For those with dietary limitations (and those without!), here are five sugary shops that offer plenty of options without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.

_____

Defloured: As its cute name suggests, this shop is completely gluten-free. All the classics are offered here—think brownies, cake pops and s'mores—plus creative twists, such as a current focus on childhood favorites (professionally baked ding-dong, anyone?). Vegan options include chocolate-ginger cookies, chocolate cupcakes and almond-date caramel bars. 1477 W. Balmoral Ave., 773.234.5733

West Town Bakery: Following the statement "We bake for everyone," this sustainable spot offers nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free and vegan items, with a goal to include one vegan item per baked-good category (brownies, scones, cupcakes, candies), and strives to use as many local and all-natural ingredients as possible. 1916 W. Chicago Ave., 773.904.1414; 15 E. Ohio St., 312.894.0935

Do-Rite Donuts: This doughnut palace offers a regular vegan option, spiced maple chai, in addition to a different vegan flavor for each day of the week. The gluten-free doughnuts—birthday cake, Valrhona chocolate-glazed, and cinnamon and sugar—are offered daily. Multiple locations

Cookie Bar: Chicago's original gluten-free bakery regularly offers all the usual suspects, plus some unusual ones: a seven-layer peanut butter bar, vegan blackberry bar and dairy-free chocolate whiskey cake, to name a few. And you'll probably need to try the giant cookie pizza, available by special order. 1746 W. Wilson Ave., 773.334.0300

Goddess and the Baker: The Baker section of this shop, with its self-proclaimed fanatical focus on pastries and sweets, sells vegan and gluten-free muffins, in addition to “power balls”—gluten-free, vegan and paleo protein bullets—in flavors such as Rebuild (peanut butter, dates, sea salt) and Boost (oatmeal, raisins, dates, oats, walnuts, cinnamon). Multiple locations

[published in CS Magazine]