“Today” show meteorologist Dylan Dreyer is known for her warmth, humor, and relatability — especially when she shares glimpses of her life as a mom of three. One of her most beloved traditions among fans is her series of cooking videos, where she’s often joined by her eldest son, Calvin. But recently, Dreyer found herself addressing a wave of unexpected criticism aimed at her recipes.

In a video posted on Instagram on November 5, Dreyer showcased one of her family’s favorite football-season snacks: a gluten-free focaccia made using Caputo Fioreglut flour. The recipe, which she said she found on the back of the flour bag, was divided into two versions — a buffalo chicken focaccia for the adults and a plain pizza version for the kids. “Cal loves getting his hands into the dough and he can create his own focaccia exactly how he wants it,” she wrote.

However, not everyone was supportive. Some followers criticized the use of butter in her dish, calling it unhealthy. Dreyer didn’t let the negativity slide. Instead, she took a lighthearted but firm stance in her caption, writing, “I’ve gotten some comments saying the butter in this dish is unhealthy… guys, this is a fun football snack, it’s not a healthy recipe. Live a little and enjoy!”

Her message resonated with fans who appreciated her candidness and her focus on family fun rather than perfection. One follower commented, “Thank you for focusing on fun GF foods and for all that you do for the Celiac community,” while another added, “Eating gluten-free doesn’t have to be boring — both pizzas look delicious!” One enthusiastic fan even suggested that Dreyer and her son should write a gluten-free cookbook together.

Dreyer’s dedication to gluten-free cooking stems from her family’s personal experience. In May 2023, she revealed that Calvin had been diagnosed with celiac disease after months of mysterious symptoms including earaches, stomach pain, rashes, and hair loss. Once doctors identified the cause, Dreyer and her husband, Brian Fichera, overhauled their kitchen — discarding anything that could risk cross-contamination, from wooden spoons to scratched pots.

“Not only is it not feeding him any wheat products but it’s also the cross-contamination risk,” Dreyer told TODAY.com. “All of my stuff in the kitchen had to be thrown out… gluten can hide everywhere.”

The effort paid off. Dreyer shared that Calvin is now thriving and finally feels good for the first time in a long while. “He was just in constant pain,” she said. “He’s happy we discovered this because it’s like, ‘OK, good. I can finally feel like myself.’”

The TV personality has also used her platform to raise awareness about celiac disease and advocate for more gluten-free dining options. “Everybody’s like, ‘Thank you.’ Nobody talks about this because nobody thinks it’s a big deal. But when you live with it, it is,” she told People in 2023.

As for the online critics, Dreyer’s message is simple: moderation and joy are key. Whether she’s sharing a buttery buffalo chicken focaccia or a family-friendly gluten-free treat, her philosophy remains the same — food should bring people together. “It’s not about being perfect,” she reminded fans. “It’s about having fun, cooking with your kids, and living a little.”