Red Hen Baking Co.
Questions?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for here, please fill out our contact form or give us a call and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Bread FAQ's
So...is it sourdough?
We prefer the term "naturally leavened," but the process is the same. When the average person hears "sourdough" they think of the white San Francisco style with that classic tang. Our breads have a wide range of flavor profiles and grain types that we don't feel is fully represented by the term "sourdough". Yes, the majority of them are leavened (given their rise) with a naturally fermented starter rather than the addition of commercial yeast.
How long do your breads last?
We bake and deliver bread 7 days a week because we believe in fresh bread! The majority of our breads are best enjoyed the same day they are baked, however there are a few varieties that keep very well for a few days, like the Miche, Sprouternickel and Kingdom Rye.
Why are your breads sold in paper bags?
We have always sold our unsliced hearth breads in paper bags. We do this because we go through a lot of trouble to create a crisp crust on our breads. In order for that crust to remain crisp, the bread needs to “breathe.” The paper bag is really doing nothing more than identifying our bread and keeping others’ hands off of it. Once you bring it home, you can toss the bag in the recycling (or save it for making papier mache) and store your bread sliced side down to keep it from drying out. The crust will act as a natural package for the rest of the loaf. Refer to the information on our specific varieties to see how many days you can expect to keep your particular bread in this manner.
What about plastic bags?
If our breads are put into a plastic bag, they will stay moist for much longer, but the crust will soften. If you are willing to sacrifice a crisp crust to stretch the shelf life a little longer, you can put our bread in a plastic bag. At temperatures under 70 degrees, our breads will not get moldy for at least a week. If it is one of our naturally leavened ones, it will last even longer. You can be sure that you have a naturally leavened variety if you do not see yeast listed in the ingredients.
Should your breads be refrigerated?
We do not recommend keeping our breads in the refrigerator because, even in a plastic bag, the dry air in the fridge dries out the bread. If you need to keep your bread for longer than a week, see below.
Can your breads be frozen?
Our breads freeze very well in a well-sealed plastic bag. In a frost-free freezer, they are good for 3-4 months. In a traditional freezer, they are good until the next time you have to defrost it. If our bread is frozen unsliced, a few minutes in the oven after it is thawed will bring the crust back to almost as good as fresh.
Do you offer sliced bread?
By request at our café, and on a limited basis to stores that we deliver to, we sell sliced breads. These need to be packed in plastic to prevent the crumb (interior) from drying out—a sacrifice for convenience that can be worth it (especially if you intend to use if for sandwiches or toast). Unless the weather is very hot (over 70 degrees), our sliced breads should keep for a week. (See above about plastic bags.)
Do you breads contain dairy or eggs?
All of our breads use what's called a "lean dough", meaning it contains no milk, dairy, butter, or oil. The only exception to this would be the occasional special offering around the holidays, like Panettone, and of course our pastries.
Do you make any Gluten Free breads?
We do not offer gluten free bread. In order to do so safely, we would essentially need an entirely separate facility! We do however offer a few items on the pastry menu that contain no wheat for those with sensitivities, like the coconut macaroons and the buckwheat cookies. We also offer buckwheat waffle cones during creemee season.
Can I buy flour from you?
Yes! In partnership with our friends from Le Moulin des Cedres in Quebec, we package and sell 5lb bags of our organic all purpose flour in our cafe and in coops. You can also purchase 100% vermont-grown, freshly milled whole wheat in our cafe. If you run your own bakery or restaurant and want to source regionally grown organic four for your own use, reach out to us via our contact page to learn more about wholesale flour options.
Online Ordering FAQs
When can I pick up my order?
it depends on the specific lead time and baking schedule for each variety. The bake days are listed on each variety. While browsing, you can sort by availability to see everything that's available on a specific day. Once you add items to your cart, you'll be asked to select your pick up day before checking out. The next available pick up day will be highlighted on the calendar.
Why does it say there are no available pick up days for my order?
This is likely because you have items in your cart that aren't available on the same day. For example, if you have an Alice's Rye and Sprouternickel in your cart, there won't be any available pick up days because Sprouternickel isn't available on Sundays, and Alice's Rye is only available on Sundays. You'll have to place separate orders for separate pick up days in this situation. Alternatively, when browsing, you can sort by availability and see only the varieties that that are offered on the day you'd like to pick up your order.
Can I use my gift card to place an order online?
Unfortunately, our gift cards are only compatible with our in-store payment processing system, not our online pre-ordering. If you'd like to place a pre-order to be picked up at a later date, please reach out to us using this contact form, and select the subject "Cafe/Catering". We can arrange your order for you and you'll be able to pay with your gift card when you pick up your order in the cafe.
Do you offer shipping?
Given the fact that the majority of our baked goods are best enjoyed as fresh as possible, we do not offer shipping. We don't like the idea of you paying extra for a loaf of bread that won't be at its best by the time it gets to you. However, you can plan ahead and place a bulk order to pick up the next time you're in the area! Many of our long-distance fans keep a freezer stocked with Red Hen bread!
Can I order bread to be picked up at one of your other retail locations?
Typically, yes, but this should be done through the store that you intend to pick up from. If a store already carries our breads, reach out to them directly. They are usually happy to arrange a special order for you and will connect with us to make it happen!
Whoelsale FAQ's
How do I set up a wholesale account?
Reach out by submitting this contact form or giving us a call at 802-223-5200 ex. 10. Our wholesale manager will help you set up your account and decide which varieties are a good for for your business.
Am I within your delivery radius?
We deliver within about 60 miles of the bakery, going North to Winooski and south to White River Junction and the Upper Valley. If you are outside of our delivery area we can make arrangements to have bread delivered for an additional fee. The charge for this service is approximately $10 for an $80 order, please call 802-223-5200x10 for more details.
What are the ordering cut off times?
All bread orders require at least a 2-day lead time with a 3:00pm cut off. Orders containing sliced bread require a 3-day lead time with a 3:00pm cut off. Orders are entered Monday-Saturdays. Orders submitter after 3:00pm or on Sundays will be entered the following day for the next possible delivery day.
Do you wholesale pastries?
We are in the process of expanding our wholesale offerings to include pastries. We hope to be able to offer wholesale pastries starting in the fall of 2026. Until then, we may be able to accommodate wholesale pastry orders on a case-by-case basis. Reach out for more info.
How do I place an order?
Once your wholesale account is established, you can send your orders to sales@redhenbaking.com or call us a t 802-223-5200 ex 10. You can also place orders through a separate online ordering platform.