Summary
Join host Janine Newberry as she interviews Simon Walensky, founder of Libby’s bakeries, a revolutionary gluten-free and sugar-free bakery chain in London. Simon shares his fascinating lockdown journey from feeling constantly tired to discovering the life-changing benefits of eliminating gluten and sugar from his diet, which inspired him to create truly delicious gluten-free alternatives that don’t taste like cardboard. Working with professional MasterChef winner Kerry Moss, Simon developed an innovative sugar replacement called fructo-oligosaccharide syrup that has zero glycemic index and half the calories of regular sugar, making it perfect for diabetics and health-conscious consumers. The conversation reveals the incredible challenges of creating flaky croissants, authentic breads, and satisfying cakes without traditional ingredients, while addressing the addiction-like qualities of sugar and why people resist healthier alternatives. This inspiring story shows how passion, persistence, and the right partnerships can transform personal health struggles into a business that’s genuinely changing lives in the gluten-free community.