Our Story
AGAINST THE GRAIN GOURMET® began in the summer of 2005. It is the result of a long quest by Thomas and Nancy Cain to find dietary normalcy for people with celiac disease, a genetic disorder characterized by an intolerance to gluten. A gluten-free diet means no wheat products of any kind. No bread, pizza, and beer (our favorite food groups!), among many other foods. Tom had been diagnosed five years earlier, but when Tom and Nancy's teenage son was also diagnosed with it, finding decent bread became an urgent mission. There was no convincing a teenage boy that life without pizza was normal, or that the existing gluten-free substitutes were the “real thing.”
Nancy turned to her scientific background and began experimenting. She discovered a unique combination of ingredients, and created a pizza that easily passed the teenager test. (They asked for more!) Then she created sandwich rolls and baguettes. Soon she was baking over 50 rolls a week to feed their family. As their family rediscovered bread, the idea of bringing it to the market was born. AGAINST THE GRAIN GOURMET® brings dietary normalcy to those requiring a gluten-free diet, and distinctive, great tasting bread for everyone else. (We'll leave the beer to an enterprising brewer!)
AGAINST THE GRAIN GOURMET® manufactures its products in a 100% gluten-free, 5,000 square foot facility located in Brattleboro, Vermont, named the 5th Best Small Town in America, and Southern Vermont's economic and cultural center.