I’m not gluten-free, and I don’t avoid dairy. So, when I visited Pushkin’s Bakery in Roseville, a place known for making everything without gluten or dairy, I didn’t expect to be overly impressed.

But I was curious. I’ve heard people rave about their baked goods, and I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. So, I ordered a slice of banana bread, a chocolate chip cookie and an iced chai made with oat milk.

I’ve tried gluten-free baked goods before that tasted dry, bland or just plain off. But after trying a few things from Pushkin’s, I walked out with a new respect for what a good gluten-free bakery can do.

It’s located in Roseville, California. The bakery itself is clean and welcoming, and the staff were quick to help and answered questions easily.

There’s a mix of grab-and-go items and fresh-baked goods behind the glass case. Everything is labeled clearly, and knowing that the entire menu is safe for people avoiding gluten or dairy made it feel trustworthy.

The banana bread came as a thick slice with a soft but sturdy texture. It didn’t crumble in my hands like some gluten-free breads do, and it wasn’t overly sweet. The banana flavor was authentic and natural, not artificial or overpowering, and the bread had a slightly nutty, hearty taste. It felt like something you could eat in the morning with coffee or as a midday snack. If no one told me it was gluten-free, I might not have noticed.

The chocolate chip cookie looked great, with golden edges, generous chocolate chips and a solid flavor. Sweet, but not too sweet, and the chocolate was rich without being too intense. The only downside was the texture. While the outside had a nice crunch, the inside was a bit dry. I missed the chewiness I usually look for in a cookie. Still, I ate the whole thing, and if you’re gluten-free, it’s a good option. For people like me who eat traditional cookies all the time, it might not totally hit the mark, but it’s close.

The iced chai was another pleasant surprise. It was made with oat milk, which added a smooth, creamy feel without being heavy. The chai itself had just the right amount of cinnamon taste and sweetness, nothing too strong or too bland. It was cold, refreshing and had a buttery flavor, a perfect match for the baked goods. As someone who usually gets dairy in my drinks, I didn’t miss it at all.

I came to Pushkin’s wondering if I’d leave thinking, “Well, that was good…for gluten-free.” But I didn’t feel the need to add that last part. The items that I tried at Pushkin’s were just as good as other bakery items I’ve had with gluten and dairy in them.

It’s definitely one of the best I’ve tried in the gluten-free space, and that says a lot coming from someone who isn’t gluten-free. If you’re someone with dietary restrictions, Pushkin’s is a clear win. But even if you’re not, it’s worth stopping in to try.