In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with Alina Morse, the 20-year-old founder and CEO of Zolli Candy, to unpack how a simple childhood question — “Why can’t candy be good for your teeth?” — sparked a multimillion-dollar, better-for-you candy brand.

Alina takes us behind the scenes of building Zolli from a kitchen-table idea into a nationally recognized company. She shares how she partnered with dentists and food scientists to develop tooth-friendly formulas, what it really took to land shelf space at Whole Foods Market, and what it’s like growing up while running a fast-scaling business.

We also talk about navigating life gluten-free as a kid entrepreneur, how the gluten-free and better-for-you food space has evolved, and the expansion of Zolli beyond lollipops into fan favorites like Zaffi Taffi, Gum Pops, and more.

Plus, we wrap with rapid-fire questions covering favorite products, biggest lessons learned, advice for young founders, and what’s next for Alina and Zolli.

If you love founder stories, CPG entrepreneurship, or inspiring examples of purpose-driven business, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Alina and Zolli Candy

Website: https://zollipops.com/

Instagram: @zollicandy

Facebook: @ZolliCandy

Tiktok: @zollicandy

Connect with Jenny Finke (host)

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

Chapters

00:02 — Meet Alina + the idea that started it all

04:16 — Building tooth-friendly candy (ingredients, partners, taste tests)

06:57 — Gluten-free + allergen-friendly life and why it matters

16:55 — The retail breakthrough: pitching Whole Foods Market and scaling the brand

40:15 — Expanding the lineup: taffies, sour pops, and more

52:38 — Rapid fire + where to buy Zolli

In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with Love Me Gluten Free’s resident registered dietitian, Molly Winsten, to unpack some of the most confusing — and controversial — topics in the gluten-free world.

Together, they dive into what actually happens when wheat shows up on ingredient labels in unexpected ways. From gluten-free wheat starch and hydrolyzed wheat protein to glucose syrup, alcohol derived from wheat, and “may contain” labeling, Jenny and Molly break down what’s safe, what’s misunderstood, and what people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities truly need to know.

They also tackle hot-button questions like: Are McDonald’s fries safe for people with celiac disease? Can you trust foods labeled “made in a shared facility”? And how should consumers interpret precautionary allergen statements without falling into fear or misinformation?

This episode is all about cutting through the noise, empowering you to read labels with confidence, and helping you make informed, realistic, and safe choices — without unnecessary restriction or panic.

Connect with Molly Winsten

Instagram: @onmollysplate

Tiktok: @onmollysplate

Connect with Jenny Finke (host)

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) or Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wheat Controversies

02:31 Understanding Wheat and Its Implications

11:06 Gluten-Free Wheat Starch: A New Perspective

14:05 Navigating Wheat Sensitivity and Intolerance

21:32 Controversial Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat and Glucose Syrup

27:57 Distilled Alcohol and Celiac Disease

33:58 The Importance of Labeling and Consumer Awareness

In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, host Jenny Finke sits down with Celeste Bremer, co-founder of May’s Gluten-Free Market — a 100% dedicated gluten-free grocery store and community hub in Rhode Island.

Celeste shares how celiac disease shaped her family’s journey and sparked the idea to create a safe, welcoming space where gluten-free shoppers could finally browse without fear or frustration. She opens up about the realities of launching and scaling a niche grocery business, from supply chain challenges to building trust within the gluten-free community.

Together, Jenny and Celeste dive into what makes May’s Market so special, the emotional connections customers form with truly safe spaces, and why community-driven businesses matter more than ever. Celeste also offers insight into the future of gluten-free retail and what it really takes to survive — and thrive — in today’s competitive grocery landscape.

Connect with Celeste and May's Gluten Free Market

Website: maysglutenfreemarket.com

Instagram: @maysglutenfreemarket

Facebook: @maysglutenfreemarket

Connect with Jenny Finke (host)

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Celeste Bremer and May's Market

02:38 Personal Journey: Diagnoses and Challenges

05:55 The Birth of May's Gluten-Free Market

08:39 Navigating Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes

12:00 Creating a Safe Haven for Gluten-Free Shoppers

14:45 Expanding Offerings: From Grocery to Prepared Foods

17:42 Collaboration and Community in Gluten-Free Business

20:44 Future Vision: Growth and New Opportunities

23:42 Sourcing Unique Gluten-Free Products

26:30 The Changing Landscape of Gluten-Free Options

30:55 The Value of Curation in Gluten-Free Products

35:50 Building Community and Supporting Small Businesses

40:56 Challenges of Running a Niche Market

47:29 Family Involvement in Business

51:50 Personal Growth and Business Lessons

55:54 Connecting with the Community

In this episode of Gluten Free Unwrapped, host Jenny Finke and registered dietitian Molly Winsten discuss the complexities of food intolerances, allergies, and the impact of dietary restrictions on mental health.

They explore Molly's personal journey with celiac disease, the importance of understanding the difference between allergies and intolerances, and the potential pitfalls of self-diagnosis.

The conversation also delves into elimination diets, the risks of long-term restrictions, and the significance of food as both fuel and comfort.

Connect with Molly Winsten

Molly can be reached at molly@lovemeglutenfree.com (she's our team RD)

Instagram: @onmollysplate

Tiktok: @onmollysplate

Connect with Jenny Finke (host)

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) or Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Food Intolerances

01:16 Molly's Background and Celiac Disease Journey

04:04 The Impact of Food Allergies on Life Choices

07:55 Understanding Food Intolerances

09:19 Distinguishing Between Allergies and Intolerances

12:01 Self-Diagnosis and Misattribution of Symptoms

16:20 Elimination Diets: The Right Approach

20:01 The Risks of Long-Term Elimination Diets

23:38 Building Tolerance to Dairy and Other Foods

27:28 The Casein and Gluten Connection: Myth or Reality?

32:36 The Mental Toll of Food Restrictions

41:41 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning

In this episode of the Gluten Free Unwrapped podcast, host Jenny Finke reflects on the gluten-free community as the holidays approach, discussing the importance of support and kindness among brands and consumers.

Jenny addresses the recent controversy surrounding Modern Bread & Bagel, emphasizing how criticism affects businesses and the need for more constructive and kinder feedback. Jenny encourages listeners to engage positively with gluten-free brands and to T.H.I.N.K. before posting mean comments or reviews. Let's uplift one another in this community!

PROGRAMMING NOTE: GLUTEN FREE UNWRAPPED WILL BE ON HOLIDAY BREAK UNTIL JANUARY 14, 2026

Connect with Jenny Finke (host)

Love Me Gluten Free website - lovemeglutenfree.com

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) or Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections

00:56 Community Support and Brand Stories

02:50 The Modern Bread and Bagel Controversy

06:09 The Impact of Criticism on Businesses

08:45 The Importance of Kindness and Support

12:02 Encouragement for Community Engagement

In this episode, Audrey Dunham shares her passion for baking, nutrition, and the plant-based lifestyle and how it led to the creation of Autumn Sons Baking Company, a line of gluten-free, plant-based cookie mixes.

Audrey discusses the challenges of building a brand that caters to people with food allergies and the importance of choosing the right ingredients. She also highlights how her family helped her entrepreneurial journey, her crucial rebranding from 'Peanuts' to a more allergy-friendly name, and her plans for expanding her business.

Connect with Audrey and Autumn Sons Baking Company

Website: autumnsonsbaking.com

Instagram: @autumnsonsbaking

Facebook: @autumnsonsbaking

Connect with Jenny Finke (host)

Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) or Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Audrey Dunham and Her Journey

03:11The Intersection of Baking and Nutrition

06:06Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet

08:44The Birth of Autumn Sons Baking Company

11:48Creating Inclusive Recipes for All

14:54The Role of Family and Support in Business

18:01The Science Behind Gluten-Free Baking

20:57Future Plans and Product Expansion

28:56The Unique Qualities of Chickpea Flour

31:07From Recipe to Retail: The Journey Begins

33:06Navigating the Competitive Market

36:03Expanding the Brand: Goals and Aspirations

39:09Community Engagement and Brand Growth

39:56Rapid Fire Insights: Personal Favorites and Misconceptions

44:32Final Thoughts and Resources for Listeners

In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, host Jenny Finke interviews Dina Mitchell, the founder of Power Soul Cafe, the world's first certified gluten-free fast food restaurant chain.

Dina shares her extensive background in the food industry, her journey to create a safe dining experience for those with celiac disease and other dietary restrictions, and the challenges she faces in the gluten-free market.

The conversation delves into the importance of certification, the unique offerings on the menu, and Dina's passion for educating others about gluten-free options. As she discusses her business model and plans for expansion, it becomes clear that Dina is driven by a mission to provide safe, delicious food for everyone.

Connect with Dina and Power Soul Cafe

Website: powersoulcafe.com

Instagram: @powersoulcafe

Facebook: @PowerSoulCafe

Dina Mitchell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinamitchell/

Connect with Jenny Finke (host)

Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) or Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Power Soul Cafe

00:59 Dina's Culinary Journey

04:54 The Vision Behind Power Soul Cafe

13:50 Challenges in Gluten-Free Dining

22:02 Understanding Gluten-Free Certification

29:53 Menu Highlights and Ingredients

39:14 The Evolution of Dining Habits

43:03 Scaling the Business: Growth Plans and Strategies

48:31 Passion-Driven Entrepreneurship: The Heart of Power Soul Cafe

50:40 Celebrity Encounters and Community Engagement

54:40 Balancing Work and Life: The Entrepreneur's Journey

59:40 Future Aspirations: Expanding Beyond Las Vegas

In this Thanksgiving episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny is joined by her husband, Darren Finke, to share the story behind Love Me Gluten Free.

From Jenny’s celiac diagnosis that changed their daily life to the creation of a subscription box that delivers safe, gluten-free snacks to thousands of households, they take listeners behind the scenes of what it takes to build a thriving gluten-free business.

Jenny and Darren discuss the challenges, lessons, and surprises along the way, highlighting the complementary skills that have helped them grow the brand. They also reflect on the unique experience of working together as a married couple and how their shared values and gluten-free lifestyle have shaped the business and community.

This episode offers an insightful look at entrepreneurship, business growth, and the realities of life with celiac disease. Jenny and Darren will also share the one food they both miss most since going gluten-free, as well as answer the question that Jenny asks all her guests - what gluten-free brands they admire most.

Follow Gluten Free Unwrapped

New episodes drop every Wednesday. View past episodes and subscribe to our newsletter at goodforyouglutenfree.com/podcast-gluten-free-unwrapped

About the Guests:

Jenny and Darren Finke are the founders of Love Me Gluten Free.

Find Darren on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-finke-6b26a1/

Find Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/

Jenny is also the host of Gluten Free Unwrapped and a longtime blogger at Good For You Gluten Free.

Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) or Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).

Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.