Q&A with Addison LaBonte, Founder of Sweet Addison’s

Founded by Addison LaBonte, Sweet Addison’s has since revolutionized the way we indulge. With a passion for innovation, Addison puts a spin on your favorite childhood sweets, but with ingredients you know, love, and trust. Sweet Addison’s is made with the cleanest ingredients, ethically sourced, sustainable, and minimally processed.In her early twenties, Addison, a former Division 1 athlete, faced a challenge when she could no longer run due to Compartment Syndrome. She was left with the option to quit running or undergo invasive surgeries on both legs. Instead, she defied the diagnosis for surgery and ended up eliminating gluten from her diet and adopting a healthier lifestyle. With a lifestyle change of being healthier – with cooking at the forefront – Addison took to baking and finding “better-for-you” options, thus Sweet Addison’s was born. Addison is shaping the world of desserts into one where desserts become a celebration of both flavor and responsibility towards the planet. With this vision in mind, she strives towards creating a brighter, tastier, and more sustainable future for all!

What inspired you to start Sweet Addison’s, and how did your journey lead you to create a better-for-you bakery brand?

Sweet Addison’s was born out of my personal journey with food. As someone who has been gluten-free for years, I struggled to find desserts that weren’t just an “alternative” but actually tasted amazing. I didn’t want to settle for treats that felt like a compromise – so I started baking my own. What began as a passion for making delicious, better-for-you desserts turned into a business when I realized there was a real demand for indulgent, clean-label cookies and brownies that people with dietary restrictions (and those without!) could enjoy. Sweet Addison’s is all about proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for clean ingredients.

Your products are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. What was the process like in developing recipes that are both clean and delicious?

Developing recipes that meet our standards took a lot of trial and error. I wanted to create something that didn’t just check the “gluten-free” or “dairy-free” box, but that people would crave, regardless of their diet. It took a deep dive into ingredient sourcing, finding the perfect grain-free flour, natural sweeteners, and dairy alternatives that still delivered on taste and texture. I tested countless combinations to make sure every bite had the same nostalgic, homemade feel as a classic bakery cookie or brownie – just without the junk.

As a female founder in the food industry, what advice do you have for other entrepreneurs looking to launch their own brand?

My biggest advice is to just start. There will never be a perfect moment, and you don’t need all the answers on day one. Test your product, listen to feedback, and keep refining. The food industry is tough, but if you truly believe in your product, keep pushing forward – even when it’s hard. Also, surround yourself with people who understand the space, whether that’s mentors, advisors, or other founders. Learning from others’ experiences can save you a lot of time.

How has the Dallas market responded to Sweet Addison’s, and do you have plans for further expansion?

Dallas has been incredibly supportive. The community here values quality and is open to trying better-for-you products that don’t compromise on taste. We’ve seen strong demand not just online but also in local retail and hospitality, which has fueled our excitement to expand. We’re currently working on scaling our retail presence and looking at opportunities to bring Sweet Addison’s to more grocery stores, coffee shops, and hotels nationwide.

Anything else to add?

Just a big thank you to everyone who has supported Sweet Addison’s! It’s been amazing to see how many people are as excited about clean, delicious desserts as I am. We have some exciting things coming up this year – including new flavors, retail launches, and brand collaborations – so stay tuned!