparked something in me. I knew there had to be a better way.
Since then, The Greater Knead has been on a mission to craft gluten-free and top 9 allergen-free baked goods that feel just as familiar, fragrant, and flavorful as those from my childhood home. After years of obsessing over the details—from ingredients to texture to bake time—we’ve finally done it.
This past year has been one of transformation. Our bakery team has poured its heart into refining our signature New York-style bagels and Philly-style pretzel nuggets. The result? Products so delicious and craveable, you’d never guess they’re completely free from the top 9 allergens. We use only simple, pantry-style ingredients and no mystery science. Everything is made in our own dedicated allergen-free facility, the same way we’d bake for our own families.
In addition to being Woman-Owned, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, and Kosher, we’re incredibly proud to be Certified Free From through MenuTrinfo’s rigorous program. This certification deepens the trust we’ve worked hard to earn and allows us to bring even more peace of mind to families with dietary restrictions.
At the heart of it all is a belief that drives me every single day: everyone, including those with food allergies or intolerances, deserves delicious food.
The Greater Knead exists to help connect people everywhere with the foods they’ve been missing and make mealtime, family time again. No one has to sacrifice taste for safety. With simple ingredients and time-honored recipes, we’re reimagining the classics and making them better, bolder, and accessible to all.
This journey has always been about more than bagels and pretzels. It’s about serving Poppy, Nicole, and our growing family of gluten- and allergen-free eaters around the country. It’s about creating food that’s joyful, nostalgic, and inclusive.
You can find our NY-Style bagels and Philly-Style pretzel nuggets at thegreaterknead.com, Wegmans, and select Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, The Fresh Market, and independent natural grocery stores nationwide.
As a special thank-you to the Certified Free From community, we’re offering an exclusive 20% off discount through July 31, 2025. Use code “CFF” at checkout on our website and experience our breakthrough taste, baked for all.
