Wholesome Bakery: Baking the Way for a Brighter, More Sustainable Tomorrow

Chef Mandy Harper, founder of Wholesome Bakery, is on a mission to redefine indulgence with sustainability at its core. Inspired by her Native American roots and a lifelong passion for nourishing food, she began crafting wholesome, planet-friendly baked goods in her apartment kitchen 15 years ago. Today, Wholesome Bakery stands as a leader in ethical, delicious treats, proving that great taste and responsible choices can go hand in hand. Through transparency, thoughtful ingredients, and a commitment to giving back, Mandy and her team are setting a new standard for the future of baking. DeliveryRank offers an exclusive interview.

Wholesome Bakery emphasizes the use of unrefined, organic ingredients and maintains a commitment to being plant-based, dairy-free, soy-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars. What inspired you to adopt these specific dietary standards, and how do you ensure the quality and integrity of your ingredients? 

I was raised with an appreciation for real, whole foods. My mom, who is Native American, made it a priority to grow a lot of our own produce and keep processed foods out of our home. Sugary cereals or packaged snacks were a rare treat—something I’d get only if I was "good." When I was 11, I became vegetarian, and not long after, I transitioned to being vegan. My mom struggled with it at first—she’d say, “We’re Native American—we eat meat!” But that shift led me to start cooking for myself and diving deep into understanding ingredients—where they come from, how they’re made, and how they impact our bodies. That curiosity turned into an obsession, one that still drives me today. Now, with Wholesome Bakery, I get to share that knowledge and passion with our customers by creating food that’s both nourishing and truly delicious. 

Could you elaborate on the specific sustainable practices implemented in your operations, from sourcing ingredients to packaging and waste management? 

Sustainability is at the core of every decision we make. I first research the ingredient itself, and then when sourcing ingredients, I take an extensive look at the companies we buy from—their sustainability initiatives, carbon footprint, and fair trade practices. I believe that even if our customers don’t always see the behind-the-scenes effort, we’re still making an impact by influencing suppliers to adopt better practices. Most people want to do good—they just need a push in the right direction. If Wholesome Bakery can be part of that shift, even in a small way, that’s something I’m incredibly proud of. 

How do you approach product development to cater to diverse dietary needs without compromising on taste and texture?

 A ton of practice. That’s really the secret. I see a lot of brands trying to do what we do, and most give up for one of two reasons: either they’re more focused on making a quick profit than on actually doing good, or they simply don’t understand ingredients. You have to know how they work, how to balance them, and how to get them to complement each other. It’s not just about replacing an ingredient—it’s about truly understanding the science behind it. That’s why Wholesome Bakery stands out. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t settle for good enough—it has to be exceptional. I say to my team all the time - we have to be undeniable! 

As a Native women-owned business, how does your cultural background influence the ethos and operations of Wholesome Bakery? Are there particular challenges or advantages you've encountered as a minority-owned business in the food industry?

Absolutely. Being a woman—especially a small woman (I’m 5’1 on a good day!)—who doesn’t look or fit the traditional mold of a business leader has meant being overlooked for years. And honestly, I still am at times. But I refuse to be anyone other than myself, and I refuse to stop doing what I love. There were years of tears, frustration, and feeling like I was never going to get ahead. But what kept me going was knowing that I couldn’t be the only person in the world like me. That’s what fueled me—knowing that there were other people out there looking for exactly what I was creating. And now, seeing how far Wholesome Bakery has come, I know I was right to keep pushing forward. 

With the increasing demand for online shopping, how has Wholesome Bakery adapted to provide a seamless online ordering experience? 

We’ve always had some level of online presence, whether through direct sales or just making sure people could find us. But of course, there have been growing pains and lessons along the way. The key has been staying transparent with our customers—letting them know what’s happening, what’s changing, and listening to their feedback. That transparency helps us grow with our customers rather than just expecting them to adjust to us. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure they can get our products in the easiest way possible, whether they’re shopping in stores or online.

If you would like to find out more about Wholesome Bakery, please visit https://wholesomebakery.com/