Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Cooper.
Hi Laura, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Twenty years ago, our family’s journey with food restrictions began when my husband went gluten-free and dairy-free for health reasons. As our kids grew, they each developed their own food sensitivities—our middle child had severe allergies to both common and uncommon foods, which led us to create every meal from scratch. Living in Africa at the time, I learned to bake daily. When we returned home, I dedicated myself to developing recipes that could accommodate our family’s needs. My goal was simple: I didn’t want my kids to miss out on anything—whether it was food, social gatherings, or travel—because of food allergies.
When our youngest was diagnosed with celiac and my husband followed with an official diagnosis, it deepened our commitment to finding not just safe, but truly delicious food for people with dietary restrictions. Over the past 15 years, we’ve poured our hearts into crafting recipes that make it easy for others to thrive with food restrictions. Our mission is to ensure that anyone with food restrictions can enjoy food that tastes amazing—because everyone deserves to thrive and find joy, no matter their dietary needs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road—running a business rarely is—but our passion for creating safe, delicious food has kept us going through every challenge. In 2018, when a large hospital approached us about baking for them, we were honored but not quite ready. At that time, I was focused full-time on baking and recipe development for my family, not full-scale production. So we took the next 20 months to carefully business plan and prepare to launch. Just as we were ready to open, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It was a deeply uncertain time, especially for those with special dietary needs who suddenly found it even harder to access safe food. But we had our inventory ready and felt a responsibility to serve, so we opened in May 2020—right in the heart of the pandemic.
Our launch went well despite the odds, but just five months later, we relocated our family several states away to Utah—a place where we didn’t know a soul. That move was incredibly tough on the business. Still, we remained committed to our mission and worked hard to build new connections within Utah’s gluten-free and allergy-free community. It wasn’t easy; there were plenty of long days, emotional moments, and unexpected hurdles. But slowly, we found our footing, developed strong relationships in the local food industry, and built a loyal customer base. Through it all, our passion has never wavered—we continue to do this work because we truly care about the people we serve.
We’ve been impressed with Rustic Scoop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Rustic Scoop™, we specialize in creating high-quality, allergen-free baking solutions that make it possible for everyone—regardless of dietary needs—to enjoy delicious baked goods. Our products are gluten-free, free from the top 9 allergens, refined sugar-free, and made with organic ingredients. Whether you’re baking for yourself, a loved one with food allergies, or simply looking for healthier options, our mixes are crafted to deliver amazing taste and texture without compromise. From sandwich bread and pizza crust to chocolate cake, cookies, and pancakes, our versatile baking mixes are designed to be easy to use, adaptable, and satisfying for everyone at the table. We also offer vegan options, video tutorials to support every skill level, and fully baked goods available in local stores for ultimate convenience.
What sets Rustic Scoop™ apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and flavor. We believe food should be a joyful experience that brings people together—not something that divides or isolates. That’s why we’re most proud of creating products that don’t feel like a “lesser” alternative; they’re simply delicious, period. Our mixes are trusted and loved by people with and without food restrictions, and that’s a reflection of our dedication to quality and care. Whether you’re a parent baking for your child with allergies, a professional chef needing reliable allergen-free options, or simply someone who appreciates clean, wholesome ingredients, Rustic Scoop™ is here to help you create safe, tasty meals that everyone can enjoy.
What makes you happy?
What makes me truly happy is witnessing the joy and relief on people’s faces when they realize they can finally enjoy baked goods that are safe for them—and that actually taste amazing. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone with food allergies or celiac disease take a bite of our products and be in total disbelief that it’s free from gluten and the top 9 allergens. The look of surprise, followed by joy, is something I’ll never get tired of. Some people even well up with tears because they haven’t had food like this in years—or ever—and now they can enjoy it without fear.
It’s equally heartwarming when people without any dietary restrictions tell us how much they love our food, too. It proves that allergen-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free. The ability to bring people together over food, regardless of their dietary needs, is incredibly fulfilling. There’s something truly magical about sharing a meal, and knowing our products make that possible for so many different people is what drives everything we do at Rustic Scoop™.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rusticscoop.com
- Instagram: @rusticscoop
- Facebook: @rusticscoop
