Simple Kneads
Simple Kneads is a privately held, Burlington, North Carolina-based specialty bakery producing USDA Organic, gluten-free, top 9 allergen-free artisan sourdough bread from five ancient grains, selling through a Shopify e-commerce storefront and over 3,000 US retail stores to consumers with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and multi-allergen dietary needs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersBurlington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Simple Kneads does
Simple Kneads, operating under the legal entity SHILOH'S FIVE LOAVES, INC., is a privately held specialty food company that produces and distributes gluten-free, artisan-style sourdough bread. Founded by Tristaun LeClaire in 2016 (per company history; 2014 per firmographics) after his son Shiloh developed a gluten allergy, the company operates from Burlington, North Carolina, and employs 11-50 people. The product line comprises four core SKUs — Sourdough, Quinoa Power Grains, Pumpkinickel, and Cinnamon Raisin — all built on a true-sourdough fermentation process using natural wild-yeast cultures and lactobacillus (no commercial baker's yeast), formulated from five whole ancient grains (buckwheat, quinoa, millet, sorghum, teff). The products are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Gluten-Free Certified, Vegan, and Top 9 Allergen-Free; the bread was reformulated in 2024 to incorporate extra virgin olive oil and natural citrus fiber for improved texture and a heart-health positioning.
The commercial model combines direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify storefront (selling 4-loaf combo packs in the $42.99–$46.99 range, with a subscription/auto-ship program offering a 10% discount and a money-back guarantee) with wholesale distribution to grocery, health-food, and natural-food retailers across the United States. As of late 2024 the company reported distribution in 3,000+ retail stores (3,405 store-locator results) and has accumulated 41,287 verified reviews at 4.8/5 stars on Shopper Approved. The company has raised approximately $1.34M cumulatively across five Regulation CF securities offerings on Republic between 2014 and 2024, the most recent two raises (2023 and 2024) explicitly designated for retail expansion and new product development.
Go-to-market execution is content-led, anchored by the 'Simple Truths' educational blog, an Instagram presence, a weekly trivia engagement mechanic with discount-code rewards, and a content partnership with Australian health educator Barbara O'Neill. Customer adoption is heavily corroborated by testimonial evidence from individuals with celiac disease, multiple food allergies, and gluten sensitivity, validating the brand's positioning around digestive health and allergen inclusivity. Distribution is currently US-only with no disclosed international operations.
Simple Kneads firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Simple Kneads
- Legal name
- SHILOH'S FIVE LOAVES, INC.
- Website
- https://simplekneads.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Simple Kneads is a privately held, Burlington, North Carolina-based specialty bakery producing USDA Organic, gluten-free, top 9 allergen-free artisan sourdough bread from five ancient grains, selling through a Shopify e-commerce storefront and over 3,000 US retail stores to consumers with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and multi-allergen dietary needs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Simple Kneads industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Artisan Gluten-Free Bakery
- NAICS
- Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing (3118), Commercial Bakeries (311812), Baked Goods Retailers (445291)
- SIC
- Bakery Products (2050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty Bakery Manufacturing (Gluten-Free, Artisan, Health-Focused) (AFAKAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Gluten-Free & Specialty Grain-Based Foods Manufacturing (GF pasta/cereals, ancient grains) (AFAKABAK), Bread & Pastry Specialty Stores (CRAHAGAC)
Keywords
Where Simple Kneads is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Burlington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Simple Kneads business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct E-commerce Sales: Online sales through their Shopify storefront where customers purchase bread loaves and combo packs. Orders are baked fresh and shipped directly to customers' doors. They offer subscription/auto-ship options for recurring revenue.
- Wholesale/Retail Distribution: Sales to retail grocery stores and food service operators. The company has expanded to 3000+ stores and continues to pursue retail distribution partnerships.
- Reg CF Securities Offering: Crowdfunding investment opportunity through Republic platform to raise capital for retail expansion and new product development.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 4-in-1 Combo Pack - All Four Flavors |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sourdough 4-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Quinoa Power Grains 4-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pumpkinickel 4-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cinnamon Raisin 4-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mixed Combo Packs (2+2) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Subscribe and Save |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Simple Kneads product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Simple Kneads manufactures and sells four artisan gluten-free sourdough bread varieties (Sourdough, Quinoa Power Grains, Pumpkinickel, Cinnamon Raisin) made with five whole ancient grains and fermented using natural wild yeast cultures rather than commercial yeast. The breads are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free Certified, vegan, and Top 9 Allergen-Free. Products are sold directly to consumers via a Shopify storefront with subscription/auto-ship options, and through wholesale distribution to retail grocery and health food stores (3,000+ stores).
Product overview
Simple Kneads is a gluten-free artisan sourdough bakery offering four signature bread flavors (Sourdough, Quinoa Power Grains, Pumpkinickel, and Cinnamon Raisin) made with five ancient gluten-free grains (buckwheat, quinoa, millet, sorghum, and teff). The products are certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified, USDA organic, vegan, and top 9 allergen-free. All breads are naturally cultured using traditional sourdough fermentation methods with no baker's yeast added. The company offers individual loaves, combo packs, and bundle options with subscription services for recurring orders.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Sourdough A naturally cultured gluten-free sourdough bread that is moist and light in flavor with an artisan-style crust, made with ancient grains including millet, sorghum, teff, quinoa, and buckwheat flour. Formulated for consumers with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, or those seeking allergen-free and vegan bread options.
- Quinoa Power Grains A naturally cultured sourdough bread with a slightly nutty flavor, moist texture, and topped with quinoa seeds. Made with five ancient gluten-free grains and an oil-free recipe. Targets gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-conscious consumers seeking a nutritious, seed-topped sandwich or toast bread.
- Pumpkinickel A naturally cultured gluten-free bread topped with pumpkin seeds for a bold rye-style twist, featuring caraway seeds and carob powder. Made with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil. Intended for consumers wanting an earthy-sweet, allergen-free rye-style loaf suitable for both sweet and savory spreads.
- Cinnamon Raisin A naturally cultured sourdough bread described as a sweet variation with cinnamon and raisins in every bite. Made with the company's five ancient gluten-free grains and extra virgin olive oil formulation. Targets gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-conscious consumers seeking a sweet-style allergen-free bread.
- SK Bundle Basket A bundled offering of four loaves in various flavor combinations — including the 4-in-1 combo of all four flavors and mixed 2+2 combos — with savings versus single-flavor 4-packs and availability as both one-time purchase and subscription via the direct-to-consumer storefront. Designed for households and gift buyers seeking variety, value, and recurring delivery of the brand's gluten-free artisan bread.
- Subscribe and Save Auto-Ship Program A subscription/auto-ship program available on all 4-loaf combo packs and mixed combos, providing a 10% discount on recurring monthly orders with free shipping. Targets existing gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-conscious consumers seeking predictable, recurring delivery of Simple Kneads bread.
Quantifiable outcome
- 4.8/5 star rating with 41,287 verified reviews on Shopper Approved
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Simple Kneads
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Simple Kneads technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Simple Kneads partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Barbara O'NeillminorAustralian naturopath and health educator Barbara O'Neill is a longtime friend and content partner of Simple Kneads CEO Tristaun LeClaire. She endorses and recommends Simple Kneads bread and has participated in video interview series discussing bread, health, and nutrition.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Simple Kneads competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Udi's Gluten Free: Long-standing gluten-free bread and baked-goods brand with national distribution and broad portfolio across loaves, bagels, muffins, and pizza crust. Direct competitor at the shelf but a much larger, broad-line incumbent.
- Dave's Killer Bread: Large-scale better-for-you bread brand owned by Flowers Foods. Not exclusively gluten-free but competes in the premium, ingredient-credentialed bread shelf segment relevant to Simple Kneads' positioning.
- Schar: European-headquartered gluten-free CPG leader with extensive bread, pasta, and snack portfolio. Operates in U.S. retail and represents a large established incumbent in the gluten-free bread category.
Direct peers
- Three Bakers: Gluten-free bread and snack company producing whole-grain sliced breads distributed through natural and grocery channels. Closely comparable in product mix and channel strategy.
- Canyon Bakehouse: One of the largest U.S. gluten-free bread brands, owned by Flowers Foods. Competes head-to-head with Simple Kneads in sliced gluten-free loaves across mainstream grocery and natural food channels.
- Against the Grain: Specialty gluten-free bread and baked-goods maker focused on natural ingredients. Competes in artisanal gluten-free sliced bread, similar to Simple Kneads' premium positioning.
- Katz Gluten Free: Long-time gluten-free baked-goods maker covering breads, muffins, cookies, and donuts. Direct competitor in allergen-friendly baked goods for the same celiac and allergy-driven shopper.
- Little Northern Bakehouse: Gluten-free bread brand offering seeded, classic, and cinnamon varieties in similar retail channels. Closely aligned in product positioning, certifications, and target shopper.
Emerging players
- Base Culture: Better-for-you, gluten-free bread and bakery brand with natural ingredient positioning sold through DTC and retail. Comparable clean-label, grain-focused product narrative.
- Bread SRSLY: True sourdough gluten-free bakery emphasizing fermentation-based bread. Shares Simple Kneads' core technical differentiation (wild yeast/long fermentation) on a smaller, more artisanal scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Simple Kneads social profiles
Digital presenceSimple Kneads compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Simple Kneads financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Simple Kneads leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Simple Kneads funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Simple Kneads M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Simple Kneads
What does Simple Kneads do?
Simple Kneads manufactures and sells four artisan gluten-free sourdough bread varieties (Sourdough, Quinoa Power Grains, Pumpkinickel, Cinnamon Raisin) made with five whole ancient grains and fermented using natural wild yeast cultures rather than commercial yeast. The breads are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free Certified, vegan, and Top 9 Allergen-Free. Products are sold directly to consumers via a Shopify storefront with subscription/auto-ship options, and through wholesale distribution to retail grocery and health food stores (3,000+ stores).
Is Simple Kneads a public or private company?
Simple Kneads is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Simple Kneads founded?
Simple Kneads was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Simple Kneads based?
Simple Kneads is headquartered in Burlington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Simple Kneads make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Direct E-commerce Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale/Retail Distribution and reg CF Securities Offering.
Who are Simple Kneads's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Udi's Gluten Free, Dave's Killer Bread and Schar. Direct peers are Three Bakers, Canyon Bakehouse, Against the Grain, Katz Gluten Free and Little Northern Bakehouse. Emerging players are Base Culture and Bread SRSLY.
Does Simple Kneads have an API?
No public API is recorded for Simple Kneads.
What industry is Simple Kneads in?
Simple Kneads's product category is Artisan Gluten-Free Bakery. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAKAAAG, Specialty Bakery Manufacturing (Gluten-Free, Artisan, Health-Focused), with a secondary code of AFAKABAK, Gluten-Free & Specialty Grain-Based Foods Manufacturing (GF pasta/cereals, ancient grains). Its NAICS code is 3118 and its SIC code is 2050.