It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, gluten-free food was only available on prescription from your doctor. At that time it was seen as a medical need for a small percentage of people, but over the last few years the market for gluten-free goods has skyrocketed. We believe that whether they’re truly gluten intolerant or just cutting wheat out of their diet, everyone needs a slice of cake every now and again. Here’s our list of five cafés and coffee shops in Johannesburg where you can order everything from raw chocolate caramel tart to gluten-free fudge cake.

Annica’s Deli (Ferndale)

This welcoming coffee shop adjoins the glorious Annica’s cake shop, which specialises in designer cakes for weddings, birthdays and corporate functions. In addition to a variety of decadent confectionaries, the coffee shop menu features a list of specialised cakes, which cater to different dietary requirements and include both low-carb and gluten-free options. Annica herself recommends the dark chocolate cake made with almond flour, coconut oil, chia seeds and dark chocolate, or the low-GI carrot cake made with oat bran and topped with cinnamon cream cheese. Both cakes are 100% gluten free and cost R44 per slice.

Annica’s Deli – Gluten-free Death by Chocolate Cake

Fresh Earth Café (Emmerentia)

This vegetarian and vegan café caters to a number of special dietary requirements including gluten intolerances and hypoglycaemia. Made using natural and organic ingredients, their decadent, dense, low-carb, gluten-free chocolate cake is made with rice flour and served with a generous dollop of fresh farm cream. You can enjoy a slice for R35.

Gingko (Saxonwold)

Gingko offers an extensive range of gluten-free, sucrose-free and vegan food prepared without the use of preservatives or colourants. Perhaps even more impressive than their food menu is a dazzling selection of gluten-free cakes, bars and slices. The kitchen bakes different cakes every day, but you can expect delicious items like the chocolate fudge cake with sour cherries. The cake is made using butter, Dutch cocoa, sour cream, fructose, and free-range eggs and costs R38.95 per slice.

Gingko Gluten-free sticky date pudding with custard

The Greenside Café (Greenside)

The popular Greenside eatery is a haven of health for strict vegans and non-vegetarians alike. On the menu you’ll find everything from gluten-free pizzas and tofu-ribbon spaghetti to a mouthwatering selection of raw and gluten-free desserts. Their raw chocolate marble mousse (R45) and raw maple cheesecake (R45) are highly recommended, as is the Mila Rose, a dark chocolate slice made with baked pecan and almonds (R42).

Leafy Greens Café (Muldersdrift)

This raw food, vegan-friendly café designs their menu around seasonal, locally sourced produce, much of which grows in their own garden. All desserts are raw, gluten free, low GI and sweetened with organic coconut blossom nectar. Tuck into a raw chocolate caramel tart made with raw cacao, almonds, cashews, raw honey, rock salt and vanilla bean (R48) or a raw chocolate orange cheesecake made with raw cacao, almonds, cashews, orange juice and raw honey (R48). It may not be a bad idea to sample a scoop of their raw gelato ice, either (R17 per scoop).

Leafy Greens strawberry cheesecake