Guncles nominated for USA Today’s Best Gluten Free Bakery for the third time: How to vote

Mobile’s own Guncles Gluten Free is back in the running for USA Today’s 10Best “Best Gluten Free Bakery” award, continuing a streak that’s made the midtown bakery a household name for gluten-free treats nationwide.

Mobile bakery eyes third USA Today 10Best win

Guncles has topped USA Today’s list before — winning first place in 2023, taking second in 2024 and earning top honors again in 2025. Now they’re nominated once more, up against 19 other bakeries from across the country for the title.

Fans can vote once per day until polls close Monday, Sept. 14 at noon ET, with the 10 winning bakeries announced Wednesday, Sept. 23.

How to vote for Guncles Gluten Free

• Head to 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-gluten-free-bakery and find Guncles Gluten Free in the list of 20 nominees
• Click “Vote Now” next to their entry
• You can vote once per day through Monday, Sept. 14 at 11AM central
• Winners — the top 10 vote-earners — will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 23

Inside Guncles’ dedicated gluten-free bakery in Mobile

Owners John Edward McGee and Demetrius James opened Guncles as the only dedicated gluten-free bakery in Mobile and Baldwin counties, baking everything from buttermilk biscuits to cinnamon rolls in a facility with zero cross-contamination risk.

That attention to detail — plus recipes rooted in Southern family traditions — has built a loyal customer base that includes visitors who drive in from outside Mobile just for a taste.

McGee suffered a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction in 2007, which set off four years of “seemingly random anaphylactic events” before being diagnosed with Wheat Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (WDEIA).

“Needless to say, moments of depression set in following a visit to each of his favorite bakeries. He was shocked that there were no wheat free / gluten free dessert options available other than macaroons…

“Through divine intervention, John Edward discovered a boutique 100% Gluten Free grocery market where he met a young mother who told him that her four-year-old daughter had never had a birthday cake due to a gluten allergy. At that moment, John Edward knew that he and Demetrius had to learn to bake gluten free not just for their enjoyment, but to create memories for others like they have of their childhood.”

Guncles’ website

Their goods have also made their way onto shelves across Alabama, Florida and Louisiana at restaurants, bars, coffee shops, hotels and several Piggly Wiggly locations.

• Guncles Gluten Free: (251) 800-1348 | gunclesgf.com | Instagram | Facebook
• Address: 1252 Government St, Mobile, AL 36604
• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 8AM–3PM