Yes, we take allergen safety seriously at Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream in Saratoga Springs. We document ingredients, train staff, and use procedures to reduce cross contact, while being clear about the limits of an open kitchen and shared equipment.
What allergen safety means for our shop
Allergen safety is the set of practices we use to reduce the chance that food containing a common allergen will end up in something that should not contain it. For us that covers every menu item from scoops and sundaes to cakes and hot chocolate. We focus on ingredient transparency, careful prep, and honest communication with customers so families and guests can make informed choices.
Why allergen safety matters in Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a family oriented community and many of our visitors are families with kids, birthday parties, school groups and tourists. Food allergies are common enough that clear procedures matter for both safety and trust. When you plan a visit with a child who has an allergy, you want to know what we do, what to ask, and what to expect when you order a cake or a scoop.
Key concepts we follow
- Ingredient transparency. We list major ingredients for our menu items and note common allergens like milk, eggs, nuts, soy and wheat.
- Supplier information. We source dairy from local family dairies that avoid artificial growth hormones and antibiotics and we keep supplier allergen statements on file.
- Cross contact reduction. We use clearly labeled, sealed containers for common mix ins and store allergen prone items separately when possible.
- Dedicated tools where practical. For items like certain cakes we assign dedicated scoops and utensils to reduce risk.
- Staff training. Team members are trained to read ingredient labels, follow cleaning steps and communicate ingredient concerns to customers.
- Honest limits. Even with precautions, our shop is not a certified allergen free facility, and we will tell you when shared equipment or environment raises risk.
Common questions families ask
Can you make a cake without a specific allergen?
We can often prepare cakes with restricted ingredients, but options depend on current stock and kitchen setup. Tell us what allergen you need to avoid and we will explain whether we can accommodate it safely. For cakes specifically, ask about ingredient substitutions, separate preparation space and packaging to reduce cross contact.
Are your ice cream scoops free from nuts or other allergens?
Many of our ice creams contain milk by default, and several flavors include nuts, cookie pieces or other allergens. We label flavors that contain common allergens and can point out plain flavors that are less likely to include mix ins. When scooping from a display, cross contact is possible, so we will review options if you need a higher level of protection.
Do you use dedicated fryers or prep areas?
Our shop is arranged to limit cross contact, but we do not have fully separate allergen kitchens. For higher risk needs, planning ahead and discussing specifics with staff helps us manage the situation responsibly.
What to ask before you order or reserve a cake
Checklist for ordering with allergies
- Tell us the specific allergen you need to avoid, not just the word allergy.
- Ask which cake flavors and fillings contain that ingredient.
- Ask whether we can prepare the cake using a separate prep surface and clean utensils.
- Request ingredient lists for any decorations or mix ins.
- Discuss packaging if you need the cake transported separately to avoid cross contact in a shared car or cooler.
Pro tip: If you are ordering for a birthday or group with known allergies, let us know well before pickup day. That gives us the best chance to set aside ingredients and a clean prep station.
How we handle different menu items
Every menu item has a different level of complexity when it comes to allergens.
- Cakes. Cakes are our most customizable item. For cakes we can often avoid certain ingredients by choosing alternate fillings or icings and by taking extra prep precautions. Learn more about our cake options on our cakes page: Cake customization.
- Ice cream scoops and sundaes. Scooping from tubs and shared toppings raises the chance of cross contact. We label flavors and can point you to simpler flavors with fewer mix ins. See our ice cream details at Ice Cream.
- Hot chocolate and milkshakes. These drinks are made to order and can sometimes be adapted, but equipment is shared. For hot chocolate ingredients we can share supplier allergen information on request. Visit our hot chocolate page for more on choices: Hot Chocolate.
Related locations and when to plan ahead
We are part of the Saratoga Springs community and serve families from nearby neighborhoods. If you are visiting from another area or bringing a school group, tell us the size of your party and any dietary needs in advance so we can prepare. For local info and directions see our Saratoga Springs location page: Saratoga Springs, Utah.
Helpful resources
For basic, reliable background on food allergens and labeling, we recommend the FDA resource on food allergens and labeling.
For guidance on managing food allergies in a retail food setting, the University of Minnesota Extension provides practical advice that matches industry best practices.
When you need ingredient or supplier statements for a specific product we rely on manufacturer allergen declarations and will share them on request.
External references:
- FDA, Food Allergens for labeling and allergen basics.
- University of Minnesota Extension, Food Allergies for managing allergens in food service.
Common misconceptions
Some customers expect shops to be able to remove every risk. In a working dessert shop with shared equipment there is always some risk of cross contact. Our responsibility is to reduce that risk, be transparent about limits, and help you make safe choices for your family.
Frequently asked questions
Can you guarantee an item is completely allergen free?
No, we cannot guarantee any item is completely free of cross contact because we operate in a shop with shared equipment and prep space. We do our best to reduce risk and will explain what we can do for a particular order.
What should I bring or prepare when visiting with a severe allergy?
Bring any emergency medication you have been prescribed and share allergy details with staff when you arrive. We will review menu choices and prep options, but please plan for the possibility that some items are not suitable in our environment.
Do you label menu items with allergens?
Yes, we label flavors and menu items that contain common allergens and maintain ingredient lists. Ask a team member if you need a full ingredient list for a specific product.
How do you handle nut containing mix ins?
We store nut containing mix ins in sealed containers and avoid using the same utensils for allergy sensitive orders when possible. Still, if nut safe preparation is essential we will review whether we can meet your needs given current stock and kitchen conditions.
Key takeaway
We take allergen safety seriously by documenting ingredients, training staff and reducing cross contact, but we are an open shop and cannot eliminate risk entirely. Talk to us about your specific needs when ordering cakes or bringing a child with food allergies to your visit.
Learn more and check our profile
See our Google Business Profile for hours, reviews and directions, and read more about how we handle allergens and menu options on our site.

