Does Ella Mills Eat Gluten? The Deliciously Ella Diet Explained

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Following a diagnosis with a rare illness in 2011, Ella Mills adopted a plant-based diet free of gluten, meat, and dairy to help manage her symptoms. Her initial approach was highly restrictive, but her perspective has evolved over time, and she has publicly distanced herself from the term 'clean eating'. Today, while her brand continues to offer gluten-free products, her personal philosophy emphasizes a more balanced, inclusive approach to plant-based eating.

Quick Summary

Initially following a strictly gluten-free diet due to illness, Ella Mills' approach has shifted over time. Her Deliciously Ella brand features many gluten-free recipes and products, yet her personal diet is now more flexible, focusing on balanced, plant-based nutrition rather than strict dietary exclusions.

Key Points

Initial Strict Diet: Following a 2011 illness diagnosis, Ella Mills initially adopted a plant-based diet that was strictly free of gluten, dairy, and sugar.
Evolving Philosophy: Over time, her approach became less restrictive, moving away from the 'clean eating' label and focusing on a more balanced, inclusive diet centered on plants.
Gluten-Free Brand Focus: The Deliciously Ella brand continues to feature many gluten-free products and recipes, catering to those with intolerances and dietary preferences.
Emphasis on Plants: Her current message promotes eating 'more plants for more people more of the time,' rather than obsessively eliminating food groups.
Enjoyment Over Restriction: Mills emphasizes that a healthy lifestyle should be enjoyable and sustainable, not based on deprivation or guilt.
Focus on Gut Health: A key part of her current philosophy is the importance of gut health, which is supported by a diverse, fiber-rich plant-based diet.
Not Diagnosed Celiac: While she initially cut gluten, there is no public record indicating she has been diagnosed with celiac disease; the elimination was part of a broader dietary overhaul for her symptoms.

Ella Mills' Initial Gluten-Free Diet for Health

In 2011, Ella Mills was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), which caused chronic fatigue, pain, and digestive problems. Seeking alternatives after conventional medicine offered limited help, she researched and adopted a strictly plant-based, whole-foods diet that eliminated gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. This change was the foundation of her blog, Deliciously Ella, where she shared her journey and recipes. Early cookbooks, like Deliciously Ella, focused on entirely gluten-free, plant-based recipes.

The Shift in Mills' Dietary Philosophy

Over time, Mills' view on food became more flexible. The initial strictness, driven by her health crisis, evolved as she responded to public feedback and developed a more sustainable lifestyle approach. Around 2017, she publicly moved away from the 'clean eating' label, often linked to restrictive eating. This marked a shift from demonizing foods like gluten and dairy to promoting the inclusion of more plant-based foods. She now advocates for a positive relationship with food, free from guilt, and emphasizes enjoyment.

The Role of Gluten in Modern Deliciously Ella

While her personal diet is less restrictive, gluten-free options remain key to the Deliciously Ella brand, serving those with sensitivities and preferences. This is evident in her gluten-free snack bars and dedicated gluten-free recipe sections online. The brand offers practical options for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, while her broader message encourages increased plant consumption for everyone.

Gluten-Free vs. Plant-Based: A Comparison of Philosophies

Understanding the distinction between Mills' past diet, current personal approach, and brand strategy is important. The table below highlights these differences.


Aspect	Initial Diet (2011)	Current Philosophy	Deliciously Ella Brand Products/Recipes
Stance on Gluten	Eliminated entirely.	Less restrictive; not an absolute rule.	Offers extensive gluten-free options and products.
Stance on Dairy	Eliminated entirely.	Less restrictive; focuses on plant-based alternatives.	Entirely plant-based; dairy-free.
Core Focus	Recovery from illness; strict elimination.	Inclusive and balanced approach; more plants, less processed.	Accessible, healthy, plant-based food for a broad audience.
Key Motivation	Personal health crisis.	Sustainability, gut health, and joy of eating.	Providing delicious, natural, plant-based solutions.

Why The Change Matters

Ella Mills' shift from a strict gluten-free diet to a more flexible, plant-focused approach mirrors a wider trend towards balanced, sustainable health practices. Her move away from 'clean eating' shows her embracing a more achievable and enjoyable lifestyle, understanding that long-term health isn't built on deprivation. Her current focus on adding more plants fosters a healthier relationship with food and provides a more inclusive message for her audience. This evolution also aligns with scientific understanding, particularly concerning gut health, a key element in her current advocacy. By emphasizing diverse plant-based foods, she promotes feeding the gut microbiome, a principle she frequently highlights. The Deliciously Ella brand continues to appeal to both original followers and new consumers seeking convenient, tasty ways to incorporate more plants into their diet.

Deliciously Ella's Broader Impact and Current Focus

The Deliciously Ella brand has grown into a major wellness platform, encompassing products, books, a restaurant, and a digital community. Its mission has evolved from personal recovery to making healthy, plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This includes offering recipes for various dietary needs while promoting the benefits of a plant-rich diet. The brand's success stems from this shift towards a 'more-of' plant-based philosophy, showcasing flavorful and appealing recipes that challenge the idea that healthy food is boring.

Conclusion

Ella Mills' dietary journey began with the strict elimination of gluten due to illness. However, her personal diet is no longer strictly gluten-free. Her current philosophy promotes a balanced, inclusive, plant-based approach prioritizing gut health and the enjoyment of food over rigid restrictions. While her personal diet has evolved, the Deliciously Ella brand maintains a strong focus on gluten-free options to meet the needs of its broad audience, advocating for a sustainable way of eating well. This change highlights the maturation of her approach towards long-term health and lifestyle. For more on the brand's story, visit deliciouslyella.com/en-us/our-story

Gluten-Free Food Alternatives Promoted by Ella Mills

Ella Mills has often highlighted gluten-free alternatives, particularly for those with intolerances. These include:

Quinoa: A source of protein often used in salads and other dishes.
Brown Rice Pasta: A common substitute for traditional pasta.
Sweet Potatoes: A versatile ingredient used in both savory and sweet recipes.
Oats: Frequently used in baking and breakfast, ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are staples in her plant-based recipes.

What Makes the Deliciously Ella Approach Sustainable?

Flexibility: Focuses on adding plants rather than strictly removing food groups.
Flavor: Prioritizes delicious meals to make healthy eating enjoyable.
Accessibility: Offers simple recipes and products for easy adoption.
Gut Health: Emphasizes the importance of fiber and diverse plant intake.
Positive Relationship with Food: Discourages guilt and negative food labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Ella Mills no longer follows a strictly gluten-free diet in her personal life. Her philosophy has evolved to focus on a balanced, plant-based diet, promoting the enjoyment of food rather than strict eliminations.

Ella Mills initially eliminated gluten, dairy, and sugar from her diet in 2011 to help manage symptoms from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), an illness that caused chronic fatigue and other issues.

Many Deliciously Ella products are indeed gluten-free and vegan, including popular items like her snack bars. The brand prominently features gluten-free options to serve its large consumer base with such needs.

No, there is no public information suggesting that Ella Mills has been diagnosed with celiac disease. Her initial dietary changes were based on her personal health journey and the impact of her illness.

Her current philosophy centers on eating more plants for more people, more of the time. It is an inclusive, balanced, and enjoyable approach to plant-based eating, emphasizing gut health and minimizing processed foods.

Ella Mills moved away from the 'clean eating' label around 2017 following public criticism of the movement and its potential to foster disordered eating. She now promotes a more positive and sustainable relationship with food.

Yes, the Deliciously Ella website and app still offer a wide range of gluten-free recipes. The brand continues to provide accessible plant-based options for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.

She encourages people by focusing on adding new ingredients rather than restricting existing ones, celebrating delicious flavors, and making recipes simple and quick to prepare, which makes the lifestyle more sustainable and enjoyable.