NaturBaker founder Darcie Miller sells her healthy snacks at the Seaside Farmers Market each Saturday. Photos by Sarah Murphy Robertson
NaturBaker was inspired by nature’s best by Sarah Murphy Robertson
As anyone who has tried baking is likely to admit, it is both a science and an art form. However, NaturBaker owner Darcie Miller has taken her talent in the kitchen to a whole new level by testing recipes and making delicious baked goods that are also Keto diet-friendly, Paleo, Vegan, and free of top allergens. She offers them weekly at the Seaside Farmers Market and they’ve quickly gotten a big local following.
When Miller’s two young sons were diagnosed with six of the leading food allergies between them, she decided to start a business that would aim to “feed by example.” Her cookies and doughnuts are naturally sugar and grain free. Her husband, Sean, is an endurance athlete and personal trainer, and their entire family follows a plant-centric diet. “NaturBaker is a true partnership, as we complement each other well,” Miller says.
While being free of top allergens including milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans, the wholesome snacks also don’t rely on fillers or use artificial preservatives. The baked goods are all are high in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Additionally, many market goes are pleased to learn they are compliant for the ketogenic or “Keto” diet, which puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis through a very low-carb, high-fat eating plan.
Miller is passionate about her products. And she’s willing to share a few trade secrets. You might overhear her telling market visitors how she toasts and grinds sunflower and flax seeds in her commercial kitchen to make her cookies and doughnuts. She also uses organic pumpkin and local Meyer lemons, adding moisture, flavor and fiber.
NaturBaker’s doughnuts, instead of using sugar for flavor, substitute with Monk fruit extract, a plant-based sweetener. Refined sugars are toxic to the body, as they have been stripped from their natural fiber source, Miller says. Monk fruit extract is all natural, has a smooth flavor without an aftertaste, and is also is safe for those managing diabetes. Doughnut toppings include cinnamon, lemon glaze or espresso. The dairy-and-sugar-free cream-filled sandwich cookies come in flavors of dark chocolate or lemon.
You can find NaturBaker’s treats every Saturday morning in Seaside at the Farmers Market.
Visit their website at naturbaker.com or on Instagram and Facebook at @naturbaker