(Gluten-Free) Vegan Food in Sandpoint, Idaho

Briefly traveling through Sandpoint, Idaho, I only wanted to associate with the positives in this northern Idaho town. So, I looked for gluten-free vegan food.

I sought out food that supports kindness. I sought out food that does no harm. I sought out food that does good. For our bodies. For other living beings. For the climate.

The first eatery listed below (Heart Bowls) is wholly committed to this cause. Heart Bowls is 100% plant-based vegan, and everything on their menu can be made gluten-free.

The second eatery listed below (City Beach Organics) is 100% organic, 100% gluten-free, and heavily plant-based vegan—with the most delicious, filling, and affordable gluten-free vegan food I’ve had in a long time.

The third eatery listed below (Burger Dock) had two delicious vegan burgers (which could be gluten-free with a gluten-free bun or an affordable lettuce wrap), a GF vegan bowl, and their extremely tasty gluten-free vegan “old-fashioned” fries that I ate as a rare sneak. Ohmygosh.

The additional food establishments listed below offer much-needed gluten-free vegan options and I’ve listed them in the order that I wanted to seek them out.

I’m so grateful for all of this climate-friendly food. I think our bodies deserve this food. Always. Even (or especially) if we have celiac disease or other dietary restrictions.

Heart Bowls

I love the smoothies and treats at Heart Bowls, and Heart Bowls serves more than that. Packed with customers during the lunch hour, Heart Bowls is a popular spot. | Heart Bowls on Google Maps

“My name is Katie Adams, owner of Heart Bowls. We are a women owned business that operates by a set of values.

“First, we believe in equality and justice for all living beings, all genders, colors, races, sexual orientations and species.

“We believe that our choices matter, your choices matter, and together we can create a more peaceful and equal future.

“We believe that we must fight for what we believe in and that business is a great place to make change in the world.

“We believe in the power of plant-based food to heal and nourish our bodies, our earth and every animal we share this planet with.

“Heart Bowls is a plant based cafe … it is really incredible what we are able to create in our tiny kitchen.

“All of our food is created with these priorities in this order:

“Peacefulness … 100% vegan, plant based, whole foods.

“Healthy whole foods … we make everything we can from scratch and use whole foods in every opportunity over another option. Health is very important to us, and our team creating the food eats it every day. We would not feed you all anything that we do not feel comfortable eating every singe day. (With the exception of baked goods, those are a special treat and contained milled flours and minimal sugars).

“Gluten Free … most of our food is gluten free, and we can make every single item in a gluten free version.

“Accessibility over organic … don’t get us wrong, we love organic food. However we love the idea of everyone eating more plant foods more than … who can afford organic. We choose organic products when we can get a reasonable price, but our heart is set in making our food available to everyone including those who cannot afford 100% organic.

“Minimal oil, refined sugar, salt. A healthy diet is based on whole foods … processed oils, refined sugars and excessive salt are not what we consider part of this. We aim to use the most minimal plant oils in our sauces and curry. Our Granola is oil-free & gluten free and we are proud of it! Refined sugars are only found at heart bowls in the most minimal amounts in very few items, they are: baked goods, our oil free granola, our vanilla soymilk used for mylkshakes, nice creams (including gluten free oreos and vegan chocolate chips) and our protein cookie dough bites.

“We are 100% plastic-free, meaning that all of our to-go serve ware is compostable and not made from plastic even if it looks like plastic.

“Everything can be made gluten-free.

“We create food with healthy and nutrition at the forefront of each item we serve.

“We are on a mission to build happier, healthier communities!

“At Heart Bowls, you will find plenty of smiles, island vibes, & healthy happy food.

“We are obsessed with plant-based whole foods and locally roasted coffee, and we cannot wait to share what we have created with you … açaí bowls, smoothies, coffee & espresso drinks, rice bowls & salads, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toasts, and delicious gluten-free baked goods!”

City Beach Organics

I absolutely love the Vegan Curry Melt at City Beach Organics. Their crepe-like wraps are so delicious—warm and fresh, best eaten onsite. | City Beach Organics on Google Maps

“Most of our recipes were formulated by Rylie, our eldest daughter. Her gifting in the kitchen has inspired the rest of us to devise our own delectable eats, some of which have ‘made the cut,’ and are now on the menu.

“Creating gluten-free, plant-based recipes is our goal. Most of our options are considered vegan … almost all of our menu selections are made from scratch, including our coconut and almond milks. We strive to buy as much local produce as possible.

“If you haven’t tasted our ‘Ahava Amore’ (meaning, ‘love love’) house-made tortillas, they are our signature item. Each gluten-free tortilla, like crepe batter, is poured onto a flat ironed panini press. Wraps and melts are both prepared on these mouth-watering, freshly pressed tortillas.

“Food isn’t just about feeding your body, it’s also about satisfying your hungering spirit. When we eat nourishing foods, it improves our overall outlook and touches every fiber of our lives. We should desire to fuel our bodies with what is natural, with what fills us with vibrance and vitality. Today’s world is so polluted, we must make choices as consumers to put our money in the right place(s). With our dollars, we can literally force restaurants, grocery stores, and other food vendors to create safer and more nutritious food options.

“We absolutely won’t compromise. We won’t sell GMO’s or pesticide-laden foods … this is a personal stance, but we have seen the health benefits of carrying this practice into our business as well. Distinction in what fare is chosen is top priority to us, sustainable options always win out.

“We hope all who come in to dine will leave with more than just satisfied bellies. Love and compassion are just as important to us as feeding mouths. Understanding that we are imperfect people, striving for more, we look forward to what each new day holds. An extended ‘family’ of us work together to make City Beach Organics incredible. Attitude counts, we trust you will taste the love in our food.”

Burger Dock

Burger Dock serves a few perfect gluten-free vegan items, including addictive old-fashioned fries. This is a busy lunch spot in an excellent location on the dock. | Burger Dock on Google Maps

“Together, we are committed to our vision to nourish the community for future generations and aim to live out our motto of ‘local helping local’ each and every day. From all of us at The Burger Dock, thank you for stopping (and boating!) by!”

Yafay’s

I have not yet tasted Yafay’s, but this is on my list! Last I checked, their menu offers healthier gluten-free vegan options. | Yafay’s on Google Maps

“Head Chef, Ethan Dillon is extremely talented and versatile in almost every culinary application.  Ethan Dillon has been immensely successful at transforming plant-based foods into masterpieces.

“At age 10 Ethan Dillon had a dinning experience that changed his life. He was fortunate enough to dine at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago and chose the Vegetarian Menu. The owner’s mother, Charlotte was so impressed with young Ethan’s passion and etiquette that she offered him a tour of the kitchen and made him an Honorary Chef. This experience led Ethan to pursue his culinary dreams. Ethan attended Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver and has been creating culinary masterpieces ever since.

“Drop by and check out our … menu of  organic, & non-gmo dishes.”

Soul Picnic

Soul Picnic is a food truck parked in the Evans Brothers parking lot. Gluten-free vegan items are on the menu, but my timing was off, as I didn’t arrive when they were open. | Soul Picnic on Google Maps

“Vegan options available. Offers several labeled vegan items on the menu board, including a curry rice bowl and a taco. Other items that may be vegan are soup and smoothies. Owned by the former chef of Common Knowledge and parks at Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters lot. Take-out only. Open Mon-Thu 8:00am-2:00pm. Closes mid-October through winter months.”

Winter Ridge Natural Foods

Winter Ridge Natural Foods might initially seem expensive. However, I look for the tagged sale items, as there are many. I can find almost everything here. | Winter Ridge Natural Foods on Google Maps

“Winter Ridge Natural Foods Market is the largest natural foods store in the two northernmost counties of Idaho. It is located in the heart of Sandpoint and only blocks away from beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.

“Gregg Prummer established Winter Ridge in 1997 when his son was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Finding it hard to locate gluten-free food in Sandpoint Prummer decided to start a store that would cater to a multitude of dietary needs; as well as utilizing his knowledge of herbs and homeopathy to provide a wide variety of supplements and wellness aids.

“Winter Ridge quickly became a successful, full-service natural foods store.
Today, it is a vibrant and attractive store featuring organic and local produce, in house made-from-scratch deli and bakery, environmentally friendly household cleaning products and home goods, a wide variety of organic bulk spices, herbs, nuts and fruits, fresh floral department, a diverse selection of supplements and homeopathic remedies

“Winter Ridge Natural Foods is dedicated to seeking out and providing the best products available to support a healthy community with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

“We strive to be Sandpoint's expert resource for delicious organic foods and natural products sourced through local growers and regional supply partners.

“When members of our community as well as our employees walk through our doors, we pledge to inspire and empower each person to live & sustain a healthy life.”