In 2009, inside a Winnipeg kitchen, a mother and daughter set out with a simple dream: to create food that everyone could enjoy. With almonds at the heart of their recipes, they began with just one humble product line; crafted with love, tradition, and the belief that healthy could also be delicious.

 

 

What started as a specialty, Italian-inspired family business has since grown into Piccola Cucina Inc., a woman-owned Canadian food manufacturer. Over the years, the company has evolved from producing allergy-friendly, gluten-free Italian macaroons to offering a diverse line of better-for-you creations; including pie shells, wraps, pizza crusts, finished pizzas, and gluten-free vegan superfood desserts.

 

 

In 2023, Piccola Cucina grew once again with the acquisition of Judy G Foods Inc., expanding its offerings to include a full line of pizzas and desserts. Today, the company proudly operates a certified gluten-free, HACCP-certified, and CFIA federally inspected facility, where over 20 products are crafted with care.

Sustainability is woven into every step of production, from sourcing ingredients responsibly and recycling packaging materials to minimizing by-products, achieving zero food waste, and conserving water and energy.

At Piccola Cucina, quality is never compromised. Each product is made with the utmost attention and integrity, reflecting a commitment not only to freshness and flavour but also to inspiring positive lifestyle choices around food and ingredient consumption.

Allergy-Friendly

We know how difficult it can be to find allergy-friendly, limited ingredient foods that taste great. You shouldn't have to compromise on flavour because of diet restrictions or allergies. At Piccola Cucina, we are dedicated to developing nutritious indulgences and pantry goods you can incorporate into your daily lives without having to worry about allergy contraindications. We test negative for gluten under 15 PPM.

 

Our Values

 

SUSTAINABILITY - We take a holistic approach while demonstrating our commitment to fostering a sustainable impact for all people, and the planet overall.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION - We embrace diversity and inclusion inside and out, reflected through alignment to the values of our customers, suppliers, and team members.

PASSIONATE & RESOURCEFUL -We embody authenticity, passion, and resourcefulness to provide hand-crafted, Italian-inspired gourmet almond-based products.

 

Piccola Cucina Brand Statement

“We are driven by our passion to feed healthy lives using nutrient dense & simple ingredients using minimal processing for our products. This is an homage to our Italian heritage and values: simple and quality inputs equal quality outputs that are wholesome, healthy and delicious.” 

Why “nutrient dense”?  Eating less quantity to get the same or better nutritional value.  There is more to nutrition than calories. 

Benefits

This approach of maximizing whole ingredients and minimal processing also benefits the growing segment of the population with allergen sensitivities.  The use of basic ingredients, such as almond flour, is not only gluten free but also delicious and packed with nutrition, allowing those who have allergen sensitivities to enjoy the same high-quality food as their loved ones.  Gone are the days where gluten free or vegan means compromise. Nutrient dense foods ensure meeting nutritional needs, despite limitations of being on a restricted diet, whether that is due to health conditions, allergies or lifestyle choices. 

Piccola Cucina Attributes: 

1. Woman Owned – certified as a woman owned business through WEConnect International – we believe in elevating and shining the light on woman owned businesses by integrating woman owned suppliers when possible, within our supply chain.

2. Canadian – our manufacturing facility is located in Winnipeg, Canada

4. Diversity & Inclusion – We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion by providing opportunities to newcomers, minorities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the value of their experiences from abroad, and supporting them regardless of their language proficiency.

5. Committed to food safety – HACCP, CFIA Federally Inspected, Kosher & Gluten Free certified 

Our Brands Architecture

 The name Piccola Cucina is Italian for “Little Kitchen” because good things come out of a little kitchen, where working closely together with simple ingredients bring new ideas and approaches to life.  The mother and daughter founders wanted to pay homage to their Italian roots, as food is the heart of every Italian home.  All things happen with food present.  While not every product Piccola Cucina curates will be distinctly Italian, these fundamentals will always be present.

We currently offer a range of 20 products across three carefully curated categories, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of our discerning, health-conscious customers. Our product categories are thoughtfully designed to address various dietary preferences, including allergen-friendly and plant-based options, while also catering to convenience for busy lifestyles. Additionally, we strive to make our offerings accessible to customers across different socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that everyone can enjoy nutritious and high-quality choices.

Regali

The gift of good food; our line of premium & artisan offerings.  These products are based on simple ingredients and minimal processing.  Curated from the highest quality, most nutrient dense core ingredients, they are delicious and indulgent. 

Macaroons – Based on the traditional Amaretti, these Almond Macaroon Cookies are made true to Italian tradition, with no added fillers, fat, or flour. Our cookies use simple ingredients, are high in protein - with 2 grams of protein per cookie - and rich in healthy plant-based fats. These classic soft and chewy almond cookies will satisfy any sweet craving.

Moments Desserts – A line of decadent, healthy indulgent individual dessert cakes.  Utilizing nutrient dense superfoods and plant-based ingredients, these are a nutritious treat that satisfies the sweet tooth.  Pause.  Nourish.  Enjoy. 

Prova!

Taste it!… Crafted to cater to the discerning allergen-sensitive consumer and their families, these products seamlessly blend affordability with mass market appeal. By harmonizing value and quality, they offer a tailored solution for cost-conscious individuals seeking allergen-sensitive options.

Judy G Gluten Free – A value conscious diverse line of allergen friendly pizzas with options for everyone.  Based on a crisp and fluffy vegetarian and gluten free crust, this value conscious line of pizzas satiates and nourishes the whole family. 

Cantina

In the fridge, freezer & basement of almost every Italian home are the elements with which to create delicious food.  Our line of Cantina offerings provides the basic ingredients necessary for those inspired by our products to put their talents to work creating delicious food. 

Tortilla Wraps 

Pie Crusts 

Judy G Gluten Free Pizza Crust – The perfect starting point. FREE FROM the 10 common food allergens. Stop the craving and start indulging, from savoury pesto and goat cheese to dessert pizza with cinnamon and sugar. Build your creation just the way you like it!

Almond Flour  – Finely milled and perfect for baking, sourced from a 3rd generation family farm in the San Joaquin Valley in California, is protein-rich, high in healthy plant-based fats like omega 3 and monosaturated fat, Kosher certified, light and fluffy, and so finely milled, it's almost the same colour as traditional flours.