8 Gluten-Free Delivery Services that Make Dinner Amazingly Easy

Sometimes on crazy weeknights of work, school, extracurricular activities, study groups and more, it can be hard to fit it all in. You don’t have to sacrifice a healthy, hot meal, though. There are ways to spend less time in the kitchen cooking and washing dishes. Meal delivery services send fully prepared meals or just ingredients, which can usually be ready to serve in 30 minutes or less. There are also services that send fresh, organic produce or meat straight to your door, so grocery shopping is much simpler.

“Be sure the items are in fact gluten free, without wheat, rye, barley, malt or brewer’s yeast,” advised Nancy Patin Falini, MA, RDN, LDN, of meal delivery services. Some companies do have gluten-containing foods that share a kitchen, so it’s important to be conscious of potential cross contamination and how sensitive you are to gluten.

Falini advised making sure the menu is nutritious, such as carbohydrates that are rich in fiber, with nutrients and whole grains incorporated. Avoid menu options that consist of “primarily empty calories, [which are] also more likely to contribute to blood sugar irregularities,” she said.

“Strive to use services that may also provide other types of diets that are at least likely to involve gluten-containing ingredients, like Keto and Paleo,” Falini said.

Lindsey Yeakle, the Gluten-Free Food Service Certification Quality Control and Program Manager, suggests that “basically the same questions be asked of the meal delivery services that are asked in restaurants.” If the meal delivery service is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, it’s important to consider cross contamination issues that may arise.

“Generally speaking, the larger meal delivery services are following very strict manufacturing protocols, which means they are very stringent in details and policies,” Yeakle said. “Due to the fact that the larger companies are required to follow such strict policies, we would suggest using them unless a smaller, more localized company is certified or dedicated gluten free.”

These services are widely available, and, better yet, there are a growing number of gluten-free options out there, too. Here are our recommendations for meal and food delivery services that have gluten-free options.

1. Freshly

Freshly favors high-quality proteins, healthy fats and low-glycemic carbohydrates over processed ingredients, sugars and artificial sweeteners, and all its meals are gluten free. The refrigerated, fully prepared meals taste homemade (and include meals like Pesto Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles, Grilled Chicken Risotto with Spring Peas and Mushrooms, and Korean-Style Veggie Bibimbap with Brown Rice) and can be microwaved in minutes.

In addition to gluten-free meals, Freshly offers meals that are high in protein, low in carbs or calories, vegetarian, Paleo friendly, dairy free and more, so it’s easy to accommodate your family’s lifestyle with this meal plan.

Cost: All Freshly meals are portioned to one single serving, and, depending on the meal plan you choose, cost between $8.99/meal and $12.50/meal. To learn more, visit freshly.com.

2. Green Chef

Green Chef is the first national meal kit to receive Gluten-Free Food Service certification through the Gluten Intolerance Group for its certified gluten-free menus. The premium ingredients arrive at your doorstep pre-measured and prepped, which saves time. All you have to do is follow step-by-step instructions with photos, and dinner will be ready in 30 minutes.

Green Chef offers meals for many lifestyles, including Keto, Paleo and plant based. The gluten-free menu has mouthwatering options, including a Vietnamese Shrimp Bowl, Cumin-Spiced Steak and Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Salad. The meals burst with flavor, and ingredients are USDA-certified organic.

Cost: Green Chef offers a family plan and a two-person plan, and the gluten-free plan is $11.99 per meal. To learn more, visit greenchef.com.

3. Veestro

Veestro meals come fully cooked, like Freshly’s, so little preparation is needed. The meals are 100% plant based and made with organic, preservative-free ingredients. Not all Veestro meals are gluten free, but it offers many gluten-free options and discloses all ingredients used on its website. Though Veestro strives to prevent cross contamination in its kitchen, it is not a certified gluten-free facility.

Veestro’s gluten-free meal options include Red Curry with Tofu, Enchilada Casserole and Lentil and Spinach Tangine. It also provides breakfast options, including Omelet Primavera and Oatmeal Breakfast Pie. The meals can be microwaved, but Veestro recommends heating them on a skillet for the best results.

Cost: If you choose to order 10 meals, they are as low as $11.70 per meal. To learn more, visit veestro.com.

4. Home Chef

Home Chef, a weekly subscription meal kit service, offers a variety of gluten-free meal options to cook in your home. The ingredients come pre-measured and prepared, and most of the recipes take less than 30 minutes to make. Home Chef meal options include Provolone-Stuffed Turkey Mini Meatloaves, Kung Pao Chicken Thigh Fried Rice with Red Bell Pepper and Peas, and Honey Butter Pork Chop with Parmesan Broccoli.

The allergens in Home Chef meals are clearly labeled, so you can choose weekly meals that do not include wheat, milk, fish, eggs, soy, peanuts or tree nuts, depending on your dietary needs. Home Chef is not an exclusively gluten-free meal delivery service, and though all ingredients are individually packaged, the facilities are not certified gluten free. Home Chef can save the time of going to the grocery store, finding new recipes, meal planning and portioning.

Cost: A meal with two servings is $19.90, while four servings is $39.80. Home Chef meal kits are also available in stores for different price points. To learn more, visit homechef.com.

5. The Good Kitchen

The Good Kitchen provides meals free of gluten, soy and sugar that are tasty and nutritious. The meals are ready to heat and eat in just three minutes, making hectic weeknights a snap. The company prides itself on its organic, sustainable and responsibly sourced meals, and the facility is 100% gluten free, peanut free and soy free. In addition, the company partners with farms and farmers who utilize animal welfare standards, and it seeks out those who practice regenerative agriculture.

The Good Kitchen dinner choices include Tandoori Chicken with Broccoli and Cauliflower, Shepherd’s Pie and Barbacoa with Rice and Black Beans. There are meal options that are Keto, low fat, Paleo, Whole 30 approved and vegetarian. The meals are crafted by a chef to ensure the food is as nutritious as it is delicious, and seasonal ingredients are used in each meal.

Cost: Pricing per meal ranges from $11 to $14, depending on how many are ordered at one time. To learn more, visit thegoodkitchen.com.

6. Sun Basket

Sun Basket’s gluten-free meal plan is made with its chef’s favorite gluten-free ingredients sourced from around the country. The produce is organic, the signature sauces are made in-house and the proteins are clean. The meals are high in protein, fiber and good fats. Though Sun Basket is not exclusively gluten free, it posts at least eight gluten-free options every week.

Sun Basket meals come (in recyclable or compostable packaging) with the ingredients and instructions and can be made in 30 minutes or less. Popular meals include Pork Chops with Mostarda and Wilted Greens, Salmon with Roasted New Potatoes and Green Beans, and Steak and Sweet Potato Frites with Kale and Mushrooms. Sun Basket ensures its gluten-free meals only use gluten-free ingredients, but they are processed in the same facility as meals that include gluten.

Cost: The cost varies based on how many meals per week you select and whether you choose the family or classic menu. The classic menu is $11.99 per serving. To learn more, visit sunbasket.com.

7. Farmbox Direct

Farmbox Direct delivers fruits and veggies across the United States, bringing organic and natural produce straight to your home. The produce you receive varies each week based on what is fresh, local and in season. Farmbox Direct offers three different-sized boxes and the choices of a mixed produce box, all veggies or all fruit.

In addition to boxes of fruits and veggies, Farmbox Direct offers “juicing boxes” that include the produce you need to create healthy, fresh juice in your own kitchen. For example, the Red Juicing Box includes apples, grapefruit, red beets, cucumber, ginger, kiwi, kale, rainbow carrots and romaine lettuce.

Cost: The all-natural boxes range from $43.95 to $53.95 based on quantity ordered. To learn more, visit farmboxdirect.com.

8. ButcherBox

To cut out the time you spend at the butcher shopping for high-quality meat, subscribe to ButcherBox to have premium meat delivered to your door. The boxes can be chosen by you or curated by ButcherBox and are perfectly packed and portioned for your needs. ButcherBox offers grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken and heritage breed pork and has recipes to cook each on its website. The meat is free from added antibiotics and hormones and is humanely raised. We recommend letting ButcherBox curate your box for you, as it lets you discover new cuts of meat and explore possibilities you may not have tried.

More than 10,000 families serve ButcherBox in their homes for dinner, and the company takes pride in being “the neighborhood butcher for modern America.” The company also offers gift boxes, curated for the big game or your next dinner party.

Cost: The curated Butcher Box starts at $129 a month for a classic box, which makes 24 meals. To learn more, visit butcherbox.com.

Cover Recipe, September/October 2019

Our September/October 2019 cover of Gluten-Free Living celebrates fall with an Apple Season Layer Cake made with fiber-rich brown rice flour, sweetened with honey and loaded with zucchini and apple chunks. Get the recipe for the cover image here.

The recipe on the cover comes from The Gluten-Free Grains Cookbook by Quelcy Kogel. This book celebrates whole grains, like millet, buckwheat groats, Ethiopian teff and sorghum and a myriad of ways to make them into memorable meals. These gluten-free whole grains bring a depth of flavor and texture as well as pack more essential minerals into every dish.

Going gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up grains, and these recipes will provide perfect results with new, rich ingredients.

Feature stories in this back to school/work/routine issue of Gluten-Free Living include 8 time-saving meal delivery services that will make your autumn a breeze, 4 exquisite autumn cocktails to kick back with, a piece on navigating college with celiac disease and so much more. There are dozens of mouthwatering recipes in this issue, including:

Snickerdoodle Pretzels
Slow Cooker Beef Randang with Jasmine Rice
Veggie Mac and Cheese
Birthday Cake Pie
Dark Chocolate-Dipped & Coconut-Topped Creamy Almond Bites
Throwback Meatball Soup
Rosemary Peach Gin and Tonic
Mya’s Favorite Meatloaf Muffins
Eggplant and Ricotta Lasagna
Multigrain Pancakes with Raspberry-Jalapeno Syrup & Grilled Stone Fruit

Subscribe to Gluten-Free Living‘s bi-monthly magazine here or check out the digital version of the magazine.

11 Gluten-Free Foods Taste Tested: Sangria, Cookies, Bagel Puffs and more!

Every two weeks, Gluten-Free Living taste testers sample a batch of new gluten-free foods and beverages and share their first impressions on Facebook Live. During the latest Facebook Live event, they tried everything from sangria to bagel puffs to cauliflower in a bag in search of the must-have gluten-free eats on the market.

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

If you would like to send gluten-free products to Gluten-Free Living for consideration in a future Facebook Live event, email the editor at [email protected] for the shipping address. Stay tuned on Gluten-Free Living social media for more live product tasting events.

Geefree Bagel Puffs

Geefree ‘s bagel puffs, available in cinnamon raisin, everything-on-it and plain, are a scrumptious snack or appetizer for any time of day. They bring the bagel store right to your home and are bursting with a cream cheese center. Bagel puffs will be your new favorite way to start a crisp morning or keep guests munching in the evening. Buy them here.

Partake Foods Cookies

These cookies come in tantalizing flavors like Double Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, and Carrot Cake. If you don’t feel like holiday baking, a box of these crumbly cookies will hit the spot. They are free from the top 8 allergens, vegan, kosher and non-GMO. Buy them here.

Fat Snax Cookies

Fat Snax produces keto, low carb, sugar free cookies so you can indulge during the holidays without going off the deep end. The flavors offered are Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Lemony Lemon. You can stay in ketosis while enjoying a snack with these cookies made with almond flour and coconut flour. Buy them here.

Alter Eco Chocolate

This Swiss-made chocolate is dark and smooth, crafted from organic cacao by farmers who are replanting South American rainforests. Alter Eco offers a wide selection of fair trade certified products and most of them are gluten free, too. To address cross-contamination, the company has a strict sanitation policy accompanied by product surface testing to ensure there are no residual allergens present. Buy them here.

Portland Sangria

What is better on a hot summer day than sangria in a can?! The northwestern take on sangria is 6.5% ABV and made with light wine, juice, herbs and spices. It is available in three refreshing flavors. Buy them here.

Gaea Veggie Snacks

Gaea offers cauliflower, carrot, gherkin and olive snacks for the on-the-go veggie lover. They are low calorie and made with real vegetables marinated in Gaea extra virgin olive oil and lemon or vinegar. Lightly pickled, these bite-sized snacks are convenient and scrumptious. Buy them here.

Amazing Grass

These green superfood tablets can be dropped into a glass of water and produce an effervescent beverage with electrolytes, vitamins and superfoods. Our taste testers sampled Hydrate, Detox, Energy and the original. Each contains the equivalent of one full serving of greens and veggies. Buy them here.

Grass Fed Coffee

This cold brew butter coffee with MCT oil is a great beverage for those following a Keto or Paleo diet. Grass Fed Coffee uses the highest quality ingredients, including a blend of South American coffees, grass-fed butter and MCT oil sourced from coconuts. According to their website, butter coffee can boost cognitive function, support fat burn, balance mood and hormone levels and reduce hunger. Buy them here.

ZEGO Foods Just Fruit Bars

These bars are a good balance of sweetness and tartness. ZEGO describes them as “thick fruit rollups with dramatically better taste, texture, nutrition and fiber.” They are vegan, Paleo, free from the top 12 allergens and won’t spike your blood sugar. The fruit is grown in the U.S. to minimize the carbon footprint and maximize nutrition and flavor. Buy them here.

FitJoy Pretzels

These Himalayan Sea Salt pretzels are dairy-free and plant based as well as gluten free. They are baked from cassava and chickpea flour and make a great crunchy snack with zero grain. Grain-free snacks can increase energy and boost weight loss in addition to aiding the digestion. Buy them here.

HU Kitchen Dark Chocolate Gems

This snacking and baking dark chocolate is vegan and Paleo, made with organic cacao. It contains no dairy, gluten, cane sugar, refined sugar, sugar alcohol, palm oil or soy lecithin. The hexagon-shaped chocolate chunks have a rich cocoa flavor with subtle caramel notes. The HU Kitchen says the hexagon-shaped chocolate look “dope” when baked and will bring a “major glow-up” to gluten-free baked goods. Buy them here.

Red Lobster is Now Selling Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix

Red Lobster has announced it will now sell a gluten-free version of its Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, so lovers of the cheesy, crumbly biscuits can enjoy them safely at home!

Beginning in August, the mix can be purchased at Walmart stores in the United States.

The biscuits offered at the Red Lobster restaurant will still contain gluten, but fans can now buy a gluten-free version of the mix. Red Lobster has a “food allergy wizard” on its website that allows you to easily find menu options without allergens.

Red Lobster’s iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits were first introduced in 1992 and, after more than two decades, a gluten-free version will finally be available of these savory biscuits.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to be the first to receive gluten-free news, tips and recipes.

Stay tuned at GlutenFreeLiving.com, where our editors will be conducting a taste test of Red Lobster’s Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix soon. When you get your hands on the gluten-free biscuits, send us a picture on Twitter or Instagram and let us know what you think!

Learn more about the basic gluten-free diet here.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a name for the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together. It is found in many types of foods, even ones that would not be expected.

Many people choose to follow a gluten-free diet because of celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly reacts to gluten as if it were a poison. When someone with celiac consumes gluten, the immune system reacts by destroying the part of the small intestine that absorbs vital nutrients. This malabsorption can lead to serious illness. Learn more about celiac disease here.

Gluten-Free Chef Che Spiotta Wins MasterChef Junior Season

The winner of this season’s MasterChef Junior is talented, he’s quick on his feet and he is gluten free. Che Spiotta defeated 23 other young cooks to win the seventh season of Fox TV’s MasterChef Junior and take home the grand prize of $100,000.

Che is a 13-year-old from Upstate New York who has been cooking since he started a gluten-free diet. Che’s mom said he was very sick as a toddler and that a gluten-free diet was the only thing that helped. Che learned to make the best of the dietary limitations by experimenting in the kitchen and finding delicious foods that don’t make him sick.

“It changed so many things, especially because the rest of my family eats gluten,” Che said. “It’s a curse and a blessing.”

His dad taught him to make a negative into a positive, Che said. “There is a world of things you can still have.” This attitude enabled him to get creative in the kitchen and discover a world of gluten-free options.

After years spent cooking, Che decided to audition for MasterChef Junior. He auditioned in New York City, saying “Let’s just go for it. If we’re not having fun, we won’t do it anymore.” Che was eventually flown out to Los Angeles to tape the show.

During the first episode, Che said he and his fellow contestants were nervous and unnerved by cooking on-camera. “Nobody executed their dishes the way they wanted to because everyone was so freaked out by the cameras,” he said. But after a few episodes, everyone got comfortable. Che made friends on the show who he still keeps in touch with.

“I learned how to work under stress, because I’ve never cooked with a time limit like that,” Che said. “Coming out of the competition I’m definitely more composed.”

He hopes his time on the show showed people that, while gluten-free living can have its challenges, it is rewarding and isn’t a hindrance. The show also gave Che an opportunity to talk to others about the gluten-free diet and educate them.

Che said he also learned from judges Gordon Ramsay, Christina Tosi and Aaron Sanchez. “I learned to be yourself when you’re cooking and not to let anyone else get to you,” he said.

During the competition, Che said being gluten-free was a challenge and disadvantage at some times. He was the only gluten-free chef on season seven of the show. “We had to make cupcakes for a challenge and I couldn’t taste anything I was making, but my competitors could, so that was difficult,” Che said. But he said his experience cooking gluten free taught him how to improvise and be creative with ingredients, which was an advantage in the competition.

Che said his strategy in the kitchen is to use fresh ingredients and foods that are naturally gluten free. “I don’t change things to be gluten free, I cook things that are that way naturally like fresh tacos and using vegetables from our garden,” he said. His favorite dish to cook is risotto.

Che is still considering what he will do with the prize money from the competition. He wants to use it to travel— and his first stop will be Paris. “There are so many amazing things about food that happen in Paris, and I cook a lot of French cuisine,” Che said.

Back at home, with newfound young chef friends and skills learned, Che is helping at a MasterChef Junior camp this summer in Connecticut. He answers questions and gives advice to young chefs. He also posts videos and news on his Instagram and on his website. In the future, Che said he hopes to have a restaurant and his own cooking show.

10 Deals on Must-Have Kitchen Tools on Amazon

We rounded up 10 awesome deals on gluten-free food storage, cooking tools and tried and true favorites that you can get on Amazon so you don’t even have to leave home! If snacks are more your thing, check out our top 10 Amazon gluten-free snacks here.

Try an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial or start an Amazon Fresh account and take advantage of these deals!

1. Instant Pot Ultra

If you don’t have an Instant Pot yet, buy this one and save 41% so you can transform your life and spend less time in the kitchen this summer. With entire gluten-free cookbooks dedicated to Instant Pot recipes, you’ll find endless ways to use this 10-in-1 pressure cooker. This handy tool can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, egg cooker, for sauteing, steaming, warming, sterilizing and more. Buy it here.

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2. CucinaPro Animal Mini Waffle Maker

You may already have a waffle maker you love, but do you have the ability to make mini pancakes shaped like animals? This non-stick waffle iron makes adorable animal-shaped waffles that will brighten your morning and make breakfast a treat. This makes a great gift for anyone in your life who loves both food and cats and dogs! Buy it here.

3. Mueller Austria Immersion Blender

This powerful, highly rated immersion blender will become a staple in your kitchen. The ergonomic grip is non-slip and comfortable to use and the blade blends quickly for smoothies, milkshakes, soups or baby food. A whisk attachment is also included. Buy it here.

4. Crock-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker

This programmable slow cooker has endless uses and is perfect for busy days when you want a hot dinner made with love at the end of your long day. You can program this slow cooker with several settings or just to keep food warm and at the perfect serving temperature. The removable stoneware dish inside the slow cooker is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup! If you need inspiration, add a gluten-free slow cooker cookbook to your cart. Buy it here.

5. 10-Piece Set Silicone Kitchen Utensils

You may already have some of these useful kitchen utensils, but why not treat yourself to brand-new ones that will hold up in the kitchen to lots of use? These silicone utensils make sure your pots and pans won’t get scratched. Your kitchen will be fully stocked with this set: a spoon, slotted spoon, soup ladle, spaghetti server, turner, spatula, oil brush, slotted turner and tons are all included. The handles are made with natural beech wood and the silicone is non-stick, heat resistant and BPA free! Buy them here.

6. Vesuvio Nonstick Dutch Oven

This ceramic-coated Dutch oven is 100% nontoxic and heats food quickly and evenly. The ceramic coating resists scratches and repels liquids, and food won’t stick to it. This stock pot with its glass lid will get a lot of love in any kitchen. Buy it here.

7. Food Storage Container with Lids

If your dry food storage could use an upgrade, these airtight plastic containers are a must-have. They keep dry foods fresh and are durable and transparent, perfect for pantry or cupboard organization. The package includes several sizes to fit all your needs. The containers also are suitable to hold liquids! Buy them here.

8. Adoric Handheld Spiralizer

With all the recipes that require a vegetable spiralizer, this little handheld tool will be your new best friend. It’s heavy duty, cuts several different shapes and can be used with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Veggie noodles can be created in the shape of fettuccine, spaghetti or ribbons in minutes. Buy it here and then noodle up some veggies to make this Colorful Noodle Primavera with Cashew Cream Herb Sauce.

9. Keleday Cast Iron Skillet

A good iron skillet (or three) in the kitchen makes cooking so much easier and more enjoyable. This cast iron skillet is seasoned with vegetable oil and has a smooth finish to provide even heat distribution. This skillet can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, over a campfire, for frying, cooking, grilling and more. Plus, it comes with a silicone handle to make handling the hot skillet a breeze. Buy it here.

10. COSORI Air Fryer

This air fryer has amazing reviews and features 11 presets, so you can easily use it whether you’re making bacon, seafood, dessert or fries. If you’re watching your cholesterol or blood pressure, this gift makes “fried” foods healthier with 85% less fat than traditional deep frying methods. This is another kitchen gadget that would be an ideal gift for a loved one. Buy it here.

Gluten-Free Baker Shows Colorful, Delicious Side of Celiac Disease Advocacy

Meet Ariel Rapaport, the chef and bright personality behind the website Colored in Flour. She brings a colorful, fun perspective to the world of gluten-free baking and celiac advocacy. Rapaport believes color is one of the most important factors of dessert presentation.

Try some of her whimsical, eye-catching cupcake recipes here.

Gluten-Free Living: Can you tell us about yourself and Colored in Flour?

Ariel Rapaport: I am a very passionate baker with a love for color, candy and cake, and Colored in Flour is all about colorful gluten-free baking!

You may be wondering why I chose to represent myself and my brand with colorful gluten-free desserts. Well, if you think about how color appeals to the senses, especially in terms of sight and taste, it has a very positive, impactful and responsive effect. In other words, the more colorful your plate of food or dessert is, the more likely you are to want to indulge in and enjoy it! I also add personality to my photos because baking is a time to have fun!

It is ultimately my intention to raise awareness for celiac disease through utilizing color— all I want to see in my lifetime is a cure for celiac disease.

Since color seems to be quite a successful eye catcher, maybe somehow, someday, all my hard work will make a positive, impactful and responsive effect to make this happen.

GFL: When did you go gluten free and why did you start?

AR: I have been gluten free for the past 12 years of my life since I started the diet in my late teens. I had no choice other than to go gluten free because I was diagnosed with celiac disease through a blood test and endoscopy.

Instead of being able to enjoy my cake, it caused me physical pain and harm to my body. No, the stomach pain wasn’t from eating too much cake, it was because my body was perceiving the cake as harmful due to my celiac disease that wasn’t discovered until years later. It’s a shame because there were many years of my childhood where I could have thrived and been healthy.

Growing up, my grandmother taught me how to bake cakes, flavor them, frost them, and decorate them. It was part of our bonding experience as a family. The saying goes: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” was totally true for me because I wasn’t physically able to enjoy the cakes I made with my grandmother. I’ll never forget how painful it was to eat cake and anything else in between.

My celiac disease has been a huge cause of physical and emotional pain in my life and has so often made life seem very un-colorful and unexciting. Yet, without my celiac disease, I wouldn’t have created Colored in Flour! So I guess you could say that I in fact figured out a way to have my cake and eat it too and I hope I can inspire anyone in the gluten-free community that they can also!

GFL: What are (or were) some of the challenges of the gluten-free diet for you?

AR: It is important for me to go into the details about the challenges I face being gluten free because I’m sure many others face the same challenges as well.

For me, the longer that I am gluten free, the more difficult my life becomes. Out of all the years I have been gluten free, I am not going to say this is an easy lifestyle and that it gets easier, especially if you have celiac disease.

In fact, this is what makes life even more challenging being gluten free: There needs to be more dedicated gluten-free resources available to make living the gluten-free lifestyle easier. The gluten-free diet is a major life challenge! All of us with celiac disease do not have a choice with our diet and we certainly do not have a choice with how our bodies react to the foods our bodies perceive as an attack, but we do have a choice with our health and how we treat our bodies.

Which leads me to the biggest challenge I face with the gluten-free diet: dining out.

Talk about challenges! Celiac disease puts a huge damper on my social life in terms of dining out. The way I see it, and my hope is to inspire others to realize this as well: I’d rather have my health than to risk my health knowing the consequences of celiac disease, which includes the worst of them all: cancer.

It is my belief that if we want our health conditions to be taken seriously by the world around us, we need to advocate for more 100% dedicated gluten-free facilities to open. If 100% dedicated gluten-free facilities were to become just as available as regular restaurants are, the world would be a better place for those who can’t eat gluten.

As my form of advocacy, I have stopped walking into any restaurant or bakery and asking to be “accommodated.”

The risk of cancer is not worth it. It took me a long time to realize that this is not fair for me, it’s not fair for the restaurant or bakery, and it’s not fair for my health to request an accommodation.

My fellow gluten-free community members, disclaimers are there for a reason! We must not ignore them! I never want to risk developing cancer. On the flip side, how facilities are falsely and freely able to use the term “gluten free” to market to those with health issues I see as one of the leading contributors to this issue. We need to overcome the challenges we face being gluten free, be strong, advocate for our health, and work together to put an end to mislabeling. We simply need more dedicated gluten-free resources, or even better: a cure for celiac disease, so that our lives become significantly less challenging living gluten free.

GFL: What are your tips to gluten-free bakers?

AR: I remember when I made my very first gluten-free cake. It didn’t come out perfectly and it didn’t taste that great either. Maybe you are a novice gluten-free baker and you are experiencing the same issues that I faced when I first started gluten-free baking over 12 years ago.

The key that I find to successful gluten-free baking is using only the highest quality ingredients.

For instance, everything from vanilla extract, to butter, to eggs and all-purpose gluten-free flour are all key to producing a successful outcome in gluten-free baking. To find the best flour to work with, my best advice is to experiment with what you like and what looks good to you. Just remember, no two gluten-free flours are ever the same.

Additionally, to learn how to make exciting, fun and colorful gluten-free recipes that are exactly like regular baking, check out my website, www.coloredinflour.com! By subscribing to my emails, you will receive the latest recipes, articles, and other fun and exciting news to come! I post new recipes frequently and I am only getting started with how much fun there is yet to come! I am also on social media @coloredinflour.

10 Great Gluten-Free Food Deals on Amazon

More and more people are shopping for gluten-free snacks and food on Amazon rather than heading to the grocery store. We rounded up 10 awesome deals on gluten-free snacks, care packages and tried and true favorites so you can stock up and save!

Try an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial or even start an Amazon Fresh account and take advantage of these deals!

1. Goodie Girl Cookies

This customer favorite variety pack has Birthday Cake, Chocolate Creme, and Magical Animal Crackers. The cookies are peanut free and kosher certified, plus they have rave reviews on Amazon! Buy them here.

2. Gluten Free Dairy Free Healthy Snacks Care Package

This gift box has 15 full size gluten-free and dairy-free snacks, chips and treats with sweet and savory options. This is a great gift for yourself or anyone who deserves a gluten-free care package this week! Buy it here.

3. That’s it. Natural Real Fruit Bars

These fruit bars have two fruit servings in one chewy, fruity bar! The bars contain no preservatives, added sugar, concentrate or puree, just the sweet, tart taste of apple and mango in an on-the-go bar. Buy them here.

4. Pirate’s Booty Snack Puffs

Pirate’s Booty is perhaps one of the most addictive gluten-free snacks out there! The rice and corn puffs are blended with white cheddar cheese, baked and have the perfect consistency and taste. Best of all, they’re kosher and made without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and are completely gluten free. Buy them here.

5. Vita Coco Organic Coconut Water

Coconut water is a great choice for everyday refreshment. It contains vitamins, nutrients and electrolytes and is a delicious way to stay hydrated this summer. Vita Coco is also fat free and contains only 60 calories per bottle, making it lower calorie and lower sugar than most sodas, sports drinks and fruit juices. Buy it here.

6. Saucy Lips Handcrafted Gourmet Sauce

This Pineapple Thai sauce would be superb on just about anything— salad, as a marinade, even added to cocktails! It contains only 5 calories and zero carbs and sugar. It’s also Keto, vegan, Paleo, and free of the top 8 food allergens. You will use this finger-licking sauce on everything this summer. Buy them here.

7. Sweet Amsterdam Stroopwafel Snacks

This caramel wafers/cookies are undeniably delicious. They are organic, dairy free and soy free, and authentically made in the Netherlands. They also contain no artificial ingredients, trans fats, preservatives or high fructose corn syrup. They will quickly become your favorite not-so-guilty pleasure! Buy them here.

8. The Only Bean pasta

This variety pack lets you find your favorite The Only Bean product. Fettucine and spaghetti made with edamame, black bean and soy bean are excellent ways to add protein, fiber and veggies to your favorite pasta dish. Each pasta contains only one ingredient and is vegan, kosher and organic. Buy them here.

9. Black Forest Fruit Snacks

These fruity layers snacks are a sweet treat for any time of day, made with 100% real fruit juice. They are fat free and juicy, plus organic, soft and chewy. Kids and adults alike will love this sweet energy boost. Buy them here.

10. Be Mixed Zero Calorie Cocktail Mixer

If you’re looking for a cocktail that is low in calories and sugar to sip this summer, Be Mixed has cocktail mixers for you! They use sugar substitutes so you can make a cocktail without added sugar or calories. The mixers are keto-friendly and dairy free too, so they’re suitable for most diets! Buy them here.

We Taste Tested 11 New Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages: Here’s the Verdict

Every two weeks, Gluten-Free Living taste testers sample a batch of new gluten-free foods and beverages and share their first impressions on Facebook Live. This time, they tried everything from beer to hemp tonic to muffins in search of the must-have gluten-free eats on the market.

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

1. New Planet Beer

New Planet Brewery offers gluten-free and gluten-removed beers, so you can find a refreshing craft beer that fits your dietary needs. If you have celiac disease, you should drink gluten-free beer only, not gluten reduced. The beers sampled by our taste testers are gluten free and made from millet, gluten-free oats and maize.

2. 7 Muffins A Day baked goods

7 Muffins A Day is a specialty bakery that makes gluten-free, non-dairy treats. Our taste testers tried the croutons, muffins, challah bread and brownies, but the company offers a wide array of scrumptious baked goods.

3. Country Archer Meat Sticks

Country Archer’s new flavors of meat sticks include pineapple, chorizo and maple. The company creates gourmet jerky and meat sticks that are made with grass-fed beef and turkey raised with no antibiotics. The ingredients are simple and honest.

4. 7th Heaven Face Masks

7th Heaven offers a wide variety of face masks, whether you’re looking for self-heating thermal or a charcoal peel-off option. Our testers applied peel-off masks that boast numerous benefits for the skin. The products are all vegan and cruelty-free.

5. UbU Sparkling Functional Tonics

UbU is a sparkling functional tonic that provides antioxidants for the immune system, prebiotics for digestive health and electrolytes for hydration. The beverages contain no sugar, sweeteners or caffeine.

6. Bee Free Warrior Mix

Bee Free’s motto is “liberated from junk food.” The company offers wholesome, healthy snacks with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. They are certified gluten free and paleo. Warrior Mix is soft and chewy, an excellent addition to yogurt, nut butter or served with milk or on its own.

7. RW Garcia Cheesy Crackers

These crackers are made with a blend of corn, cheese and cassava, with no added sugar. With just a few ingredients, they make a crunchy snack for any time of day.

8. Woodchuck Hard Cider

Woodchuck calls themselves “accidentally gluten free since 1991.” Taste testers tried their sangria, rose, and bubbly pearsecco. According to Woodchuck’s website, the Vermont-made beverages are “crafted to bring an authentic and unique cider experience to beverage connoisseurs.”

9. Hippie Snacks Avocado Crisps

These avocado crisps combine the joys of avocados with the comforting, salty crunch of a chip or cracker. They are seasoned with sea salt, seeds and herbs with a creamy avocado flavor. They contain 5 grams of protein per serving.

10. Mom’s Best Cereals Safari Cocoa Crunch

This sweet breakfast cereal contains no artificial flavors or preservatives and no high fructose corn syrup. It’s also made using renewable wind energy to offset 100% of the electricity used to make the cereal.

11. Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle

To curb your sweet tooth on the go, try this brownie brittle, with a rich brownie taste and a cookie crunch. They contain 130 calories per serving and are great right out of the bag, though for an additional treat they could be crumbled over ice cream or yogurt.

Is Nutella Gluten Free?

Is Nutella gluten free? Yes, it is! Nutella does not contain any ingredients deriving from wheat, barley, rye or oats, according to the Ferrero Foodservice website.

In addition, the sweet, chocolate hazelnut spread is kosher and peanut-free.

To subscribe to our weekly email with recipes, research, news and tips to live a happy, healthy, gluten-free life, click here.

Be aware that if someone else in your family is using the jar of Nutella, it could be at risk of cross-contamination. Avoid using Nutella that could have bread crumbs lingering in it that contain gluten. Learn more about potential cross-contamination in the kitchen here.

We recommend enjoying Nutella on Sweet Gluten-Free Crêpes along with some fresh fruit!

What is gluten?

Q&A: How to Keep Your Budget, Kids and Schedule Balanced on a Healthy Diet

Shaka Bowl, a Hoboken-based acai and poke bowl eatery offers something healthful and satisfying no matter what your dietary style. It was founded by sisters Kiersten and Krista Gormeley. Chef Kiersten, a vegetarian, uses high-quality, natural ingredients on the menu. The sisters have plenty of tips for eating gluten free on the go while staying healthy. They answered your questions on managing a budget, a busy schedule and a family!

What are your tips for eating healthy on the go?

Krista Gormeley: Our go-to tip for eating healthy on the go is to be prepared. We keep our pantries, cars, backpacks, purses stocked with wholesome snacks. For example, we usually keep raw almonds or cashews with us at all times. While cashews in excess are high in fat and calories, a small 2 oz serving of nuts can provide a good boost in energy and provide you with enough energy until your next meal.

We always make sure we have the staples in at our homes: nuts, apples, bananas, blueberries, cheese sticks, crackers, and either a hummus of a tzatziki spread. The best tip to follow: if you pack a variety of different snacks and do not stick to the same thing every day, you’re more than likely to keep on track and eat what you packed then if you were to stop at a convenience store and pick something up.

Invest in a set of glass food storage containers in different sizes, making it convenient to portion control. Glass also holds the quality of the food over a longer period of time. Aim to eat every 3 hours— that allows for three meals and two snacks. Before I leave for work, I always pack a 2 oz cup of nuts, a cheese stick, blueberries or an apple. Those help me keep full in between my main meals which usually are a smoothie, a salad loaded with plant protein {almonds, hemp seeds, etc.}, and for dinner a protein, grain and vegetables.

How do you manage a budget while buying gluten-free and healthy food?

KG: Truthfully, most foods that are wholesome and in their purest form are naturally gluten free. Luckily, in 2019 there is a gluten-free option for nearly everything, and in almost every single grocery store there is a section dedicated to it. While it can cost you an extra few cents or dollar depending, gluten free won’t run you as much money as organic.

The most important thing to remember when budgeting snacks— they are just that, snacks. You should focus your budgeting on the things that matter more, like vegetables and proteins. Farmers markets are a great place to start for produce. If you’re overpaying for produce that isn’t really the best quality, you should reevaluate where you’re buying your produce. Local groceries or farmers markets have cheap produce and better quality because they know it needs to be sold— they cannot afford for it to sit in a warehouse and be loaded to the shelves. It’s also not loaded up with chemicals and preservatives. Keeping staple items to make homemade salad dressings is a major money saver, especially if you love salad.

My next best money saving tip is planning ahead: we have freezers for a reason. If something is on sale and you can’t use it this week but anticipate you can use it next week, buy it and freeze it!

Here’s our list of items to make your own dressings that can save you a ton of money in the long run as these natural ingredients store well over a long period of time prior to mixing.

lemon juice
red wine vinegar
balsamic vinegar
Dijon mustard
garlic

What do you keep in your kitchen to make quick food prep a breeze?

KG: A few things I keep in my pantry are low sodium tuna salad, brown rice, frozen and fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger, baby tomatoes, red peppers, cucumber and feta to make a salad. Lately, since Kiersten and I both barely eat meat, we load on things like shaved almonds and hemp hearts, chickpeas and other things to mix our salads up.

How can I help my busy kids eat healthy?

KG: There are a ton of snacks that are natural and delicious. Starting your kids on sugar-loaded juices isn’t the best idea if you want them to choose a healthier lifestyle. You can make smoothies a fun thing to do at home. Having them help you prepare the smoothie is a nice activity you can all do together.

There are also a ton of natural rice cakes that are gluten free, preservative free and organic. We love Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thin crackers; they go great with almost everything. We love Suzzie’s thin puffed cakes which only have 57 calories for 3 cakes! We cannot forget the best snack of all, low in calories and always such a treat: popcorn.

Keep things simple and always be honest with your kids. The bad things really are bad if they aren’t eaten in moderation. They should be taught from the start: we can have this today, but we cannot have it every day. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.

Phase 2 Trial of Celiac Disease Vaccine Cancelled by ImmusanT

ImmusanT, a company creating a vaccine therapy for patients with celiac disease, has discontinued the phase 2 global study for its lead vaccine candidate, Nexvax2, it announced on Wednesday.

“The results from an interim analysis revealed Nexvax2 did not provide statistically meaningful protection from gluten exposure for celiac disease patients when compared with placebo,” a press release stated.

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Similar to the results in phase 1 of the trial, Nexvax2 was found to be safe and generally well tolerated. According to ImmusanT, no safety issues were identified during the trial. The company will investigate data from the trial to further understand the outcome.

Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease (following a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment). Nexvax2 was the only disease-modifying approach for celiac in clinical development right now. The vaccine was designed to reprogram the T cells that are trigged by a person’s immune response to gluten.

Nexvax2 aimed to restore immune tolerance to gluten, reduce inflammation in the small intestine and ultimately, allow those with celiac disease to resume eating a diet with gluten in it. Phase 2 of this trial enrolled 150 patients in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. Read Gluten-Free Living’s interview with one of those patients here.

Phase 1 of the trial was considered successful, as the vaccine was shown to be safe and well-tolerated, even when given at its highest doses. The goal of phase 2 was to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine and broaden ImmusanT’s understanding of the impact of immunotherapies.

ImmusanT also uses its platform to develop peptide-based immune therapies for people with other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. The company also focuses on developing highly specific diagnostics and are developing their first diagnostic which diagnoses celiac disease through an in vitro blood test that measures T-cell markers.

Click here for more information on celiac disease and its symptoms.

Does Beer Contain Gluten?

One of the first questions you may ask yourself after starting a gluten-free diet is: does beer contain gluten? Most beer is not gluten free, since beer is most often made from malted barley and hops, and sometimes wheat. Barley and wheat both contain gluten.

If you are a fan of an ice cold brew, don’t despair. Several companies make delicious gluten-free beer so good you’ll hardly notice a difference. Gluten-free beer is mainly brewed from rice, buckwheat, corn, sorghum or millet, all of which contain no gluten.

Brands that make gluten-free beer

Güten Beer
Glutenberg
New Planet
Alpenglow Beer Company Buck Wild Pale Ale
Alt Brew
Autumn Brewing Co.
Ghostfish Brewing
Moonshrimp Brewing

Check out our gluten-free beer roundup for taste, availability and even food pairing information for more than 65 brews.

Glutenberg is widely regarded as a favorite in the world of gluten-free beers. Glutenberg’s beer is all brewed from 100% gluten-free ingredients and no gluten-containing ingredients are allowed in the brewery, eliminating any chance of cross-contamination. The beer is also vegan, sulphite free, and the cans are made of 100% BPA-free materials. Buy them here.

Is gluten-removed beer safe?

So-called gluten-removed beer may not be safe for people with celiac disease. The Gluten Intolerance Group raised this concern after testing a new method for detecting gluten.

The Gluten Intolerance Group tried testing reactivity of beer with antibodies from human blood. The study took blood samples from 31 people with untreated celiac disease and 29 without celiac for comparison. These were used to test samples of barley, regular commercial beer, gluten-removed beer and gluten-free beer.

To subscribe to our weekly email with recipes, research, news and tips to live a happy, healthy, gluten-free life, click here.

Antibodies from 11 of 31 celiac patients reacted significantly to barley. Four of the 11 also reacted to conventional beer while three reacted to gluten-removed beer. A variable response was expected, as people with celiac disease are known to react differently to different strains of wheat and barley. Meanwhile, one of the 29 control samples reacted with barley but not with any of the beers. The results show both conventional beer and gluten-removed beer can contain protein residue potentially harmful to people with celiac disease.

Click here for the full story.

What are some gluten-free beer alternatives?

If beer isn’t your thing, there’s hard soda, hard sparkling water, vodka and more that you can enjoy even on a gluten-free diet. Check out some of our lip-smacking gluten-free beer alternatives here. You can also make your own cocktails!

Gluten-free cocktail recipes

What is gluten?

Cover Recipe, July/August 2019

Our July/August 2019 cover of Gluten-Free Living celebrates dosas, light, crisp crepes made of rice and lentils.

Dosas, an Indian street food, are endlessly adaptable and inarguably delicious and fun to eat. They can be stuffed with or dipped into a variety of flavorful fillings, like the ones on the cover of our Summer Survival Guide issue. The dosas pictured contain dark chocolate, heavy cream, honey, cardamom, ice cream and toasted nuts for a heavenly summer treat.

The recipe on this cover comes from Dosa Kitchen by food truck owners Nash Patel and Leda Scheintaub and features 50 recipes for fillings, chutneys and even cocktails to serve alongside your dosas. Gluten free, dairy free and fermented, dosas have the nutritional profile that contemporary cooks and eaters want, appealing to dietary restrictions of all kinds without sacrificing heartiness or taste. The recipe for classic dosa batter can be found here.

Feature stories in this issue include 7 ways to recover from gluten exposure, common gluten-free myths busted, a feature on the high impact of celiac disease in women and the benefits of the elimination diet.

Subscribe to Gluten-Free Living‘s bi-monthly magazine here or check out the digital version of the magazine.

Gluten-Free Spirits and Snacks for the Summer Season

Gluten-free booze, brews and munchies were taste tested during a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on June 20. The fearless taste testers tried pigs in a blanket, Glutenberg beer, cocktails in cans, hard seltzer and more to find the gluten-free products you need to try this season.

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

If you would like to send gluten-free products to Gluten-Free Living for consideration in a future Facebook Live event, email the editor at [email protected] for the shipping address. Stay tuned on Gluten-Free Living’s Facebook page for more live product tasting events.

Note: all our Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live taste testers are of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly!

1. Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer

Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer is made with purified water and natural crisp flavors with a clean taste and 4.5% alcohol. It contains no added sugars and no barley or wheat. The one-of-a-kind flavors, like Black Cherry Rosemary, Pear Elderflower, Prickly Pear and Clementine Hibiscus are botanical, fruity and refreshing. Buy them here.

2. Loyal Nine Cocktails

This summer lemonade and half and half are refreshing cans to sip all summer. They contain 9% alcohol and use fresh lemon peels to provide a bright drink. It’s a canned cocktail that is perfectly sweet and tart. The beverages contain zero artificial flavors or sweeteners and have 250 calories per can. Buy them here.

3. Yomi Bites

Our taste testers took a break from sipping spirits to sample Yomi Bites. Each one contains gluten-free certified oats, honey, nuts and organic golden ground flax seed. They contain no gluten, dairy or soy. The bites come in flavors like Peanut Butter Chip, Chocolate Sea Salt, Lemon Poppy and Apple Cinnamon. They are a small, yet filling midday snack. Buy them here.

4. Claffey’s Frozen Cocktails

These frozen cocktails are the ultimate adult popsicle. They come in fruity flavors and are only 90 calories per popsicle, with 6% alcohol. These gluten-free wine popsicles would be a sublime treat for hot summer days. Buy them here.

5. Cutwater Spirits Canned Cocktails

Cutwater Spirits has an assortment of creative canned cocktails made with award-winning spirits and house-made liquors. Our taste testers sampled Old Grove Gin & Tonic, Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail and the Lime Margarita. Buy them here.

6. GeeFree Appetizers

The company GeeFree has developed a perfectly buttery puff pastry dough that is gluten free and absolutely scrumptious. Our taste testers sampled their Cheeseburger Bites and Franks in a Blanket. The company also sells pizza pockets, pot pie, spanakopita and more, all made with this extraordinary gluten-free puff pastry. Buy them here.

7. Glutenberg Beer

Glutenberg’s beer is all brewed from 100% gluten-free ingredients and no gluten-containing ingredients are allowed in the brewery, eliminating any chance of cross-contamination. The beers we tasted have alcohol content ranging from 4.5% to 6.5%. The beer is also vegan, sulphite free, and the cans are made of 100% BPA-free materials. Buy them here.

8. Good Karma Foods Plant-Based Dips

Good Karma offers plant-based dips, including sour cream, French onion and ranch. These contain live and active cultures, are certified vegan and are free of dairy, nuts and soy. They’re also lower in calories, fat and sodium than most other plant and dairy-based options, making them a healthier choice to enjoy this summer. Buy them here.

Are Potatoes Gluten Free?

Are potatoes gluten free? The short answer is yes, potatoes and sweet potatoes are gluten free. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and potatoes are a starchy, tuberous vegetable that does not contain this protein.

All types of plain potatoes are gluten free, but when potatoes are made into another dish, like French fries, potato chips or used in a stew, gluten can be introduced. Cross-contamination can also be an issue when gluten-free potato dishes are prepared in the same area or with the same kitchen equipment as foods with gluten.

Potato chips

Many brands of potato chips are gluten free, including my personal favorite, Cape Cod potato chips, Eatsmart Naturals potato chips (the Garden Veggie Crisps), Food Should Taste Good chips, Kettle brand potato chips, Frito-Lay brand chips, Utz, Terra and POPchips. There’s nothing like tearing open a bag of potato chips and enjoying the crunch and salt. And plenty of the potato chips you find in the store do not contain gluten!

French fries

When it comes to fries, many fast food restaurants have a separate gluten-free fryer, but you should always ask first to make sure the workers at your restaurant location are using a dedicated fryer. Select locations of Chick-Fil-A, Five Guys Burgers & Fries and In N Out Burger all offer gluten-free fries.

You can also make your own French fries! Try the Oven-Baked Gluten-Free French Fries.

Potato starch

Potato starch can be used in gluten-free baking. It is a pure white, neutrally flavored flour ground from the dehydrated starch of potatoes. It lightens the texture of baked goods and is good for all baking. A starchy flour like potato starch adds lightness and airiness to the crumb while softening the dominance of the protein flour. Click here for some of our favorite gum-free flour blends.

Gluten-free dishes with potatoes

Get your potato on with these scrumptious gluten-free recipes!

Is Salad Dressing Gluten Free?

Whether salad dressing is gluten free is a confusing topic, because many dressings do contain gluten in additives, while others do not.

When you are at the store, gazing at a bottle of dressing and wondering if it contains gluten, first check the food allergen statement on products to see if it says “contains wheat.” If there is a statement that says “contains wheat,” the dressing is not gluten free.

When you look at the ingredient list, check for wheat, rye or barley and ingredients that might contain gluten that are often found in salad dressing. These include:

Artificial color
Dextrin
Ground spices
Natural Flavorings
Malt
Malt vinegar
Flour
Soy sauce
Food starch

Gluten-free salad dressings

Here are some gluten-free salad dressing options to look out for in stores (as of the time this article was published). Please look at the ingredients in each salad dressing to ensure that it is gluten free, as ingredients in products can change!

The information in our ingredients index will help you read a food label. It is based on the research we have done by interviewing experts in the field of food science, so review the list if you see any suspicious ingredients in your salad dressing.

Brianna’s Salad Dressings (12 of their dressings are gluten free, but not all of them)
Cardini’s (except Roasted Asian Sesame dressing)
Girard’s (except Sundried Tomato and Artichoke and Chinese Chicken Salad)
Hidden Valley (check the label to make sure your flavor is gluten free)
Marzetti’s (not all are gluten free, though most are)
Newman’s Own (except Family Recipe Italian Dressing and Sesame Ginger Dressing)
Organicville
Pfeiffer
Ken’s (64 of their 68 dressings are gluten free)

Make your own salad dressing

It’s not hard to make a gluten-free dressing of your own! Experiment with some of our recipes until you find your favorite.

If you prefer something simple, just season your salad with salt and pepper, a squeeze of lime juice and olive oil to taste!

Gluten-free salad toppings

Think you have to go without croutons or other salad fixings because you are gluten free? Think again! These gluten-free salad toppers will add fantastic flavor to your mixed greens.

Grate Parmesan

Go Veggie Lactose Free Grated Parmesan cheese alternative is the perfect addition to any salad for all you cheese lovers out there. It’s not limited to salad either. Sprinkle it on pizza, pasta and even popcorn—any dish or snack that could use a Parmesan punch. And this tasty, versatile topping is both lactose and gluten free.

Get dressed up

A salad with no dressing is really no salad at all. Luckily, Briannas Fine Salad Dressings has got you covered (literally!), since 12 of their 15 salad dressings are gluten free. Their tasty varieties include Champagne Vinaigrette, Rich Poppy Seed, Blush Wine Vinaigrette and Creamy Cilantro Lime, so go ahead and get dressed.

Sprinkled with love

Ever have difficulty putting together the perfect mix of toppings to complement your salad? Never fear! Sheffa Salad Sprinkles are here to do the heavy lifting for you. Each package contains a variety of gluten-free ingredients carefully selected to boost your salad. Your dinner guests never need be the wiser!

Get your crouton on

Salads are healthy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally need help in the taste department. That’s where Ian’s stepped in to create a line of delicious gluten-free croutons. Available in a variety of flavors including Italian and Rosemary Garlic, they are sure to spice up any salad.

Is Soy Sauce Gluten Free?

Many people who are new to the gluten-free diet find them self asking: is soy sauce gluten free? It comes as a surprise to many, but soy sauce is not gluten free. In most soy sauce, wheat is actually the first ingredient.

According to Gluten-Free Watchdog, “Neither the FDA nor the USDA allows soy sauce made using wheat to be labeled gluten-free. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.”

Click here to learn about the basic gluten-free diet.

Soy sauce is generally made with wheat, soybeans, salt and water. If you are adhering to a gluten-free diet, it is important to avoid food made with soy sauce unless it is specifically gluten free. Even when soy sauce does have a gluten-free label, it’s still wise to scan the ingredient list to ensure that the food does not include any gluten-containing ingredients. Occasionally, soy sauce has been incorrectly labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer. You can read more about issues with misbranding here.

However, if you love to cook with soy sauce, there are several gluten-free substitutes and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference.

Tamari

Like traditional soy sauce, tamari is made of fermented soybeans, but it does not contain wheat. Tamari is a Japanese style of soy sauce that is traditionally made as a byproduct of miso paste, according to Kitchn.

Kitchn says of tamari, “The differences in production [between soy sauce and tamari] give each sauce its own unique flavor. Tamari has a darker color and richer flavor than the common Chinese soy sauce you may be more familiar with. It also tastes more balanced and less salty than the sometimes harsh bite of soy sauce, which makes it great for dipping.”

San-J Soy Sauce, Kikkoman Gluten-Free Soy Sauce and Eden Organic Soy Sauce are all gluten-free options.

Coconut aminos

Coconut aminos is another soy substitute option for those who are gluten free. Coconut aminos is made from the coconut-blossom nectar of coconut palms, which is fermented and blended with sea salt.

Coconut aminos contains far less sodium than soy sauce and is free of soy and gluten. It is somewhat sweeter than soy sauce, but is still a great swap in most dishes. Coconut aminos were popularized with the Paleo diet.

What can I cook with coconut aminos and tamari?

If your mouth is watering, check out these gluten-free recipes that incorporate gluten-free soy sauce substitutions so you can try them out!

Asian Sweet and Spicy Noodle Soup — Copyright ©2018 DailyForage.com

What is gluten?

Are Marshmallows Gluten Free?

Are marshmallows gluten free? Most brands on store shelves are indeed gluten free; however, some brands do have trace amounts of gluten from their gluten-containing starch.

Always read the labels before purchasing marshmallows for your summer s’mores or rice crispy treats.

The brand Kraft makes Jet Puffed marshmallows, a popular brand found in most stores, that come in mini and jumbo sizes. Jet Puffed marshmallows do not contain gluten.

The company Doumak’s marshmallows are all gluten free. Doumak makes marshmallows for private store brands, including Walmart’s store brand and CVS Brand.

Marshmallow Peeps, made by Just Born, are also usually gluten free, but make sure the packaging says “gluten free” on it so you know it’s safe to eat.

Smashmallow is a marshmallow brand that makes naturally gluten-free gourmet marshmallows, including Cinnamon Churro, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough and Root Beer Float marshmallows. Smashmallow also has a line of Smash Crispy treats in tons of fun flavors.

Are marshmallows vegan?

Because marshmallows contain gelatin, which is not vegan, many marshmallows are not vegan. However, vegan marshmallows are becoming increasingly popular. Dandies sells all-natural, gluten-free and vegan marshmallows that are the first ever marshmallow to be Non-GMO Project Verified. Trader Joe’s also sells a brand of vegan marshmallows.

Can I make my own marshmallows?

It is possible to make marshmallows from scratch so you can be sure they haven’t been cross contaminated and you can even add your own flavorings. Check out our recipe for Vanilla Bean Espresso Marshmallows, which you can customize to fit your marshmallow flavor fantasy.

What recipes incorporate marshmallows?

Plenty! Here are some of our favorites.

If you’re making s’mores, check out our list of the top five gluten-free graham crackers.

What is gluten?

Online Pharmacy Becomes First to Test Medications for Gluten

This summer, an online pharmacy will become the first to test its prescription medications for gluten before dispensing.

According to a study by MIT and Boston Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 25% of patients with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity reported gluten-related symptoms from medications. Inactive ingredients in medications, like gluten, lactose and food dyes can trigger reactions.

Valisure, an online analytic pharmacy, is committed to transparency about allergens contained in prescription medications.

“You wouldn’t buy food without a nutrition label on it,” said David Light, CEO of Valisure, and he believes the same standards should apply for medicine.

Valisure, co-founded by two scientists, chemically analyzes every batch of drugs that comes through their pharmacy using both FDA technologies and their own testing systems. They already test medications for contamination and dose content, protecting consumers from bad generics, but believe the move to protect Americans who are allergic or sensitive to gluten is an important next step.

Light said 80 percent of pharmaceuticals are manufactured in India and China, so he believes it’s necessary to test them for potential contamination. “18% of manufacturers have said that their medications contain gluten,” said Light. As many people who avoid gluten know, it can be difficult to find a list of ingredients for prescription medications. Light said many customers told him they are very concerned about their medications containing gluten.

“We are focused on bringing quality, transparency and consistency to consumers,” Light said. The testing Valisure provides adds no additional cost to the consumer.

To test medications, Valisure conducts an inactive ingredient screen. In medications that contain starch, they use ELISA, an analytic technology that tests for food allergens. They test for gliadins, a component of gluten. Products that contain less than 20 ppm of gluten are labeled gluten free.

Light said the goal is to offer certified gluten-free prescription drugs in 2019. He is currently working with the Celiac Disease Foundation to get feedback on creating a service that is effective and useful for the gluten-free community. “This is meant to be a solution and a comfort and to give added transparency in an area where there really isn’t much right now,” he said.

“This has always been on our minds, to get into the space of allergen testing,” Light said. “It really seems that there is a lot of concern around the gluten side and we’re very excited to be the first pharmacy to offer this screening testing and transparency and do something about this problem that we keep hearing more about.”

Valisure expects to have gluten analysis on thousands of products, which should cover “the vast majority of drugs people take,” Light said. The company currently dispenses in 36 states.

Visit valisure.com/gluten for updates and to take a brief survey on how you want to see gluten analysis information.

5 Delectable Gluten-Free Donut Recipes From Around the Web

June 7 is National Donut Day and the internet has dozens of delicious gluten-free donut recipes so you can bring the delights of the day to your own kitchen. Here are five of our favorite gluten-free donut recipes to celebrate the day!

1. 30-Minute Chocolate Donuts (Vegan + GF)

Minimalist Baker: “These donuts would make the perfect lazy weekend breakfast treat or healthier dessert! The optional glaze kind of seals the deal, in my opinion. Plus, it allows for fun toppings like cacao nibs, coconut flakes, and sprinkles!” Get the recipe.

2. Gluten-Free Vanilla Birthday Cake Donuts

Gluten-Free Palate: “Fun and festive Gluten-Free Vanilla Birthday Cake Donuts that are soft, fluffy, bursting with vanilla, and smothered in a sweet glaze. Enjoy these gluten-free vanilla donuts plain or top them with sprinkles for an extra colorful treat.” Get the recipe.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts

Love and Zest: “If you’re asking Alexa for ‘gluten free donuts near me?’ No need to even take off the PJs and leave the house because you can make this homemade gluten free donuts recipe!! Also, can I please tell you how stupid easy these gluten free donuts are to make? Mix a few ingredients in a large mixing bowl, pour into donut pan and bake for 10 minutes.” Get the recipe.

4. Gluten-Free Doughnuts (Krispy Kreme Copycat)

Seasonal Cravings: “These Gluten Free Doughnuts (Krispy Kreme Copycat) are amazing! They are tender, fluffy and sweet. Mixed up quickly and baked in the oven, these glazed donuts will become a regular treat for your family.” Get the recipe.

5. Gluten-Free Baked Chocolate Donuts

Gluten-Free Baking: “It was dense like a doughnut, but not heavy. The oat flour added that nutty sweetness I love in a chocolate doughnut. And, the best part, it wasn’t muffin-like at all! Two bites in, I was total convert to baked doughnuts, which is great news for that little-used doughnut pan.” Get the recipe.

Taste Test: Gluten-Free Foods That Will Bring You Back to Summer Camp

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on June 6, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new gluten-free products that will remind you of summer camp. From gourmet marshmallows to gluten-free graham crackers to artisanal soda, the items sampled are ideal to try out this summer to get you in the mood for the blissful season ahead.

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

1. CLIO yogurt bars

CLIO bars are Greek yogurt covered in dark chocolate for a portable, sweet and tangy snack. It contains 8 grams of protein per bar, billions of probiotic CFUs and uses 15x less plastic packaging than a yogurt cup. Plus, there are plenty of indulgent flavors to choose from and the bars are great for on-the-go because no spoon is required. Buy them here.

2. Mountain House Simple Sensations

Simple Sensations is Mountain House’s newest line of just-add-water meals. You add hot water directly to the pouch or heat it in the microwave and have a ready-made meal with high-quality, clean ingredients. The meals are packed with flavor and ensure you always have a sensational meal ready to go. Buy them here.

3. Happy Family Organics snacks

Our taste testers sampled the Happy Baby Superfood Puffs and Happy Tot Organic Baby Food. The puffs were purple carrot and blueberry and are USDA organic. They contain choline, antioxidant vitamins and are made without cane syrup. The Pears, Squash and Blueberries pouch of baby food is suitable for children six months and older. It contains just a few whole ingredients. The Love My Veggies pouch, made for “tots and tykes” contains a full serving of veggies and is a blend of organic spinach, apples, sweet potatoes and kiwi. Buy them here.

4. SMASHMALLOW

SMASHMALLOW is a premium snacking marshmallow made with organic cane sugar and natural ingredients. There are many scrumptious flavors to choose from, including Cookie Dough, Toasted Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Churro, and Strawberries and Cream. These would be fun to experiment with at the campfire this summer. SMASHMALLOW also offers marshmallow rice treats in a variety of ingredients. The treats are naturally gluten free and made with non-GMO ingredients for a sweet-tooth satisfying pick me up. Buy them here.

5. Schar product selection

Our taste testers sampled some of Schar’s new and delicious products. The honeygrams are free of gluten, wheat, lactose and preservatives and make an excellent campfire treat. The Chocolix candy bars are milk chocolate-coated and have a caramel filling, similar to a Twix bar. The new Twin Bar is a crispy wafer covered in smooth milk chocolate that is reminiscent of a Kit Kat. Buy them here.

6. Rowdy Bar

These bars are made with yacon root, which is a superfood loaded with prebiotics and full of benefits for gut health. Yacon root encourages good gut bacteria, lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, supports managing a healthy weight, boosts liver health and keeps “bad” cholesterol down. The bars come in mouthwatering flavors, including Peanutty Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut Cashew, and Blueberry Almond Tart. Buy them here.

7. Wandering Bear Coffee

This cold brew is strong and bold in flavor, but smooth with a bright, chocolatey finish. The beans are a fair trade organic Arabica from central Peru. Wandering Bear Coffee supplies the original cold brew in a box, also providing on-the-go cartons, a line of single-serve ready-to-enjoy coffee. Buy them here.

8. Bare Snacks Fruit Chips

These fruit and veggie chips are craveably crunchy, made with real fruit and vegetables and baked instead of fried. The produce is all sourced from nature, slowly baked to a crunch perfection and an easy snack to grab for an on-the-go treat. Buy them here.

9. Dona Spice Sodas

Dona Spice Sodas are brewed in small batches and contain freshly ground spices, citrus, herbs and flowers. They are fizzy and sweet, with complex and one-of-a-kind flavor combinations. They are also caffeine free and vegan. We sampled Juniper Lime with Chamomile and Elderflower, Pink Peppercorn Lemon, and Turmeric Honeybush with Orange and Black Pepper. Buy them here.

10. PECKISH Boiled Eggs

PECKISH packages nature’s finest organic free-range eggs with dippable flavors for breakfast, lunch, a snack or dinner. These hard boiled eggs are easy to enjoy at any time. The eggs come in many flavors, including rancheros, maple waffles, fried rice and everything. Our taste testers sampled the newest PECKISH flavor, ranch. The crispy, crunchy flavors made for dipping are gluten free, dairy free and contain very little sugar. There are also paleo and keto-friendly options. Buy them here.

Quest Diagnostics: Financial, Medical Information of 12 Million Patients May be Compromised

Quest Diagnostics, one of the largest blood testing providers in the U.S., announced June 3 that the medical and financial information of up to 12 million patients may have been breached.

An unauthorized user accessed the American Medical Collection Agency’s system in May 2019, including Quest Diagnostics records. On May 31, Quest was notified that the data on the system had information regarding approximately 11.9 million Quest patients.

According to a statement from Quest Diagnostics, it is believed that the information includes personal information, including financial data, Social Security numbers and medical information, but not laboratory test results.

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Further information regarding which individuals may have been affected has not been provided at this time. “Quest will be working with Optum360 to ensure that Quest patients are appropriately notified consistent with the law,” according to a statement.

“Quest is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to the privacy and security of our patients’ personal information,” Quest said in a statement. “Since learning of the AMCA data security incident, we have suspended sending collection requests to AMCA. We are committed to keeping our patients, health care providers, and all relevant parties informed as we learn more.”

Quest Diagnostics, a Fortune 500 company, offers a comprehensive celiac disease panel in addition to testing services for cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and more. Follow Gluten-Free Living on Facebook for more updates and information on this story as it is released.

Perdue Foods Recalls Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

On May 31, Perdue Foods recalled 31,703 pounds of chicken, including refrigerated, fully cooked gluten-free breaded organic chicken tenders under the PERDUE^® SIMPLY SMART^®Organics brand.

According to Perdue Foods, these chicken tenders were recalled “because of the potential that the product may contain pieces of bone.”

All of the SIMPLY SMART^® items, including the gluten-free chick tenders, are no longer in stores and are past their use-by date of May 20, 2019.

The gluten-free product recalled is the PERDUE^® SIMPLY SMART^®Organics Refrigerated Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders. These items were produced in March 2019 with a “Best If Used By Date” of 5/20/2019 and UPC product bar code of 072745-001437. Click here for more information on the recalled chicken.

“We are committed to producing the highest quality products, therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to recall all affected products that were produced during the same production run,” said Jeff Shaw, Perdue’s Vice President of Food Safety and Quality, in a press release.

If you have any of the refrigerated PERDUE^® SIMPLY SMART^®Organics brand packages, do not consume the product and contact Perdue Foods at 866-866-3703 for a full refund of your purchase.

In January 2019, more than 68,000 pounds of Perdue gluten-free chicken nuggets were recalled due to possible wood contamination, according to the USDA.

5 Scrumptious, Creamy Gluten-Free Cheesecake Recipes from Around the Web

Summer calls for gluten-free cheesecake, so we rounded up five gluten-free cheesecake recipes from around the web that are smooth, refreshing and mellow.

Of course, Gluten-Free Living also has plenty of cheesecake recipes, so if you’re looking for mind-blowing Lemon Lime Greek Yogurt Cheesecake, Mini Cheesecakes in Chocolate Shells, Avocado Cheesecake or Tiramisu Cheesecake, you’re already in the right place! But if you’re ready to surf the web finding exquisite cheesecake recipes, read on.

1. Gluten-Free Death By Chocolate Cheesecake

Gluten-free cheesecake — Photo: Flippin’ Delicious

This recipe from Flippin’ Delicious is decadent but easy to make.

“Gluten-free death by chocolate cheesecake is the ULTIMATE chocolate cheesecake and the perfect decadent dessert. Crunchy chocolate cookie crust with rich, creamy, chocolate cheesecake filling and topped with a sweet, smooth chocolate ganache.” Click here for the recipe.

2. Gluten Free No-Bake Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

It’s silky, mouthwatering and you don’t have to turn on the oven. Total win from The Spruce Eats!

“This absolutely luscious, ultra decadent gluten-free Irish Cream chocolate cheesecake recipe is actually an easy, no-bake recipe. It’s a perfect special occasion or holiday gluten-free dessert recipe and whether on gluten-free diets or not, people will swoon over this super silky cheesecake.” Click here for the recipe.

3. Classic Gluten Free Cheesecake | Oven or Instant Pot

Instant Pot cheesecake?! This classic, simple recipe from Gluten Free on a Shoestring is just made with cream cheese, sugar and eggs. The graham cracker crust is optional, but we recommend it for the balance of textures.

“This classic gluten free cheesecake is technically a ‘plain’ cheesecake, but the taste and texture make it anything but plain. It’s smooth and silky, and each bite tastes light and creamy.” Click here for the recipe.

4. Gluten-Free Mini Cheesecakes

If you need built-in portion control, these mini cheesecakes from My Baking Addiction are for you. You can decorate them with berries or drizzle a dessert sauce on top.

“I’ve had some less than stellar gluten-free crusts in the past but this one is perfect! Pre-baking the crusts and letting them cool slightly prevents the crust, which is almond flour based, from getting soggy.” Click here for the recipe.

5. Strawberry Cheesecake

Ideal for summer, this dairy-free strawberry cheesecake from Autoimmune Wellness is a cool and stunning treat.

“It’s berry season and I bet you’re so excited to find any reason to indulge in strawberries. There are so many ways to enjoy them but I cannot think of a better way than strawberry cheesecake. Because of the gelatin in this cheesecake, the stability makes it perfect for a summer day picnic.” Click here for the recipe.

7 Gluten-Free Recipes for your Summer Cookout

As the first long weekend of summer approaches, it’s time to fire up the grill and create a summer of memories with scrumptious, flavorful gluten-free recipes. Here are seven of our favorites that you will crave all summer, from fresh summer salads to s’more brownies to fruity margaritas.

Check out our tips and product suggestions to create the perfect summer barbecue for everyone, including picks for marinades and sauces, tips to prevent cross-contamination over the grill and our favorite gluten-free buns.

1. Southwest Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Scared of gluten-free veggie burgers? Think they can’t match up to their meaty counterparts? Try these veggie burgers made with black beans and southwestern spices to push your health and taste boundaries. They’ll surprise you, and please every vegetarian at your cookout. Get the recipe.

2. Grilled Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are seasoned with five simple ingredients before they earn their grill stripes. This easy gluten-free side would pair perfectly with other grilled meats or veggie burgers. It’s a side dish that makes everyone happy and coming back for seconds. Get the recipe.

3. Watermelon Salad with Spicy Citrus Grilled Shrimp and Feta

This watermelon salad has it all: A nice, clean citrusy zing along with a subtle kick from the jalapeños, a refreshing sweet crunch of watermelon and a little saltiness from the feta. This will absolutely become one of your favorite summer salads. Get the recipe.

4. Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

You might not immediately think of peaches when grill season begins, but this flavorful fruit, fresh off the grill, is combined with goat cheese, almonds and mint in a tasty salad perfect for backyard dining. Get the recipe.

5. In-Side Out Burger

Nothing is better than a good burger in the summer. With a few extra steps it’s easy to give a basic burger a little bit of flare. This recipe uses nuts as a binder instead of breadcrumbs. It also has cheese inside the burger instead of on top to give everyone a bit of a surprise when they dig in. These burgers are so good you can enjoy with or without a gluten-free bun. Get the recipe.

6. Pineapple Green Chile Margarita

This bright and refreshing gluten-free margarita gets a tasty kick from green chile barbecue sauce. Shake up this bangin’ beverage for yourself to sip on the porch, or whip up a batch for your next get-together. Get the recipe.

7. S’mores Brownie

Being able to provide gluten-free graham crackers for s’mores is really special. This recipe allows you to enjoy the gooey fun of s’mores with no need for a campfire. Get the recipe.

8 New Gluten-Free Products for Summer

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on May 23, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new gluten-free products that would be excellent to have on hand this summer. This time, they sampled graham crackers, protein bars for kids, tea, granola, brownies and more!

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

1. A Dozen Cousins

We sampled A Dozen Cousins Cuban Black Beans and Trini Chickpea Curry. These are made with avocado oil and contain 6 grams of plant protein and 4 grams of fiber. They’re vegan, non-GMO and have no MSG and the packaging is BPA-free! These versatile beans can be served with a side of rice, in tacos or burritos, or as added protein on a salad. Buy them here.

2. Base Culture Brownies

These sweet, rich brownies are made with all-natural cocoa. They’re paleo, grain free, dairy free and soy free. Base Culture’s paleo products are all natural, made without artificial ingredients or preservatives. Gluten-Free Living readers can use the code GFLIVING for 20% off their almond butter brownies. Buy them here.

3. Artemis Teas

Our taste testers sampled Artemis Teas in the flavors Lady Monarch, Botanist and Chelidon. Each artisinal tea is crafted by a clinical herbalist and is organic and ethically sourced. According to their website, “Artemis Teas honor and strengthen the interconnections between people and plants. Each tea is crafted to pique both intellect and imagination, arouse the senses, support vibrant well-being, and invite us to remember and revalue the importance of our coevolutionary relationship with the vegetal world.” Buy them here.

4. Kip’s Granola Bark

This granola bark is free of the top eight allergens, is vegan and made with 5 grams of plant protein per serving. We sampled Cocoa Crunch and Cinnamon Crunch. The bark is filled with wholesome ingredients, including pea protein, gluten-free oats and flax seed meal. It’s great on its own, but could also be spread with nut butter, dipped in chocolate, crumbled over a smoothie or even ice cream. Buy them here.

5. SimplyProtein Baked Bars and Crispy Bars

If you’re looking for a gluten-free protein bar to survive the summer, SimplyProtein has a clean and satisfying option. The crispy bars contain 15 grams of protein and 150 calories, plus 7 grams of fiber. The bars have no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives. Buy them here.

6. One Degree Organic Foods Vanilla Chia Granola

This sprouted granola is made with lightly sweetened organic oat and chia clusters and vanilla. It’s made with ingredients sourced directly from farmers that only use plant-based cultivation methods. The grains are soaked and sprouted to enhance vitamins and minerals naturally.

7. Luckybar

These bars for kids contain 13 grams of protein, more than in two large eggs. They’re low in sugar, carbs, fat and sodium. According to Luckybar, they are “enjoyed by picky eaters everywhere.” The bars are crafted in small batches and have no fillers or preservatives, and the company was founded by a mom, while the bars were crafted by a doctor. Buy them here.

8. Pamela’s Honey Grahams

Looking for gluten-free graham crackers to enjoy this summer? Pamela’s are wheat and egg free, made with real honey and with no hydrogenated oils. They’re a great option for s’mores, crust for pie or cheesecake or with ice cream sandwiches. Buy them here.

Cryotherapy for Celiac and Autoimmune Diseases

Some suggest that cyrotherapy, or cold therapy, can relieve many symptoms for those with chronic pain and autoimmune diseases like celiac disease. Since up to 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases, could this icy treatment be a solution?

With cryotherapy, also called cold therapy, freezing temperatures are the key. The older and more familiar form uses ice or cold on a certain part of your body. Putting a cold pack on a sprain is one example.

The newer, and less studied, type has a person standing in a booth for up to four minutes in a spa or facility dedicated to cryotherapy. In the cryo chamber, the temperature is between -150° F and -300° F, a colder temperature than most people have experienced. This is known as whole body cryotherapy (WBC).

Cryotherapy supporters, including Floyd Mayweather, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mandy Moore, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Aniston, say it is useful in relieving a long list of pain syndromes from rheumatoid arthritis to fibromyalgia to generalized chronic pain. It can help symptoms of autoimmune diseases like IBS, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. It has also been touted as a way to do everything from treating Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis to losing weight.

According to CryoSpa Natural Healing Center, “Autoimmune diseases are caused by a breakdown in the protective functions of the immune system, causing the body to attack healthy cells. Cryotherapy helps by completely restarting the immune system of patients. The body’s nervous system sends signals to all parts of the body to determine which areas are compromised and to what extent; the body is then able to allocate resources to affected body areas for healing.”

The treatment is said by many to be effective with regular use and is popular with athletes and celebrities. However, since this is fairly new, medical research doesn’t have much to say definitively about the benefits of cryotherapy. Spas and treatment facilities that offer WBC sing its praises.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says to pump the brakes and not get your hopes up until more research can be done. They note that, although the marketing may suggest otherwise, the WBC claims have not been supported by independent studies. In addition, the studies that have been completed generally focus on athletes, so whether the results can be transferred to the rest of us is unknown. Because of this, WBC has not been cleared or approved for use as a medical device.

Potential benefits

There are several benefits that cryotherapy facilities boast of, keeping die-hard cryo fans coming back for more.

1. Joint and muscle pain relief

Just like using an ice pack on an injured muscle, cryotherapy may promote faster healing of injuries and increase blood circulation. Studies have shown cryotherapy offers relief from rheumatoid arthritis pain. The most improvement appears to be seen in cold-water immersion rather than WBC. Combining this therapy with physiotherapy and occupational therapy may be especially effective, allowing physical therapy to be more aggressive and see faster progress.

2. Lessening migraine symptoms

While cryotherapy probably won’t get rid of your migraines permanently, it may temporarily relieve or reduce the pain of migraine headaches. This is particularly effective when the cryotherapy focuses on the neck and cools the blood passing through intracranial vessels.

3. Mental health boost

Some research suggests that cryotherapy can be beneficial as an additional therapy in treating anxiety and depression. The freezing temperatures cause the release of adrenaline and endorphins and may be effective as a short-term treatment. It can also provide a boost of energy to propel you through the rest of your day. How long the effects last has not been studied.

4. Fighting inflammation

Reducing inflammation can help improve many pain issues, including reactions to accidentally eating gluten, as well as lessen the risk of diabetes, depression, dementia, arthritis and cancer.

5. Weight loss and glowing skin

In addition to the health benefits, there are claims cryotherapy is a useful tool for weight loss and higher metabolism and improving skin. The icy temperatures are thought to burn calories very quickly because the body burns extra calories to increase your internal temperature. However, there is not yet evidence that cryotherapy promotes long-term weight loss. Cryotherapy facials, or cryofacials, claim to exfoliate dead cells on the surface of the skin to expose healthy, glowing skin beneath.

The warnings

More research is necessary to validate these claims, and the FDA says none of them have been proven, despite the glowing reviews the treatment may have from admirers.

“If you decide to try WBC, know that the FDA has not cleared or approved any of these devices for medical treatment of any specific medical conditions,” the FDA website states. “The FDA is also concerned that patients who opt for WBC treatment — especially in place of treatment options with established safety and effectiveness — may experience a lack of improvement or a worsening of their medical conditions.”

Cryotherapy spas warn that pregnant women, children, those with very high blood pressure, and people with heart conditions shouldn’t use cryotherapy. Ask your doctor if there are other reasons you shouldn’t consider WBC.

Investigate your spa before using. These low temperatures leave relatively little room for error. Frostbite, for example, has been reported when a person entered the chamber with damp socks. Talk to customers about their experiences and ask the spa about training for their employees.

What you can expect

If you decide to take the icy plunge into the world of cryotherapy, you can expect to pay around $60 per treatment. Insurance companies do not cover these treatments, so you will have to pay for it from your own pocket. You can wear shorts and a sports bra or enter in the buff. Cryotherapy patients also wear gloves and socks to keep them safe while they’re in the tank. The cryotherapy chamber is as tall as a person’s shoulders, and the person sits or stands (usually with his or her head exposed) for up to four minutes. Keeping sessions short ensures the body’s core temperature remains the same and only skin-surface temperature plummets.

Obviously, expect your skin temperature to drop significantly. Blood is sent to your core and away from your limbs and will be redistributed once you step out of the cryotherapy chamber. Blood flow will also be constricted, reducing inflammation. You can expect to feel energized and in a good mood after a session because of the release of endorphins and adrenaline.

The main take-home message is that WBC is said to do many things and treat many conditions. Scientific studies have yet to support most of the suggested benefits. With that understanding, and if your doctor says it is OK, there is little reason to not try, it assuming you have the extra money.

10 New Gluten-Free Comfort Foods to Stock Up Your Pantry

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on May 9, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free products world. They sampled traditional comfort foods with a healthy or gluten-free twist, including chickpea puffs, cheese bread, mac ‘n cheese and more. All of these products are easy and quick to prepare or bring on the go and will satisfy your craving for a treat.

Tune in for our next Facebook Live taste test on May 23 at 3 p.m. EST!

1. Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels

This comfort snack is made with no cane sugar, dairy or grain and is plant based. The low-glycemic, organic coconut sugar blends with creamy coconut milk to make a mildly sweet caramel that won’t give you a sugar crash. It’s made with simple ingredients and is USDA organic and non-GMO. Buy them here.

2. KidFresh Gluten-Free White Mac ‘n Cheese

It doesn’t get much more “comfort food” than mac ‘n cheese. This gluten-free version is made with rice and egg pasta, pureed white beans and cheese from cows not treated with growth hormones. Whether you’re serving this to your child or enjoying it yourself, you can feel good about this option since it has no artificial flavors or ingredients, 12 grams of protein and is a great source of calcium. Plus, it even sneaks in some veggies. Buy them here.

3. Oven-Baked ParmCrisps

This 100% cheese snack comes in jalapeno, sesame, pizza and original flavors. The snacks are artisan-crafted, crunchy crisps made of aged parmesan cheese and premium seasoning. They are oven-baked in small batches and have no artificial growth hormones, flavors, colors or preservatives. Plus, they’re only 100 calories per serving. For any cheese lover, this is a great option to enjoy on salad, soup, sandwiches, with a glass of wine or just right out the back as a snack any time. Buy them here.

4. Brazi Bites Authentic Brazilian Cheese Bites

This Brazilian Cheese Bread is an ideal side, snack or appetizer. It’s made with an authentic family recipe using simple, wholesome ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare. In addition to being gluten free, Brazi Bites are vegetarian and soy free. The savory flavors are Cheddar & Parmesan, Garlic Asiago, and 3 Cheese Pizza. A new flavor coming this spring is Cinnamon Churro. Inspired by the popular pastry, this flavor melts in your mouth with cream cheese and sugar and spice. Buy them here.

5. Keogh’s Potato Chips

Our taste testers sampled the Shamrock and Sour Cream gluten-free chips, delicious Irish potato crisps handcooked on a family farm. The chips contain traditional Irish shamrock, and are grown in small batches. They’re suitable for vegetarians and come in plenty of scrumptious flavors. Buy them here.

6. Mikey’s Pockets

Mikey’s believes that gluten-free comfort food doesn’t have to sacrifice nutrition. They believe in clean eating, low carbs and lots of free-froms. These pizza pockets are grain free, dairy free, paleo, soy free and non-GMO. Our taste testers sampled the Ham & Cheese Pockets and Cauliflower Curry, but the pockets are available in traditional pizza flavors, too. Buy them here.

7. Fairlife Nutrition Plan

This chocolate-flavored shake is high protein and low sugar, made to help people achieve their health goals. It contains 30 grams of protein, 8 vitamins and minerals and 2 grams of sugar, so it’s a satisfying way to support your health goals while enjoy a sweet, smooth beverage. Buy them here.

8. Barbara’s Puffins Cereal and Honest O’s Cereal

These gluten-free breakfast cereals are a good way to start your morning or rev up your afternoon. The Puffins Honey Rice cereal contains 5 grams of sugar and 22 grams of whole grains per serving. It’s made with real honey and whole grain brown rice. Honest O’s multigrain cereal is a heart healthy option that blends corn, oats and brown rice. It contains 6 grams of sugar and 3 grams of protein, plus calcium, iron and potassium. Buy them here.

9. Biena Baked Chickpea Puffs

A fluffy, crunchy snack, these chickpea puffs are a healthier substitute for chips or a similar snack food. They have 30% less carbs than Pirate’s Booty and contain 7 grams of plant protein per serving. The puffs contain very few ingredients, mostly chickpea flour and chickpea protein, and come in plenty of finger-licking flavors. Buy them here.

10. UPTIME Energy

Uptime’s energy drink, available in White Peach Lemonade or Blood Orange, contains natural caffeine. There are sugar free and cane sugar options. The sparkling beverages are refreshing and the sugar free option contains only 5 calories per bottle. With 142 mg of natural caffeine, these tasty beverages will give you the kick you crave. Buy them here.

7 Gluten-Free Spring Recipes for Budding Chefs

Looking for something fun to do with your kids? Get them into the kitchen preparing delicious, nutritious gluten-free meals for the whole family. It will help them be excited about the process of grocery shopping, finding recipes, cooking and sharing it with others and it teaches a valuable life skill. Here are seven of our favorite recipes that are kid-friendly. They are uncomplicated to whip up and will help your family create fun memories in the kitchen.

1. DIY Gluten-Free Dumplings

This recipe for gluten-free dumplings is easy and fun. Rolling out the dough and shaping the dumplings is a task small fingers can join in on. The recipe comes from Maizy Boosin, winner of Food Network’s Chopped Junior. Get the recipe.

2. Gluten-Free Frittata for Kids

This gluten-free frittata for kids is not only a joy for the taste buds, but also a fun way to spend time with your little chefs and get them involved in the kitchen. It’s always best to have a grown-up take care of the cooking, but having your little sous chefs involved in the prep of this breakfast is a great way to establish a habit of cooking together and learning about food. Get the recipe.

3. Lemon and Butter Shrimp Pasta

Kids will need some help preparing this dish, but there is plenty the whole family can participate with in making this light, crowd-pleasing dinner ideal for spring and summer. Get the recipe.

4. Sweet Gluten-Free Crêpes

These elegant crepes are easy to make and versatile. Everyone can have fun adding their own fillings and experimenting with flavor combinations. Bananas, strawberries, Nutella, peanut butter, whipped cream, ice cream, ham and cheese are some options to get you started. Get the recipe.

5. Ombre Frozen Yogurt Pops

This fun, healthy snack is a good way to include young ones in the kitchen, because there’s no heat involved. Make and enjoy these beautiful and delicious gluten-free frozen yogurt pops together. You can use any soft fruit, but those with a deep color give the best visual effect. Try kiwi, strawberry or mango for other flavor ideas. Get the recipe.

6. Coconut Macaroon Bird Nests

Just in time for spring, whip up these bird nests and fill them with your favorite candy. These sweet treats make a great gift and are perfect to share with friends. Get the recipe.

7. Spring Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Decorating sugar cookies isn’t just for the Christmas season! These gluten-free cookies can be cut into any shapes your child prefers and a fun weekend can be spent decorating them. Get the recipe.

My Child Has Celiac Disease: What Do I Need to Know? FAQs Answered by Boston Children’s Hospital Doctor

Gluten-Free Living asked Dascha C. Weir, MD, associate director of the Boston Children’s Hospital Celiac Disease Program, your questions on raising gluten-free children and keeping your kids with celiac disease healthy.

“I’ve learned through the years that the cornerstones of a successful gluten-free diet are a solid base of knowledge and ongoing support,” says Weir, a member of Gluten-Free Living’s Medical Advisory Board.

When discussing the importance of a gluten-free diet for celiac disease patients, Weir’s message is succinct: “A strict gluten-free diet is the only current treatment for celiac disease, and I prescribe it regularly to children with celiac disease.”

Here are Weir’s answers to your questions about raising a happy, healthy gluten-free kid.

My child was just diagnosed with celiac disease and I feel overwhelmed. What are the first steps I need to take?

Dr. Weir: Adjusting to a new medical diagnosis and facing the details entailed in initiating a major change in your child’s diet is overwhelming.

The first step is to take a deep breath, remind yourself that you and your child can do this and then get ready to learn a lot of new information. No one expects you to already know everything about the gluten-free diet or to have already figured out how to actually make it work for your child and family. This will come with time.

The second step is to start looking at ingredient lists and remove the obvious sources of wheat, barley, rye and oats from your child’s diet.

The third step is to seek help. I recommend consulting a knowledgeable dietician who understands celiac disease so that you can begin to learn all the nitty gritty details about a strict gluten free diet. I also highly recommending connecting with other families with children with celiac disease as their support and guidance can be invaluable.

Making early connections with a neighbor, a friend of a friend, an online group or a local support group in your area can really help ease the stress in the early days following a diagnosis of celiac disease.

My child has been on the gluten-free diet for two years. Is it likely that any intestinal/mucosal damage has been repaired by now?

Dr. Weir: If your child has been on a strict gluten-free diet with vigilance to avoid cross-contamination for two years, they are likely to have intestinal healing with resolution of inflammation and repair of mucosal damage.

Full mucosal recovery can take up to one to two years. However, if your child is still ingesting even small amounts of gluten, they are at risk of ongoing intestinal damage. If they are having ongoing symptoms or growth concerns or if their celiac serologic tests have not normalized, it is important to have a discussion with their gastroenterologist about whether repeat endoscopy is needed to look for ongoing mucosal damage.

Is there any research you’re following or particularly interested in related to celiac disease, specifically in kids?

Dr. Weir: Research related to improving how we diagnose celiac disease and how we best care for and support children after the diagnosis is very valuable to me as this is what I do every day in my clinic. However, I am also very hopeful that we will have other treatment options for kids with celiac disease beyond the gluten free diet so am following that area of celiac research closely.

My child was diagnosed with celiac disease and is still experiencing symptoms after going gluten free. Why could that be?

Dr. Weir: Most children with celiac disease feel better on a gluten-free diet within weeks to months on the diet. If your child has been on a gluten-free diet for longer than a few months and is still having symptoms, it’s time to circle back and touch base with your celiac team.

The most common causes of ongoing or recurrent symptoms in kids with celiac disease include ongoing gluten exposure, lactose intolerance, constipation and functional abdominal pain.

How can I make sure my kids get enough nutrients on the gluten-free diet?

Dr. Weir: I recommend working with a dietician to ensure that your child’s nutritional goals are being met. The best approach is to aim for a varied selection of low and unprocessed gluten-free foods including sources of calcium and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, for kids with celiac disease, I recommend a gluten-free multivitamin.

Alternative Medicine Websites Make False Claims About Gluten-Free Diet, Study Finds

Researchers have found that many alternative and complementary medicine websites make claims about the gluten-free diet and celiac disease that are false and offer treatments that are ineffective and unproven.

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“We know that complementary and alternative medicine is widespread, and people seek out acupuncture, homeopathy and naturopathy for a variety of reasons, and we also know that avoidance of gluten and the popularity of the gluten-free diet has exploded in recent years, far out of proportion to the prevalence of celiac disease,” said senior study author Dr. Benjamin Lebwohl, director of clinical research at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University in New York City.

Researchers wanted to learn whether there was a connection between the gluten-free diet and alternative medicine, so they looked at claims on websites for 500 alternative medicine providers in the 10 most populous U.S. cities. They looked at chiropractors, naturopaths, homeopaths, acupuncturists and integrative medicine practitioners.

Of these 500 websites, 36 percent made at least one claim regarding celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or a gluten-free diet.

60 percent of those marketing claims were either false or unproven, according to the study.

“This is of concern, given the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine and the fact that misinformation on this topic can lead to misdiagnosis of celiac disease, unnecessarily restrictive (and possibly unhealthy) diets, and delays in diagnosis of other conditions that may be underlying the patient’s symptoms,” Lebwohl said.

According to the study, naturopath clinic websites have the highest rates of advertising at least one diagnosis or treatment for celiac disease, followed by integrative medicine clinics.

The study was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology and concluded that, as many claims made by complementary and alternative medicine practices have false or unproven claims, there is “a need for increased regulation…to protect the public.”

Click here to learn more about celiac disease.

New For You: Gluten-Free Picks for the On-the-Go Lifestyle

Here are our gluten-free picks for your busy, on-the-go lifestyle. These delicious products will make life a little easier and keep your time in the kitchen to a minimum during these warm months when you just want to be outside.

Laughing Giraffe Organics spiced dried fruits

Fruit snacks to dry for

Laughing Giraffe Organics just introduced Kick’n Mango and Kick’n Pineapple dried fruit snacks, inspired by popular street foods from around the globe. The line is made with fresh, organic fruit and is vegan, gluten free, kosher and certified non-GMO. The Kick’n Mango flavor is made with organic dried mango, a hint of lime and a kick of jalapeno, inspired by street fruit from Mexico. Kick’n Pineapple is based on a popular Ecuadorian drink and is spiced with a touch of warm cinnamon.

Biena chickpea snacks

Go gaga for garbanzo

Biena’s roasted chickpeas are light, crispy and delicious, plus each flavor is made with less than six ingredients and full of protein to satisfy your hunger. The gluten-free snack comes in tons of flavors: milk or dark chocolate, salted caramel, sea salt, sour cream and onion, honey roasted, ranch and more. They have the convenience and crunch of a bag of chips but packed with protein and fiber.

Brooklyn Bites cookie brittle

Try this brittle-sweet treat

Brooklyn Bites recently launched a line of cookie brittle that is made without gluten, dairy or soy. It comes in six flavors and offers a crispy, flavor-packed punch to satisfy a sweet tooth or crunchy craving without derailing healthy eating efforts. The ingredients in the cookies are high quality, including coconut oil, low-glycemic coconut sugar, almond milk and gluten-free oats. The most popular sellers are Coco Crispy Rice, Nutty Chocolate Sea Salt and Cinnamon Coffee Cake.

Just the Cheese snack bars

Keep it cheesy

Just the Cheese is crunchy, full of flavor and made to be enjoyed without crackers. It’s an easy appetizer when guests drop in or perfect to bring on the go when you need a cheese fix. The bars are only 75 calories each, and Just the Cheese also offers mini bites. They are all low in carbs and gluten free, and come in tantalizing flavors like jalapeno cheese, grilled cheese and Wisconsin cheddar. These rich bars will be a hit with foodies, dieters and kids alike.

Fullgreen cauli rice

Veg out

The Fullgreen cauliflower rice is a great way to get your veggies in with a low-carb rice replacement. There are packs with just cauliflower and others with cauliflower and broccoli or tomatoes, garlic and herbs. They’re non-GMO and gluten free and are 100 percent vegetable with no preservatives. These products are designed to be simple to prepare as a quick alternative to rice or grains. Each pack of riced veggies is one of your five-a-day vegetable quotas.

Crazy Richard’s almond butter

Don’t spread yourself too thin

Crazy Richard’s believes you only need a great almond to make a perfect almond butter, and that salt, sugar and hydrogenated and palm oils just get in the way of a delectable product. The ingredients in this almond butter are the highest quality, and almond butter can be used on just about anything: fruit, gluten-free toast, pancakes, in a smoothie and many other options. It’s a delicious, guilt-free pantry staple.

Perfectly Peckish boiled eggs

The local yolk

This new product line of boiled eggs from Perfectly Peckish pairs organic hard-boiled eggs with a container of crunchy flavored dip made with quinoa. The combination creates an unexpected way to pump up the flavor of a traditional protein-packed snack. Each kit contains two perfectly cooked eggs with a container of dip for premium portable snacking.

The Vegan Knife Gluten Free & Vegan Cupcake and Cake Mix

Have your cake and eat it, too

These cupcake and cake mixes come in chocolate, vanilla spice, birthday cake and even a donut mix. All are gluten free, wheat free, soy free, egg free, dairy free, nut free and vegan, so you can bring them to any birthday party and know just about anyone can try one. Just add non-dairy milk, oil and vanilla.

5 Reasons Not to Miss the 2019 CDF Gluten-Free EXPO

The Celiac Disease Foundation is holding their Gluten-Free EXPO in Pasadena, California on June 8 and 9. This two-day event is one to make the effort to go to and show your support for the foundation while getting connected with the world of gluten-free products and others with celiac disease.

Here are five reasons you should make sure you don’t miss the Gluten-Free EXPO this year.

1. You will get the opportunity to try new gluten-free products before they hit stores.

2. You can load up on free samples of the latest and best gluten-free products to take home and share with your family and friends!

3. You will leave with a bag full of gluten-free goodies and coupons.

4. You can meet others with celiac disease, physicians, experts, well-known media influencers and authors. Pick their brains, get a picture with them, make new friends and get connected in the celiac community.

5. You will support the important work of the Celiac Disease Foundation, which accelerates treatments and a cure for celiac disease. Since its founding in 1990, the Celiac Disease Foundation has funded and executed international initiatives in three principal areas to bring an end to the suffering caused by celiac disease: medical research, patient and healthcare provider education, and public policy advocacy.

At last year’s EXPO, 2,700 patients, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, biopharmaceutical and diagnostic company representatives, and gluten-free foodies were in attendance. Gluten-Free Living is honored to be the Exclusive Media Sponsor for the event.

Click here to learn more and purchase tickets for the EXPO.

9 Refreshing New Gluten-Free Products for Summer

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on April 25, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free products world. They sampled cauliflower pizza rolls, birch water, gluten-removed beer and more. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live the team did.

1. Chloe’s Pops

These popsicles are a refreshing, sweet treat for spring. They’re made with just fruit, water and cane sugar— no stabilizers, flavors or artificial anything. They’re also available dipped in non-dairy dark chocolate and come in many fruity flavors. Chloe’s Pops is an allergen-conscious brand and use ingredients free of all the eight major food allergens and make an effort to ensure the allergens do not cross contaminate into their products. Buy them here.

2. Rollin Greens Ancient Grain Millet Tots

Millet Tots are the only non-potato whole grain tot on the market. The crispy, vegan bites are a comfort food made healthy. They are free of the top eight allergens, have no binders, fillers or batters and are a low glycemic index food. The tots are made with millet, an easily digestible pseudo grain. Buy them here.

3. SZENT Water

This water uses a scented ring to allow the drinker to experience flavor through their sense of smell. This ring is infused with all-natural, food-grade oils. The water itself has a clean taste, and a rigorous reverse osmosis process is used to remove impurities. The water has a hint of flavor without any additives, sugar or calories, because it’s just water! Buy them here.

4. Feel Good Foods Snack Bites

These snack bites are reminiscent of pizza rolls, but are made with cauliflower crust and high quality ingredients. Feel Good Foods uses non-GMO ingredients, meat raised without antibiotics, cage-free eggs and no preservatives, MSG, artificial ingredients, colors, additives or fillers. The snack bites are quick and easy to make and are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. Buy them here.

5. Handfulls Fusions

Our taste testers raved about these elevated trail mixes, which contain simple, natural ingredients. They are non-GMO, kosher and vegetarian. We sampled the tangy Denali Mountain Mix, which features sweet and spicy glazed pecans, Fuji and Gala apple chips, tart Montmorency cherries and orange-infused cranberries. Another variety enjoyed was the Lakeshore Trail Mix, which mashes up the great tastes of Chicago-style popcorn in an addictive blend of salted caramel-glazed cashews and cheddar CrrrunchBites almonds. The Thai-inspired Bangkok Backpack Blend, with its candied ginger cashews, diced pineapple and toasted coconut chips, was also enjoyed. Buy them here.

6. Crunchies

This crunchy freeze-dried fruit delivers a crunchy texture with every bite. The company focuses on knowing where food comes from, so the Crunchies website explains where every fruit used comes from. The versatile snack can be enjoyed straight out of a bag or with cereal, on yogurt or as a dessert. Buy them here.

7. Yönalé Birch Water

This organic, non-GMO birch water can help ease muscle soreness and reduce fatigue, supports liver, kidney and thyroid functions and boosts energy and immunity. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes and prebiotics. According to the Yönalé website, the water is “wild harvested, tapped from the heart of the most pristine forest wonderlands” and can help detox the body, control weight and lower cholesterol. Buy them here.

8. Emmy’s Organic Chocolate-Covered Cookie Bites

Our taste testing team has sampled Emmy’s Organic products, and their new chocolate-covered cookie bites did not disappoint. The bite-sized pieces of coconut cookie dough are covered in dark chocolate and sweetened with organic coconut sugar. The bites are made with organic, non-GMO, vegan and kosher ingredients. Buy them here.

9. Chandelier Red IPA

This non-alcoholic IPA is fermented from grains containing gluten and crafted to remove gluten. It is under 10 parts per million gluten. It has only 33 calories and no sugar, and is a refreshing choice for the summer. It might pair well with fish tacos, grilled burgers and pizza. Buy them here.

Tune in for our next Facebook Live taste test on May 9 at 3 p.m. EST!

10 Must-Have Game of Thrones Kitchen Tools for the Gluten-Free Kitchen

The final season of the HBO show Game of Thrones is upon us, and for those who love cooking and being in the kitchen almost as much as the show, it’s time to combine the two. Here are our favorite Game of Thrones kitchen implements— from cookie cutters to oven mitts — to help you stock up your kitchen for winter.

1. House Lannister Golden Hand Silicone Glove

One of the most practical items you can have in your kitchen, this oven mitt is made of 100% BPA-free food grade silicone. It’s easily washable and comfortable to wear. This mitt is one of those items you could use every day and would make a great gift for fellow Game of Thrones fans. Buy it here.

2. Hand of the King Bottle Opener

Inspired by the hand of the king pin, this bottle opener is made of a durable alloy and is easy to grip. It’s a great addition to your home bar and handy to have at your side when you crack open your favorite gluten-free beer to enjoy during the show. Buy it here.

3. Dinner is Coming Kitchen Apron

This apron makes a big statement: dinner is coming! It would make a versatile gift for a Game of Thrones lover, as it could be used outside the kitchen for those who garden, woodworkers or artists. The apron even has two design options: House Targaryen or Night King. Buy it here.

4. House Stark Bamboo Cutting Board

This cutting board is made of eco-friendly bamboo with a design in the shape of the House Stark dire wolf. It would make an excellent board for cheese and meats to pass to guests during a Game of Thrones viewing party, but also comes in handy for everyday meal prep. Buy it here.

5. Game of Thrones Cookie Stamps

These cookie stamps measure 2.25 inches and could be used with any kind of gluten-free cookie. The set of four comes with “Stark”, “Targaryen”, “Lannister” and “Winter is Coming” silicone stamps with a wooden handle included. Before you start baking, check out our resident chef’s tips for baking gluten-free cookies and then hit the kitchen! Buy it here.

6. Game of Thrones Dragon Egg Cookie Jar

After you get carried away and make a few too many Game of Thrones cookies with those cookie stamps, store them in this dragon egg cookie jar. The ceramic jar would look great sitting on the kitchen counter and would be sure to attract attention from guests. Buy it here.

7. I Drink and I Know Things Wine Glass

Every time you settle down to watch Game of Thrones, pour your relaxing glass of wine into this festive 12.75 oz glass. It is made in the U.S., dishwasher safe and made with high quality glass. Click here for tips on wines that pair well with popular gluten-free dishes so you can make sure you have the right wine in this clever glass. Buy it here.

8. Game of Thrones Sigil Tankard

This tankard comes with a removable stainless steel insert and is made from hand painted, quality resin. Within each of the five arches featured on the tankard, there is the sigil and motto of each house: the dragon of the Targaryens, the kraken of the Greyjoys, the stag of the Baratheons, the dire wolf of the Starks and the lion of the Lannisters. Any favorite gluten-free beverage would be even better served in this mug. Buy it here.

9. Hour of the Dragon Coaster Set

This dragon coaster set comes with four heavy coasters and is made of high quality polyresin, individually hand crafted and painted. The set is ideal for using when guests come over to watch the show and you want to make sure your furniture stays pristine. Buy it here.

10. Sculpted Dragon Egg Candles

Set the mood in your kitchen with these intricate candles modeled after the petrified dragon eggs owned by Daenerys Targaryen. Buy it here.

10 Refreshing New Gluten-Free Products to Try Out This Weekend

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on April 12, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free products world. They sampled brownies in a cup (just add water), feel-good tea, salmon jerky, gluten-free breakfast cereal and much more. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live the team did.

1. Teapigs Happy Tea With Lemon Balm

This organic, feel-good tea contains an uplifting blend of turmeric, apple and lemon balm. Teapigs uses real, quality whole tea leaves, whole herbs, berries, flowers and spices. The tea comes in a biodegradable mesh bag that allows the leaves lots of room to infuse. This blend is comforting and light, perfect for a cool spring morning. Buy it here.

2. Milton’s Craft Bakers Baked Crackers

These gluten-free crackers are now made in two new flavors: Fire Roasted Vegetable and Olive Oil and Sea Salt. These crunchy crackers are a grain lover’s dream without the wheat, but full of flavor. The crackers are made with wholesome ingredients that are verified non-GMO. The crackers pair well with just about anything. Buy them here.

3. King Arthur Flour Super Fudge Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie

These new, single-serve desserts from King Arthur Flour are a portion-controlled way to enjoy a warm, fresh dessert. Each one has 250 calories. All the preparation that is needed is to add water and microwave for 30 seconds, and you have a gluten-free dessert ready to go. Buy them here.

4. Handfulls Crrrunch Bites!

Your new go-to snack are these whole roasted almonds, each wrapped in a crispy, crunchy rice cracker shell. We sampled Honey Mustard, Ranch, and BBQ. These nutty, bite-sized treats are flash roasted in a light batter and seasoned with savory flavors. The result is a rich, caramelized almond center wrapped in crispy chip goodness. Buy them here.

5. BROC SPROUT 2 Whole Broccoli Sprout Capsules

An easier way to get your broccoli in, these capsules can be taken with a glass of water. Young whole broccolisSprouts are the most potent natural dietary source of sulforaphane. BROC SPROUT 2 capsules contain the two essential components necessary for the production of sulforaphane: the naturally occurring myrosinase enzyme and the glucoraphanin compound. The capsules are made without herbicides, pesticides or chemicals of any kind. According to Amazon reviews, the capsules give more energy and alleviate body aches. Buy them here.

6. Fishpeople Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky

This jerky is absolutely packed with protein, with 24 grams per bag, and is flavor-forward, sustainably caught and non-GMO. It has 900 MG omega-3s and comes in a variety of flavors. Watch our Facebook Live video to discover our taste tester’s favorite flavors! Buy them here.

7. Nature’s Bakery Gluten-Free Fig Bars

These fig bars are certified gluten free, have no high fructose corn syrup and are dairy free. They use simple ingredients and are soft and flavorful. Plus, the fig bars are made with ancient grains and real figs. Buy them here.

8. Mozaics Organic Popped Veggie and Potato Chips

Low in calories but high in fiber, these chips are full of veggies: organic green peas, yellow peas, potatoes, black beans, tomatoes and peppers. We sampled the BBQ and Salsa flavors. The vegetables are visible in every bite, and the chips are popped rather than fried. They have 70% less fat than traditional fried potato chips. Buy them here.

9. Lily’s Sweets Milk Chocolate Style Covered Peanuts and Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Lily’s offers no-sugar added chocolate that aims to show chocolate can be an everyday indulgence, not a guilty pleasure. The chocolate is sweetened with stevia and the snacks are bold, crunchy and satisfying. Buy them here.

10. Magic Spoon Cereal

We sampled Magic Spoon Frosted, Fruity, Cocoa, and Cinnamon cereal. It’s a high-protein, keto-friendly, non-GMO, grain-free, soy-free, wheat-free, nothing artificial “childlike cereal for grown-ups.” Magic Spoon has reimagined the sweet deliciousness of your favorite classic cereal with premium ingredients, complete proteins, and no cane sugar, gluten or grains. Buy them here.

Tune in for our next Facebook Live taste test on April 25 at 3 p.m. EST!

Testimony to be Delivered to House on Funding for Celiac Disease Research

On April 9, Celiac Disease Foundation CEO Marilyn Geller will testify before the House that celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that is not being taken seriously enough by the government and advocate for research funding for the disease.

Geller’s testimony will be delivered before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, which is the subcommittee responsible for the NIH, CDC and Medicaid/Medicare budgets.

The testimony will include more than 750 stories the Celiac Disease Foundation received from the celiac committee.

Click here to learn more about Geller and the Celiac Disease Foundation.

“Our primary purpose is to explain that celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that affects millions of Americans, and to highlight the stunning lack of government research funding for this disease – especially relative to other diseases with similar impacts on public health,” Geller said.

Geller, a member of Gluten-Free Living‘s advisory board, has been working with the Celiac Disease Foundation for years to advocate for celiac disease on Capitol Hill. “Improving diagnostic rates and accelerating treatments and a cure for celiac disease requires federal health agencies to end decades of neglecting this disease, and to partner with researchers, patient advocacy groups, and biopharmaceutical companies in this effort,” Geller said.

Geller’s full testimony can be found here. In part, it says:

The lifetime burden of the gluten-free diet is perceived by patients to be second only to end-stage renal disease, and by caregivers, comparable to caring for a patient with cancer.

Our diagnosed patients report that they miss, on average, 23 days of work and school annually, resulting in excess utilization of our healthcare resources.

Despite what you might see in popular media, celiac disease is not a fad. It is not a punchline. Americans are dying because we haven’t paid sufficient attention to this disease.

Geller’s testimony is scheduled for approximately 3 p.m. EST on April 9. It will be livestreamed here. Gluten-Free Living will also live tweet the highlights of the testimony, so follow us on Twitter for updates.

10 Best Gluten-Free Bread Recipes

Baking gluten-free bread is not as daunting as it may seem. Actually, there are plenty of recipes that make it simple to create a moist, flavorful loaf. Whether you are hankering for banana bread, zucchini bread, a loaf that can create a hearty sandwich bread, breadsticks or a gingerbread loaf, we have a recipe that will get you started in this list of the 10 best gluten-free bread recipes.

Before you begin, read our resident chef’s tips for making great gluten-free bread so you can get the technique down.

1. Easy Gluten-Free Banana Bread

You need only one mixing bowl to make this banana bread. For a classic banana bread flavor, use melted butter. For a twist, or if you follow a dairy-free diet, use melted coconut oil. The faint taste of coconut enhances the banana flavor, making a bread that everyone loves. Get the recipe.

2. Rustic Walnut Loaf

Just right with your favorite deli items, this whole-grain gluten-free walnut bread combines great flavor and texture with good nutrition. Get the recipe.

3. Easy Gluten-Free Cornbread

This gluten-free, soy-free cornbread, with its mild sweetness, works great as a dinner bread offering. It goes especially well with this Vegetarian Chili and Shredded Pork. Get the recipe.

4. Brazilian Breadsticks

Brazilian Cheese Bread is often mixed on the stove top, and then the resulting dough is formed into balls and baked. This variation simplifies things a little by eliminating the need for the stove top mixing and creates bread sticks instead of rolls. But the crispy exterior and soft interior remain. Get the recipe.

5. Rich Gluten-Free Currant Bread

This scrumptious currant bread will keep for a day or two at room temperature under an upturned bowl but is best stored in the freezer in a zip-lock plastic bag. Pre-slice the loaf so you can take out just what you need, and reheat the slices briefly. Get the recipe.

How Doctors Test for Celiac Disease

To diagnose celiac disease, blood tests (serology testing or genetic testing) and an endoscopy are currently the methods doctors use to test for the disease. The blood test and biopsy are the only way to determine for certain whether a person has celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, as if it were a poison. It affects as many as one in 141 people, although most have not been diagnosed. When someone with celiac consumes gluten, the immune system reacts by destroying the part of the small intestine that absorbs vital nutrients. This malabsorption can lead to serious illness. Click here to learn more about celiac disease.

A definitive blood test and biopsy can only be performed when a patient is eating gluten. Test results for someone following a gluten-free diet for any length of time are rendered inaccurate. For more information on eating gluten to test for celiac disease, click here.

Blood tests

Serology testing is blood work that looks at antibodies in the blood, because people with celiac disease have higher levels of certain antibodies. The antibodies are produced by the immune system when a person with celiac disease is eating gluten, since the body sees gluten as a threat. The gold standard test for celiac disease is the anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) test. If this test is positive, it’s recommended that an upper endoscopy, in which six duodenal biopsies are taken, be done.

Genetic testing can be used to rule out celiac disease, since it is a genetic condition. Though genetic testing can’t tell you if you have celiac disease, it can show whether you have one of the two specific genes typically needed to develop celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, your close blood relatives should be tested for celiac disease. This is true even if they do not have symptoms, as celiac disease is sometimes asymptomatic.

Those who have celiac disease virtually always have the DQ2 and DQ8 genes, and genes are not affected by the diet. If you don’t have the genes, it’s nearly certain you don’t have celiac disease. If you do have the genes, it does not mean you do have celiac disease, only that the potential exits.

Endoscopy and intestinal biopsy

Those with evidence of celiac undergo an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. During an endoscopy, the patient is put under anesthesia and doctors insert a tube through the mouth and into the small intestine to biopsy a few samples of the intestinal lining. After the procedure, doctors might have some idea how likely celiac is based on what they’ve observed, but they cannot confirm the diagnosis until the biopsy sample is analyzed by a pathologist. That procedure usually takes a few days.

Additional methods of diagnosing celiac disease are being studied. One of these is a PillCam, which is ingested by a patient and explores the small intestine for a celiac diagnosis. Combined with computer technology, it can diagnose the disease without an invasive procedure and with greater accuracy.

The importance of diagnosis

Untreated celiac disease presents health risks. A study from Columbia University found that the intestinal damage brings a four times greater risk of developing a type of lymphoma, or blood cancer. Celiac disease is also linked to osteoporosis, thyroid problems, type 1 diabetes and malabsorption of nutrients.

Accurate diagnosis provides real benefits for individuals and for the celiac disease population at large. Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. When gluten is taken out of the diet, the small intestine heals and a return to full health can be expected. These guidelines, compiled by a registered dietitian nutritionist, are intended to provide a good start down the road to a healthy, happy gluten-free life.

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Product Roundup: 10 Sweet Snacks You Must Try This Spring

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on March 29, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free world. These products, from gelatin shots to birthday cake bites to probiotic gummies, are innovative and exciting products to stock up on for spring events. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live the team did.

1. Hope & Sesame Sesamemilk

Hope & Sesame makes sesamemilk from organic sesame seeds, creating a nutritious beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or with cereal, smoothies, protein drinks or any time you need a splash of non-dairy refreshment. If you’re training for a marathon this spring or just trying to be more carb-conscious, this milk is made with low FodMap ingredients, is Keto friendly, USDA organic, vegan, kosher and GMO free. The sesamemilk comes in original, vanilla, unsweetened, chocolate and chocolate hazelnut flavors, so you can choose whether you prefer an indulgent treat or a smoothie base. Buy them here.

2. Rule Breaker Bites

Rule Breaker Bites are vegan, nut-free and have no GMOs, but they’re soft, sweet and feel like you’re eating something naughty. The Birthday Cake Bites are full of white chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles. They satisfy your sweet tooth with less sugar, no animal products and no preservatives. The first ingredient is chickpeas and the snack is vegan. Back the Kickstarter campaign here.

3. Schmidt’s Coconut Pineapple Natural Deodorant

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant comes in fresh scents ideal for springtime. Our testers tried out the Coconut Pineapple variety, which is tropical and fruity. Interested in learning more about gluten-free personal care products? Read about it here. This line of deodorant is certified vegan and cruelty free, use botanicals and mineral-derived ingredients that have healthy benefits and are free of aluminum, parabens and artificial fragrance. Buy them here.

4. EPIC Artisanal Pork Cracklings

The jalapeno pork cracklings taste testers sampled were declared a delicious treat. You can find them on shelves in June 2019! A crackling is a fried pork skin taken from the shoulder of a hog and small pieces of meat that adhere to the skin. EPIC Pork Cracklings are an innovative take on an iconic American snack food. Buy them here.

5. Health shots: Live More Naturals, Vive Organic, Vital Proteins

Each taste tester got to try their own health shot. The Live More Naturals drink contains daily vitamins, 21 superfruits and energy from matcha green tea. The berry flavor made the drink, which is packed with antioxidants, go down easy and delivers lasting energy. Buy them here.

The Vive Organic immunity boost wellness shot is a proactive defense combo with ginger root, turmeric root, cayenne pepper and black pepper. The blend of roots, fruits and flowers works together to strengthen the immune system whether your immunity is weakened from travel, stress or changes in the weather. Buy them here.

Finally, the Vital Proteins Zen Collagen Shot delivers a quick serving of 7 grams of collagen for skin, hair and nail support and a youthful appearance. The shot is infused with notes of chamomile and citrus and contains magnesium and L-Theanine for a portion of relaxation. Buy them here.

6. Country Archer Beef Sticks

We sampled the Country Archer original beef stick and jalapeno beef stick, plus a rosemary turkey stick. The beef sticks are made with 100 percent grass-fed beef and have no nitrates, MSG, hormones or antibiotics. They are high in protein, with 9 grams and 0 grams of sugar. The beef sticks contain 100 calories and the turkey has 70. If you’re camping, hiking or traveling this spring, these sticks are an excellent way to stay energized. Buy them here.

7. Rainbow Light Probiolicious Probiotic Gummies

These gluten-free, dairy-free gummies promote digestive, colon and immune health and supports digestion of lactose in dairy products. The probiotics are shelf-stable and have prebiotic support that nurtures probiotic growth. Probiotics are “good bacteria” that naturally live in the digestive tract, and probiotic replenishment is important for digestive balance and overall wellness. These gummies are made with natural colors and flavors and contain no preservatives or artificial sweeteners. Buy them here.

8. Simple Mills Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These crunchy cookies are naturally gluten-free and made with simple whole food ingredients. They’re sweetened with coconut sugar and also contain almond flour, coconut flour, tigernuts (a probiotic root vegetable) and coconut oil. They are free of grains, soy, corn, dairy and gums and are non-GMO and paleo friendly. Buy them here.

9. GluFREEgan Chocolate Biscotti

This gluten-free and vegan biscotti is crunchy and dry, ideal for dunking in coffee or tea. The dark chocolate creates a rich, slightly sweet flavor. The biscotti is free from egg, soy, wheat, corn, dairy, animal products and sugar. This treat would make a delicate addition to a spring tea spread. Buy them here.

10. Shottys Gelatin Shots

These shots, made with premium vodka, come in easy to squeeze packaging with no mess and no preparation needed. They come in a variety of colors and flavors and are kosher, all-natural and gluten free. This spring, Shottys would be an excellent choice to bring to tailgates, barbecues and other celebrations to have some party fun. The cups are recyclable and BPA-free, and the company tries to minimize packaging and waste. Buy them here.

Tune in for our next Facebook Live taste test on April 12 at 3 p.m. EST!

Celiac Vaccine Trial Participant Shares Experience With Nexvax2

A potential celiac disease vaccine is being developed and is currently in phase two of its trial, so Gluten-Free Living spoke with Kelly Carter, one of the trial participants, about her experience in the trial over the past several months.

About the vaccine

The vaccine, Nexvax2, is being developed by ImmusanT and is the only disease-modifying approach for celiac in clinical development right now. The vaccine is designed to reprogram the T cells that are trigged by a person’s immune response to gluten. Nexvax2 aims to restore immune tolerance to gluten, reduce inflammation in the small intestine and ultimately, allow those with celiac disease to resume eating a diet with gluten in it.

“Inadvertent gluten exposures can cause significant and long-term negative impacts on patient health,” said Leslie Williams, chief executive officer of ImmusanT. “At ImmusanT, we are deeply committed to advancing Nexvax2 to protect celiac patients from the effects of inevitable gluten exposure.”

Phase one of the trial was considered successful, as the vaccine was shown to be safe and well-tolerated, even when given at its highest doses. Phase two’s goal is to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine and broaden ImmusanT’s understanding of the impact of immunotherapies.

The vaccine is not a preventative vaccine (designed to prevent disease), but a therapeutic vaccine, which treats disease already present. According to Beyond Celiac, “They target an immune response that is already occurring in the body. In celiac disease, the vaccines being developed target the immune response triggered by gluten. Therapeutic vaccines aim to reprogram the immune system to learn not to react.”

Click here to learn more about the vaccine.

About the trial

Phase two of this trial enrolled 150 patients in the U.S., New Zealand and Australia, including Kelly Carter of the Fat Celiac blog.

The vaccination, which is given subcutaneously, is given in small doses at first, then gradually increased so the body builds a resistance to the gluten protein over several months.

Carter had a 50 percent chance of getting the medicine in the trial, but there was also a chance of receiving a placebo. To participate in the trial, Carter was required to do an initial gluten challenge to see her body’s natural reaction to gluten, which she said was “very scary.”

After the gluten challenge, Carter started with small doses of the vaccine for six weeks so her body could acclimate to the medicine, then she gave herself subcutaneous injections in the abdomen twice a week for 10 weeks.

Then, there are three food challenges. Carter had to drink shakes, one with gluten, one without, and one that could go either way.

“This is the final exam of the finalest exam of your life,” Carter said. She felt fine after one food challenge and was sick for two days after the other.

“I went in knowing I was going to get gluten, knowing I was going to get sick,” Carter said. “You are mentally prepared. What messes with you later is the food challenges because don’t know if you’re getting gluten or placebo.”

If the vaccine is approved, Carter will receive it free of charge since she participated in the trial.

Click here to learn more about celiac disease.

About Kelly Carter

Carter lives in Atlanta, Georgia and blogs at Fat Celiac. She was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2013. She started the blog to talk about the trial and chronicle her experiences. “A lot of people heard about the vaccine trial and wanted nothing to do with it,” Carter said. “I said, why not? There’s no reason in the world not to do it.”

For those with celiac disease, Carter believes, “the gluten-free diet is not sufficient. It’s virtually impossible.” Therefore, she started the blog to inform readers of other options and her truthful, factual experience with the trial. She has hope in the vaccination because “there are lots of people who want to heal their bodies but don’t want to be reclusive and live the way you would have to live to be 100 percent gluten free all the time.”

About the trial experience

Carter travelled from Atlanta, Georgia to Nashville, Tennessee for the trial. The reason she believed it was worth it: “I’m hopeful that this is a cure,” she said.

“If you can prevent mucosal damage and not have symptoms from cross contamination, you have a cure, you don’t just have a cross contamination drug,” Carter said.

The trial has had its ups and downs, particularly after the second food challenge, which caused her to throw up and feel sick. Carter said she has no idea whether she is receiving the medicine or the placebo and she won’t know until the trial’s results are published.

But either way, as she comes to the end of the trial, she’s glad she participated. “It’s been interesting and exciting to be a part of it,” she said. “Why would somebody not want to be a part of trying something new? Yes, there are definitely some risks. But at the same time, my life was bad. I was sick before I did this trial. I was sick all the time…things weren’t good. So if I’ve got a way to make my body work better, I’m going to take that chance.”

Even though she sticks to a gluten-free diet, Carter said she still feels sick much of the time.

“I’m sure there are lots and lots of celiacs out there who are the same as me, we do the best that we can with the gluten-free diet, we don’t feel great, we don’t feel a lot better,” she said. “We do everything we can and we still don’t feel great.”

She’s hopeful that the vaccine will be widely available soon, and she’s already daydreaming about what she will eat when it is— she can’t decide between Chinese food, fried chicken or “a good hamburger with a nice, soft, squishy bun.” Though she says she would say gluten free for the most part, Carter said the vaccine would “open up a different world” of freedom.

The months Carter has spent in the trial have overall left her feeling better than she has in years.

“I’ve been much kinder on my body than I normally am,” she said. “I’ve been more careful than I usually am on the gluten-free diet. My skin looks better and I feel better.”

What’s next

Carter recently had an allergic reaction (to what, she isn’t sure) and her doctors decided to pull her from the trial when she was four doses away from finishing the study. She wrote on her blog:

I’m sorry I washed out. It is as disappointing to you as it is to me. I’ve taken a day to get through the mourning, anger, and second guessing. I’ve been on pins and needles for 10 days waiting for this decision – waiting, knowing the decision is beyond my control. I’ve begged and pleaded to stay in, but I cannot. Decisions have been made that cannot be unmade. It is.

The vaccine has received fast-track designated from the FDA, which is designed to speed up the development. Carter is hopeful her personal medical questions will be answered and that the vaccine will become widely available to those with celiac disease.

“I don’t know what the future holds,” she said. “I just hope it’s fast.”

Dodger Stadium To Offer Gluten-Free Food Choices This Season

This season, the Los Angeles Dodger Stadium is offering gluten-free and vegan options to better cater to all baseball fans.

The new gluten-free menu options include the Esquite Corn Bowl, a taco plate and Summer Green Salad. The gluten-free cart in section 137 offers the Dodger Dog on a gluten-free bun, plus other snacks, sandwiches, salads and beer that is gluten free.

These food items range in cost from $14 to $21. Fans who want to bring their own gluten-free food and beverages must not bring them in a can, cooler or thermos, according to stadium rules.

For photos of the new menu options, click here.

Opening day at Dodger Stadium is March 28, and the team plays against the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks.

If you won’t be in Los Angeles this season, enjoy our gluten-free baseball food recommendations at home, from gluten-free hot dogs to beer to snacks.

10 Gluten-Free Poultry Recipes For an Unforgettable Dinner

These 10 gluten-free poultry recipes that incorporate chicken or turkey will bring something a little different to your weeknight dinner. These dishes are quick enough to throw together on a busy night but have elegance and complex flavors that make them a fit for Sunday dinner, too.

National Poultry Day is March 19, so celebrate by trying out one of these recipes. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite to add to your dinner rotation.

1. Chicken and Portobello Mushroom Pot Pie

This gluten-free version of a classic comfort food is bursting with flavor and Portobello mushrooms. It won’t take you long to whip up or to finish your first helping. Get the recipe.

2. Ethiopian Inspired Chicken Stew

This hearty chicken stew combines mouthwatering spices for a satisfying dish. Cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and red wine marry to give the meal depth and keep you coming back for more. Get the recipe.

3. Stuffed Turkey Breast Wrapped in Pancetta

Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving! Try this perfectly seasoned turkey breast filled with a delicious stuffing made from cinnamon-raisin bread and Italian sausage. Then wrap the stuffed turkey breast in pancetta for a beautiful table centerpiece. Get the recipe.

4. Apricot and Rosemary Roasted Chicken

There is something comforting and satisfying about an easy-to-make yet pretty-to-present roasted chicken. This is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner. The house feels warm, and it smells sweet! The combination of apricots and rosemary makes a beautiful dish that can be complemented well with some roasted rosemary potatoes. Get the recipe.

5. Sticky Chicken Zucchini Noodle Bowls

These fabulous noodle bowls are exploding with flavor and packed with vitamins and minerals. The vegetables have an incredible taste and the chicken marinade does magical things to the poultry. Get the recipe.

6. Mushroom Turkey Burgers

Mushrooms and ketchup bring an umami kick to these turkey burgers. With a side of sweet potato fries, this is a simple, satisfyingly healthy lunch or dinner. Get the recipe.

Tuscan Chicken Cannellini Soup — Copyright ©2018 DailyForage.com

7. Tuscan Chicken Cannellini Kale Soup

This soup is a blend of Italian wedding soup and minestrone. Flavorful bites of chicken, tender yet firm cannellini beans, and fresh, bright threads of kale make the basic soup. Sorghum adds a bit of “tooth” and interest. Get the recipe.

8. Strawberry and Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing

This bright and easy salad could make those squeamish of greens change their mind. The lime dressing gives a punch to the well-textured salad. If you can find locally grown strawberries and greens at the farmers market, use them in this salad for the best flavor. Get the recipe.

9. One Pot Butternut Squash Chicken Curry

Butternut Squash Chicken Curry with coconut milk & chickpeas is a protein-packed, warming meal. The colorful dish will quickly become a family favorite. Since you’re only using one pot, cleanup will be a breeze! Get the recipe.

10. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Not basic, but absolutely classic, this one-pot dinner is a simple take on the beloved combination of chicken and rice. After you quickly brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables, everything cooks together in the oven, creating a flavorful dish out of simple ingredients. Get the recipe.

6 Plastic Straw Alternatives That Won’t Harm You Or the Planet

The push against plastic straws has been prevalent in the last few years, with some cities and businesses banning them and others simply promoting the switch to a more sustainable option. It’s estimated that Americans use more than 500 million plastic straws every day, and most of those end up in the ocean, which pollutes the water and causes danger to marine life.

One alternative to plastic straws that some businesses are adopting is the pasta straw, made from wheat pasta. Of course, this is a concern for those who are unable to consume gluten, even though it may be a sound choice for the environment. However, there are plenty of gluten-free and plastic-free alternatives to plastic drinking straws available. These are our favorite options that can be used guilt-free in place of an unsafe straw that may be offered.

1. HAY! Straws

These natural drinking straws are plastic-free and completely biodegradable. They’re made from wheat stems but have been tested as gluten-free by the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Food Allergy and Resource Program and have a low gluten reading of 8ppm, which is classified as gluten free. Once you’re done using a straw made of straw, it can be tossed into the compost and will break down naturally. The straws don’t get soggy, are safe to use with hot drinks and are available in wholesale quantities for businesses who want to switch to HAY! Straws. Buy them here.

2. Natural Home Brands Compostable Straws

Another compostable option are these earth-friendly straws made from plant-based renewable sources. They’re relatively inexpensive and are a good option for special events, when single-use straws are still needed but you don’t want to cause harm to the earth. Just make sure to compost the straws, because if they end up in the ocean, they won’t be any better than plastic ones for the wildlife! Buy them here.

3. FinalStraw

Moving on to reusable straws, FinalStraw brands themselves as “the world’s most badass straw.” The straw is collapsible and can fit in a case made to attach to your keychain. The straws are made of stainless steal, with inner elastic material made from medical and food-grade silicone. The straws are easy to clean and would make a great gift for an eco-conscious friend. Plus, since it’s compact and transportable, you can make sure you always have it with you when dining out. The straws are also durable, shown to last for about 16 years. Buy them here.

4. JimJim Glass Straws

If glass straws are more your style, these shatter-resistant ones are a fantastic option. They can be used in cold or hot drinks and have a lifetime guarantee, plus they’re dishwasher safe and come with a little cleaning brush to get them extra squeaky clean. Since the straws are transparent, they’re easy to clean because you can see what’s going on. Buy them here.

5. ALINK Reusable Smoothie Straws

For those who enjoy thicker beverages, like smoothies or milkshakes, a thick straw may be a necessity. These ones are made from FDA approved silicone and are BPA free. They’re reusable, durable and flexible and can be cut into different lengths. Since the straws are more flexible, they are safe for teeth and mouths, making them a good option for kids. They’re dishwasher safe and won’t be broken from being chewed on or bent. Buy them here.

6. Buluh Bamboo Straws

These straws are durable and organic, as well as completely biodegradable since they are made from bamboo. They are also a great choice for hot drinks. The bamboo used to create the straws comes from Bali, Indonesia, and the straws are handcrafted by local artisans. Each straw comes from a single stem of bamboo, so it’s unique in its variance of color, thickness and texture. No pesticides or chemicals are used in growing or cleaning the straws. These straws should not be put in the dishwasher, but a cleaning brush is included. Buy them here.

Product Roundup: 9 Gluten-Free Foods to Energize and Excite

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on March 15, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free world. Some gems were discovered and devoured along the way, as taste testers found products that energize them throughout the week. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

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Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live the team did.

1. Smart Sweets

Smart Sweets gummy bears and Sour Blast Buddies make sure your candy is lower in sugar, high in fiber and free from artificial sweeteners. They’re dairy, soy, lactose and GMO free and naturally flavored. They taste like familiar favorite candies, but without the negative health impacts. The candy is sweetened with Stevia and is keto friendly. Buy them here.

2. Betty Lou’s Fruit Bars

The PB&J bar tastes just like the sandwich, but the blueberry and apricot bars are more like a slice of pie. The bars are non-GMO, vegan and certified gluten free. The PB&J option contains 5 grams of protein and is 210 calories. They have a flaky crust and are a total portable comfort food. Buy them here.

3. The Good Bean Crunchy Chickpeas

This crunchy chickpea snack is completely nut free and grown in the U.S. They have 8 grams of protein per serving and come in flavors like Sweet Sriracha, Classic Hummus, Sweet Cinnamon and Thai Coconut. They’re full of fiber and can be enjoyed sprinkled on yogurt, salad or soup. These chickpeas are a good choice for a whole food snack to give a healthy boost. Buy them here.

4. Clearly Kombucha

Clearly Kombucha is organic sparkling fermented tea with added probiotics. Clearly Kombucha is crafted in the San Francisco Bay Area and brewed with organic tea and active cultures, then cold filtered for clarity and taste. Probiotics are added into the brew to activate your day. Each bottle contains 35 calories and 7 grams of sugar. The company also gives back by supporting the International Rescue Committee. Buy them here.

5. Fit Joy Bars

Fit Joy’s naturally flavored protein bars are soft and chewy and come in tantalizing flavors, including Cooking Dough Brownie, Grandma’s Lemon Square and Cookies and Cream. Each bar has 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of net carbs and are GMO-free and low glycemic. They’re a tasty protein bar packed with healthy ingredients. Buy them here.

6. Shrooms Snacks

Shrooms Crispy Mushroom Snacks are thick cut from fresh mushrooms and flavored with spices. They’re low in saturated fat and sodium and cholesterol free. We also sampled the Shrooms Bar in the Crispy Mushroom Chocolate Chunk flavor. The bars are vegan, nut free, dairy free and soy free, plus a good source of protein and fiber. Buy them here.

7. GimMe Snacks Seaweed Thins

These seaweed thins are dynamic and bursting with flavor, whether you choose Sriracha Almond, Toasted Coconut or Almond Sesame. There are only 100 calories per bag, plus plenty of fiber and protein. The snack is made with pure, premium organic seaweed harvested in a protected bay in South Korea. They contain all the micronutrients from seaweed and can definitely be habit forming! Buy them here.

8. Banana Joe Banana Chips

This product made it to our list of top 10 products from Expo West. The Thai Sweet Chili Banana Chips are a scrumptious snack with benefits for your gut. They have probiotics and prebiotics, which work to support digestive health, immune function and enhance protein utilization. The chips are tin, crispy and fresh. They’re also non-GMO, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and nut free. Plus, each pack has up to three bananas. Buy them here.

9. Bitter Love Sparkling Drinking Bitters

This eye-catching product made it to another list of our favorite Expo West products! These drinking bitters are tart and refreshing, with no added sugar and only 40 calories in each bottle. The beverage can be enjoyed straight or mixed with booze, but either way, it’s a unique drink that will certainly grow on you. Buy them here.

Top 5 New Products at Expo West

The natural products industry is exploding with products that emphasize sustainability, transparency and convenience. Hemp, shots to drink for health, organic food and eco-friendly packaging were trending at the show this year.

We ate our way through the Expo West floors, which boasted a mix of small mom-and-pop startups and massive industry players. Here are our favorite new products from Expo West 2019.

1. Evo Hemp Fruit and Nut Hemp Bar

The Cherry Walnut Hemp Bar is tasty and full of the good stuff: dates walnuts, cherries, almonds, hemp seeds, banana flakes and coconut nectar. It’s vegan and non-GMO, and each bar provides three to four hours of energy without added sugars, fillers, oils or sulfates. Buy them here.

2. GloryBee Brown Butter Honey Ghee

This ghee is slightly sweet and salty, with a caramel-like flavor. The texture is smooth and creamy, making the spread ideal for toast, bagels, pancakes or waffles or a seasoning for popcorn, roasting vegetables, nuts and meats. The versatile product is made of grass-fed brown butter ghee and pure domestic honey and is paleo friendly. Buy them here.

3. Temple Vitality Superboost

Expo West had plenty of health shots, and this Pure Prana Fire Shot stood out. It contains Hawaiian whole-root turmeric, plus honey, ginger, apple cider vinegar, ghost pepper and other organic ingredients that help the drink pop. Buy them here.

4. Schar Gluten-Free Twin Bar

The crispy wafer covered in smooth milk chocolate is reminiscent of a familiar popular chocolate bar, but this one is wheat free. Each one is a great size to throw in your bag and the bars have a beautiful wafer texture covered by quality chocolate. Buy them here.

5. Bitter Love Sparkling Drinking Bitters

These drinking bitters are tart and refreshing, with no added sugar and only 40 calories in each bottle. The beverage can be enjoyed straight or mixed with booze, but either way, it’s a unique drink that will certainly grow on you. Buy them here.

Top 5 Dairy-Free Products at Expo West

We know that many of our readers are dairy free as well as gluten free, so we rounded up some of the best dairy-free products at Expo West to share. These products go outside the box and may be things you’ve never seen before, but we think they’re worth a try.

1. Lively Up Your Breath! Premium Breath Drops

At Expo West, the owner of this company treated us to a rap performance that extolled the virtues of these breath drops. Rather than chewing gum all day, just one drop from this little bottle freshens up the breath naturally. The drops are made from organic ingredients and no aspartame, refined sugar or artificial colors and flavors. Buy them here.

2. Caveman Foods Grain Free Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bar

For those trying a Paleo diet, this bar is a nutritious and gratifying treat. It contains no artificial ingredients and is non-GMO. The almonds, walnuts, raisins and cinnamon make for a well-balanced bar that satisfies and energizes without oats and grains. Buy them here.

3. Twang-a-Rita Chili-Lime Rimming Salt

Twang-a-Rita comes in plenty of bright, tasty flavors, but our favorite was Chili-Lime, which contains chili peppers, cayenne, lime flavor and kosher coarse salt. The drink rimmers are naturally flavored blends with delicious ingredients. The salt makes a pleasant addition to any cocktail, giving it a pop of color and something extra special. Buy them here.

4. Navitas Organics Cacao Latte

This keto, Paleo friendly latte mix is plant-based and USDA organic. Simply mix the cacao and MCT-rich coconut powder with water or a milk alternative and enjoy the treat. Buy them here.

5. Vive Organic Immunity Boost Wellness Shot

Vive Organic’s Immunity Boost wellness shot contains the ultimate proactive defense combo, chock full of ginger root, turmeric root, cayenne pepper and black pepper. You’ll feel this in the back of your throat, and your immune system will thank you this season. The base of this drink is organic coconut water, and we think you’ll find drinking to your health never tasted so good. Buy them here.

Must-Try Gluten-Free Products Discovered at Expo West 2019

Ryze Gluten-Free Flour Mix

This flour mix was used to make the most delicious warm, chocolate chip cookies, which immediately sold us on the flour mix. The cookies were incredible! The flour is made with 100 percent whole grain rice flour & rice flour.

Top 10 Gluten-Free Products at Expo West 2019

Expo West, the largest natural products trade show in the United States, takes place annually at the Anaheim Convention Center, and 2019 saw many innovative products, with an emphasis on organic food. The conference had 86,000 attendees from 136 countries, plus more than 3,600 exhibiting companies, making this a record-breaking year for Expo West.

We ate our way through the Expo West floors, which boasted a mix of small mom-and-pop startups and massive industry players. Here are a few of our favorite products from the expo.

Here are the top 10 products that stood out to us at Expo West 2019.

1. Banana Joe Banana Chips

The Thai Sweet Chili Banana Chips are a scrumptious snack with benefits for your gut. They have probiotics and prebiotics, which work to support digestive health, immune function and enhance protein utilization. The chips are tin, crispy and fresh. They’re also non-GMO, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and nut free. Plus, each pack has up to three bananas. Buy them here.

2. Barlean’s Seriously Delicious Omega Pals

These supplements for kids are packed with omega and eye nutrition for kids. The dietary supplement is made from fish oil and also includes an ingredient that helps protect eyes from digital device use. The flavors, like Hooty Fruity Tangerine, make it easy for kids to slurp down the beverage or mix it into smoothies or yogurt. The drink is free of gluten, sugar and dairy. Buy them here.

3. Nature’s Crush Microwave Popcorn

This microwave popcorn is like none other you’ve experienced. It’s popped with all-natural herbs and spices, and is pleasantly savory and bursting with flavor. The herbs and spices are farm-picked and added to each bag of USA-grown popcorn kernels. The Original Blend 23 popcorn has 23 crushed herbs and seasonings, from rosemary to cayenne pepper. Buy them here.

4. Mylk Labs Oatmeal

This oatmeal is one of the best products we tried at the Expo. It has an absolutely wonderful, complex texture and comes in Hazelnut, Almond and Coconut. Each one has six ingredients or less, 5 grams of organic coconut sugar and a roasted ground almond and oat base. The oatmeal is easy to make (just add water) and from a female-owned company. Truly a spectacular way to start your morning. Buy them here.

5. Shottys Party-Ready Gelatin Shots

This new product is going to fly off the shelves. It takes the mess and work out of making gelatin shots and serves them ready to go. They’re all natural, made with premium vodka and come in plenty of flavors, including strawberry, grape, blue raspberry, cherry and orange. It’s a delicious, fun, colorful way to get the party started. Buy them here.

6. Endangered Species Chocolate Duoz

These chocolate bars have two flavors side by side in a bar, so you don’t have to choose! Combos like Cinnamon Caramel and Coffee Caramel are a sweet, decadent treat. Ten percent of their net profits go to saving wildlife, and the chocolate is fair trade and certified gluten free. These are an ideal size to take on the go and treat yourself while supporting wildlife. Buy them here.

7. Yes Peas

Yes Peas, from Pop Chips, have only three simple ingredients: whole peas, oil and salt, making them a wholesome crunchy snack. There are 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, and they are vegan and non-GMO certified. When you’re craving a salty, crunchy treat, Yes Peas is a healthy alternative to chips that sneaks some veggies in. Buy them here.

8. Humble Brush

Designed in Sweden, the Humble Brush is eco-friendly, socially responsible and vegan. Its handle is made from biodegradable, sustainably-grown bamboo. It’s also cruelty free and BPA free, and even better, every Humble Brush sold helps children in need participate in a comprehensive preventative oral health program. Buy them here.

9. Wilde Brand Chicken Chips

The Chicken and Waffle flavor of chicken chips is to die for. The chips are made from real chicken, crisped in coconut oil and seasoned with buttery maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon. Each bag has 15 grams of protein and these enticing chips are low-carb and free from dairy, potatoes, corn and grain. They’re just like a potato chip, but with a more complex flavor and made from chicken breasts. Buy them here.

10. Hopapops

Hopapops are popped lotus seeds, containing antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. This crunchy, light snack has less fat and calories than traditional popcorn and has protein and fiber to boot. Flavors include White Cheddar and Mango Habanero, with everything in between, so you can find a popcorn alternative that suits your palette. Buy them here.

The Keto Diet As You Know it is Dead, Says Bulletproof Founder

The keto diet, as we know it, is dead.

That’s what founder and CEO of Bulletproof 360 Dave Asprey argued in his talk at Expo West, Why Keto As You Know it is Dead.

Keto is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that is making waves as a health and weight loss craze. According to dietitian Amy Keller, ketosis is a normal body process that occurs when the body runs out of glucose for energy and switches to burning fat. This process produces ketones. Ketosis can result from severely limiting carbohydrates (typically less than 30 to 50 grams per day).

Asprey discussed the state of keto and how to maintain the original integrity of its benefits without compromising valuable health principles. Asprey touched on the rise of the “keto bro,” extremely muscled and militant followers of the diet who follow an unsustainably extreme version of the diet.

For more information on the ketogenic diet, click here.

This type of thinking in the keto diet has a few problems, Asprey said.

“Dirty keto” doesn’t work. Eating artificial sweeteners and “bad fats” to achieve a state of ketosis is counterproductive to a healthy lifestyle and sustainable results. Kept has to be more than just avoiding carbs in order to be beneficial.
“Clean keto” doesn’t work for women long term. Asprey said that women shouldn’t be in ketosis all the time.
“Bad fats” and fake sugars are keto too. Just because a food is keto friendly doesn’t make it healthy, just as something isn’t healthy just because it is gluten free. There are may ways to achieve ketosis that will not contribute to overall long-term health.
Gut bacteria starve. The gut will make more toxins that cause inflammation when they have no carbs to eat, so it’s important to include at least some carbs in the diet.

Bad food makes you fat, even within a keto diet, Asprey pointed out.

“Most keto stuff out there doesn’t taste good at all,” he said, because of the artificial taste or Stevia aftertaste.

Bulletproof 360’s mission is “to help people perform better, think faster and live better using a proven blend of ancient knowledge and brand new technologies, tempered by research, science and measured results from our customers, top athletes, and medical professionals.”

Shop Bulletproof 360 products here.

Bulletproof 360 has a different approach to keto that is more well-balanced, Asprey said. The company believes the most important thing is how a product makes people feel. Then, Bulletproof 360 focuses on flavor and taste, convenience, impact on the world and cost for consumers.

Bulletproof 360’s collagen protein bars, brain octane oil, coffee and supplements are created to avoid a crash, jitters or headaches and to make being in ketosis easier for consumers.

Asprey also announced a new product from the brand launching in a few weeks (“You guys are the first ones to hear about it,” he told the audience). Innerfuel Prebiotic will supply fiber and reduce inflammation while in ketosis.

Click here for the recipe to make a power coffee recipe at home.

“We make products that radically improve your life so you can tap into the unlimited power of being human,” Asprey said in conclusion.

Can a keto diet be incorporated into the gluten-free lifestyle? The ketogenic diet restricts all grains, so it may be a natural transition for someone eating gluten free.

Elana Amsterdam, New York Times-bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, a website devoted to gluten-free and grain-free recipes, said she sees the connection between the two diets.

“If you’re already eating a healthy gluten-free diet that is free of processed foods, the next step would be eliminating grains, plus corn and potatoes, as well as fruit.” Amsterdam has found personal benefits in following the ketogenic diet. “It has helped both my gut and brain function better.”

Click here for some gluten-free, keto-friendly recipes.

Hakuna Banana Promises ‘No Worries’ With Dairy-Free ‘Nice Cream’

The company Hakuna Banana won the Natural Products Expo West Product Pitch Slam in Anaheim, California on March 6 with their plant-based “nice cream” product.

This ice cream alternative is made with real fruit and no refined sugar, gluten or soy. The ingredients are simple, clean and all-natural: bananas, coconut milk and dates for natural sweetness.

Hakuna Banana had some tough competitors in the Pitch Slam, an event that brought impressive, successful brands together to pitch their companies. In addition to Hapuna Banana, the finalists were Siren Snacks, Square Baby Food, Lumen and Sun Genomics.

Ultimately, Hakuna Banana took home the prize, wowing the judges and the audience with their healthy, already successful product. The treat is available in flavors like Banilla, Banana Spice, Choco Choco Chip, Cashew Cookie Dough and Strawberry. They also offer novelty treats.

The frozen dessert is vegan, paleo-friendly, dairy and gluten free, made without genetically engineered ingredients, refined sugar free, soy free and corn free.

The co-founders of the company, Hannah Hong and Mollie Cha, started the company after searching high and low for a dessert option they could feel good about, with no added sugars. They created this ice cream, which blends real foods to create a creamy, dreamy product.

Every pint of Hakuna Banana ice cream is made with at least two whole bananas. The bananas add sweetness and nutrients like potassium, though the judges of the Pitch Slam questioned whether the banana flavor could be polarizing. Not to worry, Hong and Cha assured them, the flavor is subtle and their flavor profiles ensure flavors that work well with the tropical banana taste. “Not all our flavors taste like [bananas],” their website states. “While some of our flavors are more banana-forward…others aren’t.”

To learn more about Hakuna Banana and where you can purchase the product, click here.

Product Roundup: 10 New Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages for Spring

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on March 1, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free world. Some gems were discovered and devoured along the way, as taste testers found products that will carry them through the new season with a spring in their step. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live the team did.

1. True Made Foods Pitmaster Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

Once grilling season comes around, this BBQ sauce may become a new staple. It has 70 percent less sugar than leading brands because it’s naturally sweetened with tomatoes, butternut squash, carrots and spinach. There is no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or preservatives in the bottle, so this sauce is a guilt-free one. It’s also Paleo friendly, non-GMO and, of course, gluten free. Buy it here.

2. Becca’s Gourmet Goodies Champagne Marshmallows

In our last Facebook Live event, taste testers sampled sandwich cookies from this Colorado gluten-free bakery. Today, marshmallows were the star of the show. These have only five ingredients and will quickly become a staple. They’re dairy free and soy free, so anyone can indulge in these soft, sugary confections or use them in baking. Buy them here.

3. Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bites

Since Bobo’s Toast’r Pastries got a thumbs up from tasters during our last event, we gave these oat bites a shot, and they did not disappoint. The new vegan treats come in classic flavor combinations and are exquisite crumbled over yogurt or ice cream. They’re soy free and each soft, chewy bite contains 170 calories. Buy them here.

4. Sante Bourbon Pecans, Chocolate Almonds and Pumpkin Spice Pecans

Few naturally gluten-free snacks are as versatile as nuts. They go beautifully on a salad, in granola, on yogurt or just eaten by the handful as a snack. These all-natural nuts feel like a true treat. They’re peanut free and have no cholesterol, GMOs or trans fat. They’re roasted in small batches, making them crunchy, and seasoned with pure, all-natural ingredients, making them tasty and a bit addictive. The bourbon pecans were a crowd favorite, with their light coating of pure cane sugar and the irresistible bourbon and vanilla. Buy them here.

5. TAJA Coconut Water

Fresh and filtered, this coconut water comes straight from the coconut and isn’t made from concentrate. The only ingredient is natural coconut water, keeping it pure and unadulterated. Taja doesn’t expose the coconut water to air, so all the nutrients remain in the water, which is crystal clear. Each bottle has 60 calories and contains potassium, calcium and magnesium. Buy them here.

6. No Sugar Aloud Golden Cake Mix and Brownie Mix

These “just add water” mixes make a scrumptious way to sate your sweet tooth during the day in just 90 seconds. They are packed with protein, low in sugar and easy to prepare. Baking cups and lids are included, so there’s no clean-up needed, and the cups can be microwaved or baked in an oven. The package also includes decorative frosting and coconut flakes or chocolate chips to sprinkle on top, polishing off this decadent treat. Each cake contains 220 to 230 calories. Buy them here.

7. MinusCal Bars

A chocolatey bar that has negative calories? It sounds too good to be true. MinusCal uses all-natural Choleve to block absorption of fat, claiming to boost weight loss efforts, control cravings and fast track weight loss results. Choleve is a fermented tea extract that blocks absorption of fat. The bars are chewy and flavorful, plus packed with protein and fiber. Buy them here.

8. Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

Another healthy snack to grab while hiking this spring, these dairy-free bites are a great source of dietary fiber and protein. The Pistachio and Plums variety has date nectar and a touch of lemon, creating a well-balanced flavor. Each packages contains more than 50 percent pistachios, zero trans fat and no cholesterol and is heart healthy. Buy them here.

9. Spindrift Sparkling Water

Sparkling water continues to delight those who are avoiding soda in favor of a healthier option. This lime flavored one contains 4 percent juice and contains 4 calories per can. It has no sugar added but tastes pleasant and flavorful. Buy them here.

10. Monster Meli’s Cookies

This cookie line just hit Walmart, as the Texas-based bakery begins to expand. The cookies are naturally gluten free, made with rolled oats and natural chocolate products. They are soft, chewy and one of the best gluten-free cookies you’ll ever taste. Buy them here.

Taste Test: Gluten-Free Girl Scout Cookies

As of this year, Girl Scouts of America offer two gluten-free Girl Scout cookie options, Toffee-tastic and Caramel Chocolate Chip, meaning those who are gluten free can join in the excitement of Girl Scout cookie season and find a new favorite treat.

According to a Girl Scouts press release, both gluten-free varieties are offered only in select Girl Scout council markets for as long as supplies last and can only be purchased from a registered Girl Scout. And “reflecting the cost of production,” gluten-free cookies may be priced higher than other Girl Scout Cookies.

Because only registered Girl Scouts may sell Girl Scout Cookies, their availability is typically limited to the six- to eight-week period when girls are engaged in the program through their local council, so Girl Scout Cookie season is the time to stock up on these gluten-free goodies. The Girl Scout Cookie Program promotes girls’ development of entrepreneurial and life skills, and the earnings from cookie sales go toward experiences for the members.

Here are my thoughts on these two cookie options so you know what to expect when you grab a few boxes.

Caramel Chocolate Chip

These cookies just started being sold in 2019, so they’re the ones everyone is dying to get their hands on. They feature rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips and a hint of sea salt.

The Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie, which contains gluten-free oat flour, has a dry, cakey texture and slightly salty aftertaste. The caramel is slightly overpowering, but it combines with the sea salt to create a savory tasting cookie.

The cookies are packaged in a resealable bag rather than the traditional Girl Scout cookie box. They contain milk and eggs but are baked in a peanut-free and gluten-free facility.

Though the cookies don’t taste or look like a “typical” Girl Scout Cookie, they bring a balance of sweet and savory and are a safe and sophisticated choice. They’re not a cookie I personally would reach for, as the caramel is stronger than I prefer and overwhelms the chocolate, and I am a fan of a moister cookie. However, I shared the cookies with my colleagues and the caramel lovers among them enjoyed these. We conducted a quick Instagram poll and 57 percent of voters gave the cookies a thumbs up!

The cookies are smaller than the usual Girl Scout cookie, and three of them contain 170 calories.

Toffee-tastic

Toffee-tastic is the more well-known gluten-free Girl Scout cookie, since it was first introduced in 2015. They are buttery and rich, containing sweet crunchy bits of toffee.

The cookies are light, very buttery and crumbly, with added texture sticking to the teeth from the toffee. Toffee-tastic cookies are evocative of childhood, but also make a delightful addition to afternoon teatime.

It would be easy to inhale the whole box of these cookies, because even though they’re buttery and sweet, they’re smooth and light and don’t feel overpoweringly sweet. The cookies are made with rice flour and I would never guess they are gluten free. In fact, I imagine non-gluten-free folks would enjoy these every bit as much as their traditional favorite boxes.

They do contain milk and soy ingredients and are certified gluten free. Two of these cookies contain 140 calories.

To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program and find out when Girl Scouts will be selling cookies near you, visit www.girlscoutcookies.org.

Have you tried either of the gluten-free Girl Scout cookies, and what did you think? Let us know your thoughts by emailing [email protected], or let us know via Facebook or Twitter.

Product Roundup: 10 New, Tempting Gluten-Free Snacks You’ve Got to Try

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on February 15, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free world. Some gems were discovered and devoured along the way. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

1. AL Chipino Gourmet Tortilla Chips

These tortilla chips are like none other you’ve experienced. They come in wild flavors like BBQ Tikka Masala, Bollywood Sweet & Sour, NY Deli Cheese, and Peri-Peri. Each is flavorful without being over-the-top, so you can enjoy them with your favorite salsa or dip. The chips have no GMOs, cholesterol or gluten, of course. Buy them here.

2. Siren Protein Snack Bites

These snack bites are plant-based, full of nutrition and flavor. They use natural sweeteners including monk fruit, stevia and dates, and no artificial sugars. They’re also free from most allergens, which makes them versatile for any snacker: no milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat or soybeans. Buy them here.

3. Munk Pack Protein Cookies

Getting enough protein throughout the day can be challenging, but these cookies provide a sweet way to do it that you’ll look forward to. They’re made with real ingredients and gluten-free oat flour, with 18 grams of protein per cookie. The cookies are soft and chewy, but not too sweet, and free from sugar alcohols, trans fat, dairy, soy and eggs. Buy them here.

4. Country Archer Mini Beef Sticks

The mini beef sticks are the perfect size to stash in your backpack, desk or even pocket, with only 50 calories each and 5 grams of protein, plus no sugar. The beef is 100% grass-fed, contains no nitrates, MSG, hormones or antibiotics. These are a great choice for the paleo or keto diets or just for a boost during the day. Buy them here.

5. This Bar Saves Lives Kids Bar

This Bar Saves Lives just released a kids version of their popular bars, made with clean ingredients, fruits and vegetables. The bars are nut free, non-GMO certified and kosher. Proceeds from every box purchased provides life-saving food to a child in need, so kids and adults alike can feel good about this purchase. Plus, the kids bars come in several scrumptious flavors that are hard to resist. Buy them here.

6. Sweet Apricity Sea Salted Caramels

A bag of these caramels makes a lovely gift or sweet treat for any time of day. The caramels are paleo, dairy free and guilt free, with just a few simple ingredients blending to create a smooth, chewy morsel. Buy them here.

7. Bobo’s Toast’r Pastry

These pastries have 7 grams of protein each and are non-GMO certified, dairy free and vegan. They are sweet, have a satisfying texture and come in several flavors so you can find your favorite snack or breakfast option. This simple, wholesome food is scrumptious and you can feel good about eating it, since it’s made in the U.S. by people, never automated. Buy them here.

8. Becca’s Gourmet Goodies Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies

A chocolate cookie with sweet cream inside comes from a Colorado gluten-free bakery that specializes in all kinds of goodies that can be purchased online. You can choose your filling flavor and whether the cookies should contain dairy, and the cookies are soy free as well. Buy them here.

9. Lone Star Botanicals Tea

A cup of herbal tea can be just what the doctor ordered during the chilly flu season. We sampled Wellness Tea and Feel Good Tea, both caffeine free. Wellness Tea can boost immunity and is made of 100 percent organic herbs, plus is full of nutrients and immune boosting properties. Feel Good Tea, on the other hand, promotes positive energy, an elevated mood and inner calm. The tea is organic and the sachets are biodegradable. Buy them here.

10. ChocoVivo Superfood Chocolate Butter

This creamy, decadent chocolate butter is made with real cacao nibs, not cocoa powder. It’s made from stone ground chocolate butter and is dairy free, GMO free, vegan and gluten free. The spread comes in convenient packets that are easy to take on the go. We also sampled ChocoVivo’s Mayan Tradition dark chocolate, which was cinnamony and spicy, paleo and highly recommended. Buy them here.

Celiac disease vaccine appears promising way to restore immune system

Though currently there is no cure for celiac disease (following a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment), that may change in our lifetime, as a potential celiac disease vaccine is being developed and has entered phase two of its trial and is anticipated to finish the trial this year.

Phase 2 of this trial enrolled 150 patients in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.

The vaccination, which is given subcutaneously, is given in small doses at first, then gradually increased so the body builds a resistance to the gluten protein over several months. A malfunctioning TG2 enzyme causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine. This mistaken immune response leads to a host of issues as the body attempts to rid itself of what it considers a poison.

Phase one was considered successful, as the vaccine was shown to be safe and well-tolerated, even when given at its highest doses. Phase two will aim to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine and broaden ImmusanT’s understanding of the impact of immunotherapies.

In addition to building a person’s tolerance for gluten, this vaccine could prevent serious health complications that are caused over time by untreated celiac disease, such as some types of cancers. Celiac affects as many as 1 in 100 people worldwide and causes inflammation of the small intestine, leading to bloating, joint pain, and inability to absorb nutrients.

ImmusanT also uses its platform to develop peptide-based immune therapies for people with other autoimmune diseases, including Type-1 diabetes. The company also focuses on developing highly specific diagnostics and are developing their first diagnostic which diagnoses celiac disease through an in vitro blood test that measures T-cell markers. An estimated 83 percent of Americans with celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, according to Beyond Celiac, so this diagnostic could be beneficial to many.

Click here for more information on celiac disease and its symptoms.

10 Gluten-Free Date Night Ideas

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to get creative with a gluten-free date that works well with dietary restrictions. Dinner dates can be safely managed with dietary restrictions, but dates don’t always have to revolve around food. Here are some alternatives to dinner that take the focus off food so you can have a good time worry-free.

1. Bowl or play laser tag. This puts the focus on the activity more than the food. If eating is part of the plan, call ahead to see what the best gluten-free options are. If the pickings are slim, have something to eat before you go out and just order a safe snack and drink.

2. Take a hike. Bring a bag lunch and head for the hills. Your date will include safe food and lots of exercise, and you’ll have a natural flushed glow in all your couple selfies. Check out our favorite vegan, gluten-free snacks for hiking here.

3. Go on a picnic. If you live somewhere where it’s warm enough to eat outside, pack a picnic basket with gluten-free goodies and head for a sunny spot. You can people watch, bring your dog along and make daisy chains for each other.

4. Visit a museum. A museum can give you an opportunity to walk around and gives plenty of things to talk about. Many museums have coffee shops, and you can take a quick break and enjoy a drink.

5. Catch a movie. A lot of movie popcorn is gluten free, though you should check with the theater beforehand. Otherwise, gluten-free candy and snacks are usually available. Soft drinks are a safe gluten-free thirst quencher.

6. Make dinner at your place. With so many recipes available online, it’s easy to find a meal that should be manageable for two. Make a shopping list, hit the grocery store and head into the kitchen. You can light some candles and play whatever music you like when your dinner date is at your home.

7. Open mic or trivia night. Find a local bar that offers trivia night, open mic or karaoke and sign each other up. It may take you outside of your comfort zone but you’ll laugh together and have a good story to tell.

8. Play in the snow. If your winter weather doesn’t allow for a picnic, have a snow date with a snowball fight, snow fort, snowman, ice skating or skiing. Afterwards, you can warm up inside with hot chocolate and a blanket fort.

9. Take a class together. Whether it’s a class on painting, yoga, martial arts, pottery or improv comedy, you can learn something new together and have fun challenging yourselves.

10. Go to a wine tasting. Wine is gluten free, so you can enjoy it (and some cheese) while you find a new favorite.

Click here for advice on Eating Out Gluten Free.

10 Gluten-Free Pizza Recipes for National Pizza Day

National Pizza Day this February 9 can unite us all, because who doesn’t love a hot slice? Whether you crave vegan ‘za or a meat-loaded deep dish pie, gluten-free pizza recipes abound to send you on your way. First, master Easy Gluten-Free Pizza Crust and then get fancy with it.

Here are our top 10 pizza recipes, from Moroccan Chickpea Skillet Pizza to Thin-Crust BBQ Pizza with Crispy Bacon.

1. Middle Eastern Pizza with Za’atar, Pine Nuts and Olive Oil

Who said pizza is just an Italian food? This seductive pizza is essentially a very good flavored bread. Za’atar is the Arabic name for an irresistible seasoning mix of toasted sesame seeds, lemony sumac and oregano that’s popular all over the Middle East. Combined with olive oil, it makes the topping of choice for “plain” pizza in countries such as Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. Get the recipe.

7 Gluten-Free Recipes for National Carrot Cake Day

National Carrot Cake Day provides a prime opportunity to blend vegetables with dessert, all topped off with cream cheese frosting. Here are seven recipes for carrot cake muffins, cupcakes, oatmeal, and of course, a few really good gluten-free carrot cake recipes that will become a staple in your home.

According to World Carrot Museum, modern carrot cake is probably descended from Medieval carrot puddings enjoyed in Europe. During the middle ages, sugar and other sweeteners were expensive or hard to find, so carrots were often used as a sugar substitute in Britain. As for the cream cheese frosting, the earliest American print references to topping carrot cake with cream cheese frosting are from the 1960s.

Spend time in the kitchen this National Carrot Cake Day (February 3) whipping up this classic dessert or even a breakfast dish inspired by the cake.

1. Carrot Almond Cake

In this very slightly tweaked traditional Italian recipe, almond meal, sweet carrots, eggs and pine nuts supply good nutrition as well as delicious flavor. Get the recipe.

10 Gluten-Free Breakfast Picks for On-the-Go Mornings

Here are our top 10 gluten-free breakfast foods that can provide a boost throughout the morning. All these products are convenient to grab and go and don’t take time to prepare.

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on February 1, the GFL team gave their first impressions of these hot new foods in the gluten-free breakfast world. Watch the video to hear the panel’s thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live.

1. Split Squeeze Packs

These packs have peanut butter and jelly all in one pouch! Or, if you prefer, almond butter and raspberry spread. They are great to squeeze on crackers, fruit, toast or right into your mouth. The packs provide one fruit and one nut in a fast pack for pure, delicious energy. They’re all-natural and certified non-GMO, and come in Almond Butter and Raspberry Fruit Spread, Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly, Almond Butter and Strawberry Fruit Spread, and Peanut Butter and Blueberry Fruit Spread. Buy them here.

2. Enjoy Life Breakfast Ovals

These soft-baked breakfast ovals are made with all-natural ingredients and a great source of fiber and whole grains, making them a good choice for an on-the-go breakfast. They’re allergy friendly, Kosher, Halal, and made with all-natural ingredients. The ovals come in a variety of flavors, from Maple Fig to Berry Medley, and each bar has 220 calories. Buy them here.

3. Bob’s Red Mill Bob’s Better Bar

Bob’s Red Mill brings another whole grain, gluten-free product to the table. Each soft bar is made from simple, clean ingredients that provide lasting energy. They’re free from gluten, soy, dairy and egg and contain 7 grams of protein and 11 grams of sugar per bar. This is a great option for a transportable breakfast that can be thrown into a briefcase or backpack for energy. Buy them here.

4. Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze

The fruit squeezes are handy to have for hikes, morning commutes or to stow in your desk at work. They’re just 90 to 110 calories per pouch and a good source of fiber, easy to digest, vegan, Kosher and non-GMO. They’re made with real fruit and whole grain oatmeal, plus they come in lots of flavors to choose from, including Maple Pear Quinoa and Peach Chia Vanilla. You can grab this oatmeal pouch and head out with no need for a spoon or hot water. Buy them here.

5. LARABAR and LARABAR Kid Bars

These fruit and nut bars have only a few ingredients and are non-GMO, gluten free, vegan and dairy free. The original LARABAR now comes in two new flavors: Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl and Peanut Butter Banana. LARABAR now offers bars for kids as well, which are small and contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. These bars are quite popular and the additional flavors and versions for kids will keep their followers happy. Buy them here.

6. Ample V Meal Shakes

Ample V is a full meal in a bottle made from real-food ingredients and packed with healthy fats, complete protein, fiber, probiotics and organic greens. It comes in powder form, pre-portioned in a bottle, and you just add cold water or milk and mix it up. The texture is rich and creamy and taste is subtle and nutty. The shakes are plant-based and have 400 calories per serving. Buy them here.

7. Stoneridge Orchards Dried Blueberries and Cherries

These reduced sugar fruits have no preservatives and are non-GMO. They can be eaten by the handful, on salad, over yogurt or mixed with nuts. This treat adds sweetness and texture to breakfast fiber and low sugar. The newly-introduced line has 50 percent less sugar than Stoneridge Orchards’ regular dried cherries. Buy them here.

8. Rainbow Light Sunny Gummies

These vitamins are safe for ages 4 and up, so they’re a good option for the whole family to enjoy in the morning. They contain the pediatrician-recommended daily value of Vitamin D3, promote strong bones and immune health and are gluten and soy free. The gummies taste good, too, with a tangy mandarin orange flavor and 1 gram of organic cane sugar each. As a bonus, the packaging of the vitamins is made from post-consumer recycled and recyclable bottles that are BPA free. Buy them here.

9. Cali’flour Foods Cauliflower Thins

These low-carb crackers are a good morning snack or a vehicle for cheese, guacamole, or peanut butter. They contain no lactose, soy, wheat or gluten. They are Keto friendly, contain 5 grams of protein per serving and have few, simple ingredients. Buy them here.

10. Epic Bites Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Tender Beef Steak

For those who’ve gotta have meat in the

morning, these steak bites are an easy option for plenty of protein on-the-go. They have 8 grams of protein per serving and are made with grass-fed beef with no antibiotics or growth stimulants. They are flavorful, with semisweet notes of cranberry and a mild kick of red pepper. Buy them here.

11 Healthier Gluten-Free Football Snacks

Whether you’re a New England Patriots fanatic or cheering for the Los Angeles Rams, most people can agree that snacks are a quintessential part of a great game day. The football championship is the second biggest day for food consumption in the U.S., second only to Thanksgiving.

Need to grab a gluten-free brew to enjoy with these snacks? Download our free gluten-free beer roundup with information on more than 65 gluten-free beers!

For healthier gluten-free football snacks, read our list and get ready to enjoy the game! You’ll find veggie pizzas, avocado deviled eggs, kale chips, baked mozzarella sticks and more!

If junk food is more your style, check out our Top 10 Gluten-Free Junk Foods for less healthy delicious options.

1. Spicy Cauliflower Wings

If you have yet to try cauliflower wings, this recipe is a must-try. These “wings” are covered with a gluten-free flour batter to give a delicious crunch with that perfect kick of spice. While others are enjoying deep-fried chicken wings (in fact, more than 1.3 billion wings are expected to be eaten during this weekend), you can get the same crunch and flavor without any of the guilt. Get the recipe.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Gluten-Free Caterer

When you’re shopping around for a gluten-free caterer for your party or wedding, it’s okay to ask “dumb questions” or lots of questions. This is one area that is crucial to making your day a success. Caterers are used to getting plenty of questions about dietary accommodations, so don’t be shy in an interview with a caterer.

Whether you’ll be having separate gluten-free dishes or an exclusively gluten-free spread, here are some essential questions to ask a potential caterer to make sure they check all the boxes before you hire them.

1. Do you have certification or training through a celiac disease support group?

If the caterer has gluten-specific certification or training, this means they have made an effort to create options that use gluten-free ingredients prepared in a way that prevents cross-contamination. If the caterer in question is not certified, don’t despair. Some are more attentive to the details of preparing a safe gluten-free meal than others.

2. I/my guests need to avoid anything with wheat, barley or rye and most oats. This includes flour, breading, soy sauce and seasoning that might contain flour. Do you have a menu that can accommodate this?

It’s best to explain exactly what foods you aren’t able to eat rather than assuming a caterer will know all the ins and outs of a gluten-free diet.

3. What food choices do you recommend, based on my dietary needs?

Although you may have a specific menu in mind, ask for suggestions first. Some types of cuisine are easier to make gluten-free than others.

4. Is there a price difference between gluten-free meals and meals with gluten?

Some caterers may charge more for gluten-free options than their regular fare.

5. How many gluten-free events have you catered?

It’s important to know whether this is your caterer’s first attempt at gluten-free meal preparation or if they’re a seasoned pro.

6. Can you provide me with references from other gluten-free events you have catered?

If the caterer has experience catering gluten free, don’t hesitate to ask for references and reach out to them. They can let you know if there were any red flags or, if they had a wonderful experience, put your mind at ease with a glowing recommendation.

7. Are fried foods made in a dedicated gluten-free fryer?

It’s crucial for a caterer to understand cross-contamination and how to avoid it.

8. Are gluten-free items prepared in a separate, dedicated area using dedicated pots, pans and utensils that are cleaned throughly between uses?

Again, cross-contamination is perhaps the single biggest concern when you are combining foods with and without gluten.

9. Do you use whole foods or pre-packaged products?

Whole foods are typically safer than pre-packaged products, where it can be less certain whether products have traces of gluten. Whole foods mean your caterer has more control over what’s in your food.

10. Do you have experience with gluten-free baking?

If not, consider ordering your cake from a gluten-free bakery that specializes in sweet GF baked goods. If the dessert is the star of the show, you want to make sure it’s spectacular.

11. How do you indicate which foods are gluten free?

If you are having both gluten and gluten-free options, find out how the caterer will let guests know which is which.

12. How will you avoid cross-contamination while serving?

If you are having both gluten and gluten-free options, this is especially important if you will have stations or buffets. Passed hors d’oeuvres and plated dinners are typically a safer option to avoid cross-contamination since the servers have more control.

13. Can you accommodate other dietary restrictions?

If you or your guests have other allergies or are kosher, vegan, dairy-free, etc., find out if other accommodations can easily be made.

14. Do you do food tastings?

If possible, taste the food before it is served to all your guests. If your caterer can provide several options for you to try, even better.

15. Do you provide alcoholic beverages? Gluten-free beer and cocktails?

If your caterer will be supplying alcohol, find out if they have gluten-free beer options and whether they are aware of what alcohol contains gluten.

Top 10 Gluten-Free Apps

Gluten-Free Bakeries Across the U.S.

Gluten-Free Restaurants Across the U.S.

10 Gluten-Free Personal Care Products to Add to Your Routine

If you are a fan of gluten-free toothpaste, deodorant and lip balm, or if you would like to make the switch to more natural personal care products, you’re not alone. Many people find that personal care products with harsh ingredients irritate their skin and some people with celiac disease find the gluten causes an adverse reaction.

At the present time, a significant study has not been conducted on the effects of topical or airborne exposure to gluten. However, a sizable amount of people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and non-celiac gluten sensitivity have reported skin reactions when using products containing gluten. For more information on this, click here.

For those who are curious about gluten-free, natural personal care products, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 of our favorites. Check it out and you may find room in your medicine cabinet for a new must-have item.

1. Native Deodorant

Native deodorant, body wash and bar soap are free from aluminum, parabens and sulfates. The products are formulated to keep consumers feeling and smelling fresh, with natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and tapioca starch. The deodorant is cruelty free and comes in plenty of wonderful scents (we’re partial to Blackberry & Green Tea). Shop here.

2. Life Elements CBD & Honey Bath Bombs

The CBD & Honey bath bomb for men is free of harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrance, foaming agents or colorants. It has a soothing aroma of a pine and cedar forest, is an excellent muscle relaxer and contains 200mg of CBD. Shop here.

3. Dirty Girl Farm Skin Care Products

Dirty Girl Farm is a line of all-natural skincare products and holistic apothecary. All products are free from chemicals, toxins and gluten and are not tested on animals. The items are vegan and organic, smell amazing and leave skin feeling soft and fresh. Our personal favorites are the Rose Quartz Body Wash and Moth Bean Retinol Lotion. Shop here.

4. Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soap

This hand soap has it all: natural, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, biodegradable and made in the USA. It’s formulated to moisturize, soften and balance all skin types, leaving hands feeling amazing. Since the ingredients are so good for you, you won’t have to worry about cross contamination, so put these all over your home. Shop here.

5. Cali White Toothpaste

This toothpaste uses natural ingredients to freshen breath and whiten teeth, including activated charcoal, organic coconut oil and baking soda. It’s vegan, fluoride free, peroxide free, gluten free and safe for kids. The Pacific Mint flavor is refreshing and naturally flavored with xylitol and peppermint oil. Shop here.

6. eos Lip Balm

The cutest lip balm packaging comes from eos, bringing a product that is enriched with jojoba oil, shea butter, Vitamin E and SPF 15. It’s fun to apply and keeps lips soft and smooth all day. Finding a trustworthy gluten-free lip balm is crucial since it’s one of those products you’re most likely to ingest accidentally. Shop here.

7. Everyone Lotion

Everyone lotion does it all, with a three-in-one product that can be applied to face, hands and body. It’s gentle, cruelty free, paraben free, gluten free and uses ingredients that are natural and organic. The non-greasy formula is available in a wide range of fragrances and this lotion is sure to mend cracked. broken skin without breaking the bank. Shop here.

8. Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner

Herbal Essences offers a line of gluten-free hair care products that aren’t harsh on hair or the scalp. Ingredients like aloe and sea kelp leave hair moisturized, soft and shiny. The line is also color-safe, pH balanced with no parabens, glutens or colorants. Shop here.

9. Knocked Up Nails Nail Polish

If it’s safe for pregnant women, you can be pretty sure it’s a good-for-you product. This nail polish, available in a wide variety of shades, is vegan and gluten free, cruelty free and long lasting. The polishes are formulated to be safe for pregnant women, allergy sufferers, cancer patients and kids. The polish does not contain toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or camphor. Shop here.

10. Rugged & Dapper Shaving Cream

This shaving cream works for all skin types, whether sensitive, acne prone or dry. It is professional quality, ultra-lubricating and full of natural ingredients like aloe vera, sage oil, olive oil and sea buckthorn oil. The vegan, gluten-free product smells great and will leave skin feeling soft, smooth and nick-free. Shop here.

Product Roundup: 10 Sweet Treats for a Gluten-Free Valentine’s Day

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on January 25, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free world. The theme of this event was sweets and gluten-free items for Valentine’s Day.

Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live the team did.

1. Diet Cheesecakes

This company boasts the most decadent and healthy cheesecakes on earth. The cheesecakes are creamy, sweet and well-portioned for those who are diabetic, watching their weight or just looking to indulge in an afternoon snack. The cheesecakes are gluten free, low fat and low carb and have only 100 calories each. They would make a lovely Valentine’s Day treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty or bloated. Buy them here.

2. Lily’s Sweets

Lily’s offers no-sugar added chocolate that aims to show chocolate can be an everyday indulgence, not a guilty pleasure. The chocolate bars come in many flavors, though we’re partial to the salted almond. With so much variety, they make a tasty gift or snack to enjoy this winter. Buy them here.

3. Linda’s Lollies

What’s a better gift than a bouquet of gourmet lollipops? Linda’s offers exotic, delectable flavors in long-lasting lollipop form. Flavors include pina colada, mango chile, mint chocolate chip, and mocha cappuccino. They will turn your tongue an unnaturally bright color, but for the sugar rush and novelty, it’s worth it. Buy them here.

4. Fruit Bliss Fruit and Nut Bites

Fruit and nuts make a healthy, romantic treat for on-the-go. They combine a tasty blend of fiber-rich fruit and crunchy nut pieces, offering a bite-sized snack that satisfies a sweet tooth in a natural, guilt-free way. Buy them here.

5. Amy’s Chocolate Bars

Amy’s gluten-free, kosher candy have no GMOs and come in many varieties, including a bar with English toffee and almonds, one with a creamy nougat center, and one with chopped pecans. The candy bars are a good size for a late afternoon pick-me-up and are made with organic chocolate. Buy them here.

6. Manuka Honey Dark Chocolate

Made from New Zealand’s Manuka honey, these chocolates are all natural, gluten free, kosher and dairy free. They are a sweet treat, providing a small bite of chocolate with only three ingredients: pure honey, dark chocolate and ginger. Buy them here.

7. OWYN Protein Drinks

If you want to show your love to animals and the environment this Valentine’s Day, consider switching to plant-based protein drinks. The OWYN drinks deliver all nine essential amino acids, are a good source of fiber, high source of vegan omega 3 and blend kale, spinach and broccoli. If you’re relying on OWYN to get you through the day, you can rest assured that there is nothing artificial and the drink is gluten free, vegan and free from the top eight food allergens. Buy them here.

8. Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon and Skipjack Wild Tuna

A romantic seafood dinner, but taking on a different form than usual, Wild Planet’s pouches are hand packed in sea salt with no fillers or oil added. The fish is easy to transport, packed with protein and sustainably caught. If you’re looking to get your Omega 3s in, these pouches are an easy way to do so that is flavorful and good for the planet. Buy them here.

9. Truth Bars

Truth Bars are prebiotic and probiotic, scrumptious to taste (we love the chocolate peanut butter crunch bars) and an ideal size for a sweet snack. They’re non-GMO, low in sugar and contain Omega 3s, to boot. Truth Bars emphasize good gut health and pride themselves on using “ingredients with a purpose.” Buy them here.

10. Sejoyia Coco-Roons and Coco-Thins

Sejoyia Coco-Thins are snackable cashew cookies with only six ingredients: coconut, cassava flour, coconut sugar, sea salt, cashews and cocoa. They are paleo and vegan and can be eaten by the handful, as they’re light and crispy. Sejoyia also offers Coco-Roons, chewy cookie bites sweetened with coconut and maple syrup and made with only nine ingredients. They are rich, decadent and bite-sized. Buy them here.

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10 Pleasing Pies to Pile On This National Pie Day

There is an amazing diversity (pie-versity?) found in pies, with sweet, creamy pies and hearty, savory ones, and even cocktails modeled after classic pies. On January 23, National Pie Day, choose your favorite, whether it’s a classic apple pie or chicken pot pie, or something out of the ordinary, like buttermilk custard or dark chocolate chiffon.

Yes, all these and more can be found in this list of our 10 favorite gluten-free pies that will make National Pie Day a dream come true.

If you don’t want to make a pie from scratch, remember that grocery store shelves and online retailers offer a selection of pre-made pies, pie crusts and crust mixes that will make your gluten-free baking easy as pie. Click here for our list of awesome gluten-free pre-made pies, crusts and mixes.

1. Southern Buttermilk Custard Pie

This Southern Buttermilk Custard Pie takes a few modern shortcuts while celebrating traditional Southern flavors. It brings a delightful combination of sweet and savory to the table and won’t take long to whip up. Click here for the recipe.

Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets Recalled for Possible Wood Contamination

More than 68,000 pounds of Perdue gluten-free chicken nuggets were recalled January 17 due to possible wood contamination, according to the USDA.

The 22-ounce packages of frozen Perdue Simply Smart Organics Gluten Free Chicken Breast Nuggets were produced in October and were shipped to stores nationwide.

According to the USDA, the problem was discovered when three consumer complaints reported that wood was found in the nuggets. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

“After a thorough investigation, we strongly believe this to be an isolated incident, as only a minimal amount of these packages has the potential to contain pieces of wood. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to recall all packages of PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART® Organics Gluten Free Chicken Breast Nuggets produced during the same product run,” said Jeff Shaw, Perdue’s Vice President for Quality Assurance, in a press release.

Check your freezer for chicken nuggets purchased in the last few months for potentially contaminated bags and throw them away or return them if you do find them. The potentially contaminated bags have a “best if used by” date of 10/25/2019 and a UPC Bar Code reading “72745-80656” on the back label. The front of the bag has a plant code of P-33944 in the bottom right corner.

64-Year-Old Uses Gluten-Free Meal Planning Service to Maintain Active Life

Being gluten free and 64 years old doesn’t stop Mary Creel one bit. She has logged 63 marathons (and counting) and four Ironman long-distance races, and credits a large part of her success to switching to a gluten-free diet 12 years ago.

Creel, who lives in Birmingham, Alabama, is a registered dietitian and former editor of the magazine Cooking Light. Currently, she works as a dietitian for eMeals, a digital meal planning service that provides weekly inspiration, recipes and shopping lists.

When Creel was in college in the 1970s, she said she studied celiac disease, but most students brushed it aside.

“It was one of those diets where everybody puts it in the back of their notebooks and says, ‘We’ll never get a patient with that in the hospital,’” Creel said. “It’s like getting a leper in the hospital.”

But when Creel’s sister was diagnosed with celiac disease after years of symptoms, so “out of solidarity and sympathy” for her, Creel joined the gluten-free journey with her sister, and she never looked back.

When Creel stopped eating gluten, her gassiness, headache and fogginess all went away and she realized she had a gluten sensitivity. Once she cut out gluten, she began to evaluate all her health choices.

“It made me take a look at everything that was in my daily regimen,” she said. “I wasn’t just eliminating gluten, but I was making sure I got enough protein and things like that.”

As for her interest in running, “you naturally perform better when you eat better,” Creel said, and with the newfound energy that a gluten-free diet gave her, she was able to pursue her passion for running marathons.

Of course, making the change to a gluten-free diet after decades of eating gluten did have its challenges. Creel said there were times when she wondered if the diet was necessary, but when she would try gluten all her symptoms would come back. Twelve years ago, there were fewer options for people avoiding gluten.

“One of the things I noticed was that gluten-free products that were out there were like eating cardboard and there weren’t that many options,” Creel said. Over the years, she has “endlessly educated” friends, relatives, co-workers and wait staff about gluten and how it impacts her body.

She also struggled at social gatherings because “you felt like you were the special needs guest,” but she learned to let her host know about her dietary restrictions or bring food with her that she could enjoy during a party. In 2019, there is more awareness and knowledge about gluten and better gluten-free food options on the market.

“Now pizza places are even offering gluten-free pizza, which was unheard of,” Creel said.

Though the adjustment wasn’t always easy, Creel said she feels it wasn’t as difficult since she was older when she cut out gluten from her diet.

“Sometimes it’s easier for an older person because they have the knowledge and the resources to learn and the desire to clean up their diet,” she said.

Creel is thankful for the opportunity to make gluten-free eating easier for people in her work at eMeals. eMeals offers gluten-free and paleo meal plans, and Creel selects recipes each week that have been tested in their kitchen.

The meal plans focus on using fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, legumes and very limited use of gluten-free processed foods. Once a week, eMeals provides seven meals for the week and an accompanying shopping list that details everything needed for the week. Creel uses eMeals herself to maintain a gluten-free diet and keep from growing bored with what she eats.

“It’s a solution for a lot of people who are faced with having to cook for somebody in their family that has a gluten intolerance or they get tired of eating out,” she said. “We know as dietitians that people eat healthier and eat fewer calories and meals that are lower in sodium and fat when they cook at home.

A subscription to an eMeals plan is $5 a month for a 12-month subscription and the first 14 days are free. For an example of the meals chosen, for a week in December, the gluten-free meal plan offered Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Chicken, Vegetable Skillet Lasagna, Salmon with Corn, Black-Eyed Peas and Tomatoes, Cincinnati White Chicken Chili, Sheet Pan Meatball-and Zucchini “Spaghetti,” Warm Roast Beef Sandwiches with Balsamic Onions, and London Broil with Creamy Lemon Sauce. Additionally, side dishes were included for almost every meal. Creel said she picks out options that are varied every week.

eMeals offers many weekly plan options, including gluten free, vegan, diabetic, Mediterranean, vegetarian and low calorie. For more information, visit emeals.com.

Q&A With the Gluten Intolerance Group

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), founded in 1968, empowers the gluten-free community through consumer support, advocacy and education. Their outreach is to everyone who has made the decision to live gluten-free, not just to those with gluten-related disorders. To learn about the resources the group provides, Gluten-Free Living spoke with GIG Communications Manager Michelle Spano to learn more.

GFL: Can you explain the work that The Gluten Intolerance Group does?

GIG: With the continued recognition of gluten-free dietary needs and the recent emphasis on gluten-free products and offerings, our role in the community is more important now than ever. From assisting local communities through our network of support groups, to being a leader in food safety certification, GIG is a top non-profit organization for consumers worldwide.

What is the origin story of GIG? When and how did it begin?

GIG was founded in 1968 by Elaine Hartsook, PhD, RD, to meet the needs of individuals in the local Seattle community. She called it the Gluten Intolerance Group—the condition was not yet referred to as celiac disease, but “gluten intolerance enteropathy.” In 1974 she formalized the nonprofit as a national organization, with the vision of GIG being an international leader in the community, providing expertise on living with gluten enteropathy. In1996, Cynthia Kupper, a registered dietitian, took over the organization and expanded on the vision Elaine had for the organization.

What are the programs that GIG offers? What are your most popular resources?

GIG has a free membership that includes a digital magazine filled with unique articles, coupons, and recipes. We also have a kids membership that includes great resources for kids—like a magazine that arrives in your mailbox just for your gluten-free kid. GIG has local support groups for both kids and adults across the globe. Our most popular resources are our Educational Bulletins, FAQs, and Recursos En Español (Spanish Resources).

What does Certified Gluten-Free do?

That “Certified Gluten-Free” logo you see on your favorite gluten-free foods signifies that the product has passed our rigorous Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) certification process. You can trust that it is truly gluten-free (tests <10 ppm gluten) and that the process, facility, and ingredients were assessed for safety according to our strict standards.

What is Generation GF?

Generation GF is a program designed to build confidence in kids, teens, and young adults, and help develop them into the future leaders of our gluten-free community. Our goal is to provide safe environments where kids don’t have to worry about what they are going to eat and can just enjoy the fun that comes with being a kid. We want to provide families with a resource through which they can have their questions answered and where they can feel more involved with others in their community. Most importantly, we want to have a program that all age groups will embrace and feel happy to say that they are members of Generation GF.

How has GIG changed over the years? Has your mission developed over time?

GIG has always been a champion of the gluten-free consumer, both with those who have to be gluten-free for medical purposes and for those who make gluten-free a lifestyle choice. As this community has grown, GIG has expanded our resources and our outreach to ensure that all demographics can find the information that they seek. Our certification programs ensure that gluten-free consumers are safe with the products that they choose and the food service establishments that they can dine in worldwide. A main focus of our Mission is to “empower the gluten-free community” and that remains the driving force behind what we try to achieve on a daily basis.

What can people look forward to seeing from GIG in 2019?

GIG is excited to continue our expansion into the community in 2019. Our certification program will be growing our reach into more international locations, making sure that manufacturers worldwide are meeting the standards expected by our community. Our Gluten-Free Food Services (GFFS) certification program will be helping even more restaurants, cafeterias, schools, and hospitals to set up proper practices to be more aware of the needs of their gluten-free consumers.

We look forward to having a continued presence in local communities through our support group network and we hope to reach even more kids, teens, and young adults through a new Generation GF Mentorship program. All of this, and 2019 is the 45th year for GIG as a non-profit! Looking at not only how far GIG has come these past 45 years, but also our gluten-free community as a whole, will be something that we’ll celebrate throughout the year.

How can people be involved in working with GIG?

As previously mentioned, our memberships for both adults and kids are a great way to get involved. We have a strong social media presence (find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest) where we share the latest research, recipes, and riveting conversations that you can partake in and share. We also rely on and greatly appreciate donations to support our community-serving programs.

What is the biggest way you hope people are able to benefit from GIG?

We hope to help people live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives despite their medical conditions. We aim to instill the confidence and provide resources that all individuals need to tackle both the small and big challenges that come with a medically necessary diet.

Save Money and the Earth by Cooking With Scraps

“Cooking With Scraps” is a new cookbook that teaches readers how to turn peels, cores, rinds and stems into fresh, gratifying meals. Authored by Lindsay-Jean Hard, the book serves as a reference for using every part of food, from the water in canned beans to broccoli stems to pineapple rinds. Hard organized the book from A to Z, which isn’t common with cookbooks, because she views it as a reference book and a jumping off point.

“All the recipes are easy and have accessible ingredients and short ingredient lists,” Hard said. “I really don’t want it to feel overwhelming at all to anyone.”

Americans currently produce 133 billion pounds of food waste every year. The USDA has set a nationwide goal to reduce food waste by 50 percent by the year 2030. Hard’s book shares practical ways to reduce food waste, providing creative ideas to take advantage of outdated produce, cheese rinds, stale bread and other foods that are typically discarded.

For delicious recipes from Hard’s book, keep an eye out for the March/April 2019 issue of Gluten-Free Living or subscribe so you never miss an issue.

Hard’s book can be purchased here.

Gluten-Free Living had a chat with Hard to learn more about the book.

GFL: Have you always cooked with scraps, or is this something you had to foster?

LJH: It developed over time. I worked with [the online community] Food 52 for six years and had a few different columns. One of them was called “Cooking With Scraps,” which came out of an editorial brainstorm session. I loved the idea, and I knew I had to write that column. I would hunt through Food 52 recipe archives for recipes, and I learned so much from the community.

GFL: Why do you believe it’s so important to waste less food in the kitchen?

LJH: Cooking with scraps is a win-win. It’s good for the planet, and it’s good for your pocketbook. We have so much food waste in the United States; 40 percent of our food goes uneaten. By reclaiming some of that, we’re not tossing it in landfills, and we’re eating it and saving money in the process. This way of thinking is a mind shift. We have to realize these scraps are edible and taste good and deserve a spot on our plate.

GFL: What are some of the biggest objections people have when they hear about cooking with scraps? Is it ever a turn-off?

LJH: Part of it is the name “scraps.” People think it will be something they have to force themselves into doing out of the do-gooder aspect of it. Once they try the recipes and see for themselves, that usually changes.

GFL: What scraps are a good place to start?

LJH: Root vegetable tops are one of the easiest ins—beet greens and carrot tops. They’re a green like anything else you would use in cooking, and they’re so versatile. They can be sautéed, scattered into salads, I use carrot tops to make a condiment, pesto—it’s an easy way to get into scraps.

GFL: Are there any scraps you want to be able to use but just haven’t been able to figure out?

LJH: I really wanted to be able to use a Brussel sprout stalk…but they are very tough and fibrous, and I’ve yet to be able to successfully do that with them.

GFL: Do you have a favorite recipe in the book?

LJH: I really love soba noodles, so I love the Soba Noodles with Ginger Marmalade Dipping Sauce. The Coffee Ground Cashew Butter is also a favorite, because I don’t think many of us think of coffee grounds as being edible or delicious, but they have so much coffee flavor left in them.

GFL: What has the response been to “Cooking With Scraps” so far?

LJH: So far, it’s been overwhelmingly positive. It’s been really nice to hear people get excited. Usually people either haven’t thought about this at all, or it’s people whose grandparents or parents cooked like this, and they’re excited to get back to it.

GFL: What is the biggest thing you hope people take away from this book?

LJH: I really hope that they start to see these scraps as just ingredients and that, one by one, incorporating them into their regular style of cooking, they start to just use more scraps without even thinking about it.

GFL: This book isn’t specifically gluten free, but many of the recipes in it are healthy and do not contain gluten. Is this purposeful?

LJH: A lot of the recipes within this book just happened to be gluten free, and I think scraps can be an easy thing to incorporate into whatever your dietary needs may be.

Here’s what to do with:

Stems

Cheese Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli Stems
Parsley Stem Tabbouleh
Mushroom Stem Compound Butter

Cores

Danish Pancakes with Apple Core Syrup
White Bean and Cauliflower Core Puree with Green Olive Gremolata

Rinds

Cheddar Nub Pub Cheese
Watermelon Rind Lime Granita with Basil Whipped Cream

Peels

Banana Peel Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Dried Apple Peel Chips
Beet Peel Margarita

Seeds

Everything Bagel Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted Cantaloupe Seeds with Chili and Lime

Tops

Beet Greens Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Rounds
Shaved Zucchini Salad with Carrot Tops and Fennel Seed Dukkah
Spicy Carrot Top Kimuchi

Lindsay-Jean Hard received her master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan. Her education and passion for sustainability went on to inform and inspire her work in the garden, home and community. The seeds of her book were planted in her Food52 column of the same name. Today she works to share her passion for great food and great communities as a marketer at Zingerman’s Bakehouse. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

New Gluten-Free Girl Scout Cookie Joins 2019 Lineup

Good news for gluten-free lovers of Girl Scout Cookies: a brand-new gluten-free cookie is headed our way for the 2019 Girl Scout Cookie season.

Girl Scouts in select areas will be selling new Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies, which feature rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips and a hint of sea salt.

The Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie joins fellow gluten-option Toffee-tastic, a buttery cookie with crunchy toffee bits that was introduced in 2015.

To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program and find out when Girl Scouts will be selling cookies near you, visit www.girlscoutcookies.org.

Q&A With Emotional Eating Expert Heidi Schauster

Heidi Schauster, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S is a nutrition therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field of eating disorders and emotional eating issues. She is currently the founder of Nourishing Words Nutrition Therapy, where she works as a writer, consultant and certified eating disorders registered dietitian based in the Greater Boston area. Schauster is on the faculty at Plymouth State University in their graduate level Eating Disorders Institute.

Gluten-Free Living spoke with Schauster about her new book, Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Body, and Self. She answered questions on maintaining a healthy mindset with the gluten-free lifestyle, cultivating self-compassion, eating and exercising mindfully, predictions for 2019 and more!

Gluten-Free Living: In your new book, you discuss the differences between gluten allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. Why is this important for people to understand?

Heidi Schauster: Allergies and intolerances are different. For example, a dairy allergy is typically related to casein (milk protein) and involves the throat, lungs and skin. A dairy intolerance is typically related to lactose (milk carbohydrate) and involves the gastrointestinal tract.

When it comes to gluten, celiac disease is very different than a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance. If you suspect that you have an intolerance to gluten or wheat, it’s very important to rule out celiac disease first. If you are diagnosed with celiac disease, then you have to avoid contamination with gluten in restaurants and on cutting boards. The consequences to your gut are significant if you expose your system to gluten and you have celiac disease, which is not the case with a wheat/gluten intolerance. There may be symptoms, but they are not life threatening.

GFL: What is your opinion on cutting out gluten to just have a healthier lifestyle or to lose weight?

HS: There is no evidence that cutting out gluten alone will lead to weight loss. Any weight loss in a certain individual may be a side effect of changing eating patterns overall. In fact, research shows that 96 percent of people who aim to lose weight through dietary changes will gain the weight back eventually (often plus more).

Eliminating gluten when you don’t have to may create imbalances in the diet. It may also make gluten-containing foods more “charged” so that they are actually craved more — perhaps even binged on because you feel deprived. It’s easier to eliminate a food if there are true physical consequences — or, in the case of celiac disease, you know that eating gluten will be harmful to your health.

When you try to eliminate foods that you like when there aren’t adverse consequences, you may feel deprived. When some people feel deprived, they rebound overeat later. So, ironically, eliminating gluten can backfire and, for some, create disordered eating or intermittent binging on gluten-containing foods when there was nothing like this there before.

GFL: How can people who live a gluten-free life cultivate self-compassion, even while they spend so much time thinking about what they can and can’t eat?

HS: Thinking about food so much can be time-consuming and frustrating. It can even take the fun out of eating sometimes. Know that it’s harder to adopt healthful habits with food and other areas of life when you are feeling deprived — especially if you have some physical or emotional deprivation in your history.

Be kind to yourself about the challenges of living with a food restriction. Find substitutes that you enjoy and that nourish you. Give meals and snacks some planning time. Don’t obsess about them, but give them some time and attention so that you can eat foods you enjoy. This will help you feel cared by the one person who is best equipped to do so: YOU!

GFL: What is your advice for eating and exercising mindfully, rather than making it a chore?

HS: Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of what’s around us in the moment. When we eat or exercise mindfully, we are in our bodies and not in our heads. We are paying attention to how the food or movement feels in our bodies and connecting to the experience fully.

It’s helpful to apply mindful awareness to any new health habit that we adopt. Does this “superfood” feel good in my body? Does this new type of yoga resonate with my mind, body and spirit? This exploration with curiosity is very different than doing what the latest health guru tells you to do. After all, you know your body more than the guru does.

Blindly trying the latest fad without listening to how it feels in your body is a recipe for discomfort, confusion and sometimes harm. Take any advice with a grain of sea salt and only adopt what works well for you.

GFL: When someone has celiac disease, they often must constantly think about what they can and can’t eat. How can they stay mentally balanced despite this?

HS: Building what I call “sustaining self-care practices” helps all of us, but particularly those of us who have chronic illnesses or food allergies and intolerances. If you find that you are thinking about food more than you’d like or struggling with some disordered eating — obsessing or binging or feeling stressed about food — a registered dietitian/nutritionist who specifically specializes in disordered eating or a certified intuitive eating counselor might be helpful support.

GFL: Why is it important to surround ourselves with people who value and support us in our journey to becoming healthier, and how do you suggest people do this?

HS: Life is too short to spend time with people who deplete our vital energy. If you want to have a relationship with someone who does (say, it’s a family member or someone you must work with), then set healthy boundaries on your time and energy. Notice when you are getting signals from your body and mind that you’ve had enough. And, when you have the choice, spending time with those who love and value you for who you are helps reinforce your intrinsic worth.

We are all unique people on this planet slogging through life; we might as well do it together. Pay attention — with mindfulness — to how you feel when you interact with people and you will get a sense of the kind of person that you want to surround yourself with.

GFL: What are a few key things people can do to have an overall healthier relationship with food?

HS: I have outlined ten nonlinear steps in my book Nourish. A few of them include ditching diets, working on body acceptance, cultivating awareness of your eating habits and working on mindful eating. If these are hard for you, get help and support.

GFL: What are your predictions for healthy trends for 2019?

HS: 1) We’ll be dieting less. Even Weight Watchers is trying to jump on the non-diet bandwagon and call themselves “WW” instead. (Unfortunately, the program is still a diet, but the fact that they are trying not to look like one is meaningful.) Research shows that dieting does not lead to sustained weight loss in 96% of people, yet the $60 billion diet industry profits from our belief that they work. Instead of dieting, set realistic goals about the things you’d like to change about your relationship with food and body.

2) We’ll be meditating more. Everyone’s doing it. But meditation is not just sitting like a pretzel on a cushion in an ashram. It can be done walking, on the subway with an app, or while you mindfully wash the dishes. Meditation is grounding so that you can respond to the challenges of life instead of reacting. If you don’t find the type of meditation that works for you, don’t worry. There are about a million ways to meditate. Keep looking.

3) We’ll be embracing body positivity and Heath-at-Every-Size (HAES) more. These movements are growing on Instagram and other social media. Studies show that beating ourselves up doesn’t create change or health or personal growth. Make choices aligned with taking good care of yourself at any size and shape. Attractiveness, vitality, and health really do come from within.

4) We’ll be feeling our feelings more. This may sound strange, but we often use food (either over- or under-eating), drink, work, shopping, social media and other activities as a way to deal with (or not deal with) challenging feelings or thoughts. Eventually, it can just become habit. Gone is the shame of reaching out for greater mental health. In 2019, it’s going to be trendy to say, “I’m going to see my therapist.”

Reader Favorites: Top 5 Most Popular Recipes of 2018

As 2018 comes to a close, Gluten-Free Living is looking back at the year’s most popular recipes on our website. These five were what you were crazy about in the last 12 months! What was your personal favorite recipe from Gluten-Free Living this year?

1. Pumpkin Coffee Cake

With pumpkins booming in popularity, plenty of people were checking out this heavenly recipe. Finished off with a crunchy streusel topping, this easy-to-make coffee cake is perfect for pumpkin spice lovers. Get the recipe.

2. Gluten-Free Quinoa Summer Salad

For a different season than the first recipe, this gluten-free quinoa summer salad is easy to make and sure to be a crowd pleaser. With all the fresh, bright veggies and burst of color, it’s no wonder this recipe was a hit this year. Get the recipe.

3. Apple Cider Pulled Chicken

This hearty and delicious recipe can be prepared using an electric pressure cooker or a slow cooker. It’s ideal in any season and has incredible flavor. Get the recipe.

4. One Bowl Gluten-Free Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

This is the easiest carrot cake you’ll ever make. The cake bakes up dense, spicy and loaded with carrots. It’s perfect topped with the accompanying Cream Cheese Frosting recipe or, if you prefer, simply dusted with powdered sugar. Get the recipe.

5. Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken

Pulled chicken recipes were certainly popular this year! You don’t need to fire up the grill to enjoy the flavor of barbecued chicken. Just grab your slow cooker. This recipe works with either boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Get the recipe.

8 Recipes to Refresh Your Christmas Leftovers

Now that Christmas is over, many people are left with mounds of leftover food. While eating cold turkey sandwiches and re-heated mashed potatoes can be appetizing for a few days, there are plenty of recipes that can give your turkey, lamb, potatoes, creamed corn or Brussels sprouts a makeover and transform them into a new, appealing meal. Make sure none of your leftovers go to waste by incorporating them into one of these eight delicious recipes.

1. Day-After Turkey Bone Gumbo

The beauty of this dish is that it utilizes so much of that leftover turkey meat as well as giving you another use for the leftover carcass. It’s the perfect comforting dish to have the day after all the holiday madness and it transforms your turkey leftovers into something new and exciting. Get the recipe.

Sweet Holiday Snacks You’ve Got to Get Your Hands On

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event on December 20, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free world. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

1. Angie’s Boomchickapop holiday flavors

Angie’s Boomchickapop has some limited edition holiday flavors that are sweet and inventive snacks. They are made with cane sugar and sunflower oil and gluten-free certified and made with non-GMO popcorn. Hot Cocoa Marshmallow, Dark Chocolaty Drizzled Sea Salt, and White Chocolate & Peppermint make a wonderful addition to their staple popcorn flavors.

Check out the price on Amazon.

2. Raway Raw Vegan Chocolate Bars

This variety pack would make an excellent gift for the vegan chocolate lover in your life. The gourmet chocolate is manufactured out of 100 percent organic raw vegan ingredients that are free of chemicals, preservatives and artificial flavors, refined sugar, agave, dairy, gluten, soy and GMO’s. With plenty of flavors to try, a few favorites will certainly be found in the box.

Check out the price on Amazon.

3. Harvest Snaps Snack Crisps

Harvest Snaps’ new flavor, Southern Style Barbecue Black Bean Snack Crisps, is smoky and spicy and one of the best ways to eat black beans. They provide a savory crunch and their first ingredient is black beans. There are plenty of tantalizing flavors of these crisps, which are baked, certified gluten free and have no artificial colors or flavors.

Check out the price on Amazon.

4. American Heritage Chocolate

This gourmet hot cocoa has a hint of vanilla, orange and cinnamon, and in the first sip you’ll realize you’re not having any ordinary hot chocolate. It is Rainforest Alliance Certified and has no preservatives or artificial ingredients. The rich, flavorful chocolate can be served hot or chilled and is ideal to cozy up with this winter.

Check out the price on Amazon.

5. Emmy’s Organics Super Food Bites

These organic, vegan, gluten-free snack bites are intense and melt in your mouth. They have just a few ingredients and come in many flavors, including dark cacao, lemon ginger, chocolate chip, matcha, golden-milk, vanilla bean and peanut butter. These creamy coconut cookies are an energy boost that you can feel good about.

Check out the price on Amazon.

6. Little Secrets Dark Chocolate Pieces

These dark chocolate pieces are fair trade and contain no artificial colors or flavors and are nice to store in your desk at work or pantry for when you need a sweet treat. The chocolate is made with Premium Fair Trade Certified 55% Dark Chocolate Cocoa. Farmers receive a fair price, enabling them to and invest back in their communities. The chocolate pieces do not contain gluten, wheat, barley or rye, but they are not manufactured in a gluten-free facility.

Check out the price on Amazon.

7. Mary’s Gone Crackers

These crackers use ingredients that are certified organic and sustainably produced. They are kosher, gluten free, non-GMO and vegan. They’re crispy and have a pleasing texture and crunch, making them a go-to vessel for spreads, cheese and meat this holiday. They can be found at The Fresh Market.

Check out the price on Amazon.

8. The Preservatory Artisanal Preserves

These Figs & Walnut Wine preserves are red wine fortified with green walnut brandy and made in small batches. The merry, hearty preserves are a medley of appetizing flavors and an ideal spread for the season. This flavor is The Preservatory’s bestselling preserve because of its delicious and versatile combination and home grown ingredients. They can be found at The Fresh Market.

Check it out.

Click here for our roundup of gluten-free foods from the last Facebook Live the team did.

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Reader Favorites: Top 5 Most-Read Articles of 2018

As 2018 comes to a close, Gluten-Free Living is looking back at the year’s most-read stories and serving up the information you found most useful. What was your personal favorite from Gluten-Free Living this year?

1. The Basic Gluten-Free Diet

Getting the gluten-free diet right is easy when you know the ground rules. Follow these guidelines and you will be on your way to a happy, healthy gluten-free life. This supplies a quick look at what you can and can’t eat with a gluten-free lifestyle. Read the article.

2. Tips to Recover from Gluten Exposure

In 2018, people wanted to know how to get well fast after unintended gluten exposure. While no magic remedy can halt a reaction, you can take steps to speed up the healing process after accidental gluten exposure. Find out how to get relief.

3. Top 10 Ingredients You Really Don’t Need to Worry About

This article, originally published in 2016 and updated and medically reviewed at the end of 2018, details the leading ingredients that you can stop worrying about right now. Read the article.

4. Made-Without-Gluten Bread Now Available at Subway

Get the lowdown on Subway’s made-without-gluten bread. Read the article.

5. 6 Gluten-Free Meal Delivery Services

A growing number of companies are delivering fresh or frozen gluten-free meals directly to customers. Here’s a roundup of meal-delivery services with gluten-free options. Read the article.

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If I’m Gluten Free, Should My Dog Be, Too?

You’re fully committed to living the life: using gluten-free lip balm, asking restaurant servers to use a separate pot to boil your gluten-free pasta, scrupulously checking every ingredient list. But what about your best furry friend? If you are gluten-free, should your dog follow a similar diet and stick to gluten-free dog food?

It is possible, though uncommon, for dogs to have celiac disease (more on that later). But for humans who are very sensitive to gluten, pets that are loaded up with glutenous treats can pose a problem to their owners’ health.

According to PetMD, “Many pet owners choose to mimic their own food choices when choosing a food for their pet. With the increase in the number of people choosing to consume a grain free or gluten free diet, pet food manufacturers have recognized that similar pet diets are attractive to pet owners. The popularity of these diets has led to an increase in the number of grain free and gluten free diets available for pets.”

Exposure to Gluten From Dogs

Many people with celiac disease go to great lengths to remove traces of gluten from their home, without realizing pet food may be an irritant. Dogs are in close contact with us in bed, in the kitchen and in the car. If you feed your pet in the kitchen, your dog licks or kisses you or you are sensitive to airborne gluten, dog food with gluten could pose a problem.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Nancy Patin Falini advises, “Those who allow pets to roam freely on kitchen counters, tables, etc., may want to rethink this scenario and teach them to avoid these behaviors.”

She recommends practicing good hygiene and exercising caution when handling pet food with gluten or pets who have just eaten.

“It’s important to wash hands well, as well as nails (the food can lodge under nails) when handling gluten containing pet/animal foods,” Falini said. “It’s prudent to avoid inhaling any possible airborne food ‘dust’ that may be present. Using wet foods over dry may be a wiser option if available.”

For those with a young child with gluten sensitivity, gluten-free dog food may make even more sense. Toddlers might sample dog food from the bowl or kiss a pup on the mouth.

Nicole Sams, whose dog Pippi you may remember from our article on gluten-sniffing service dogs, said her dog is allergic to grains, but it’s safe for Pippi to sniff them out and detect whether they have gluten. Pippi enjoys a gluten-free diet just like Sams. “Salmon and sweet potato kibble is her favorite,” Sams said.

Kerri Caldwell, another dog owner with celiac disease, said she gives both her dogs a gluten-free diet.

“When I first started learning abut celiac disease, gluten-free foods and cross contamination, my dogs were the last thing on my list,” she said. “Which is dumb, because I’m in close contact with them almost 24/7. This journey has been a learning process!”

Everyone Reacts Differently

Though dog food with gluten can potentially be problematic, this is not always the case. Many people who are gluten free for health reasons feed their pets food with wheat and have no problems. If this is the case for you, don’t feel the need to change your dog’s diet. Buying gluten-free dog food can get expensive and is not needed in many cases.

It is not routine for nutritionists to recommend putting pets on a gluten-free diet, Falini said, but it is necessary to consider each person’s individual risks and sensitivity to contamination. However, if a person suffers from symptoms after switching to a gluten-free diet for yourself, one possible consideration is that pet food may be a contributor.

Ultimately, the diet owners feed their pets is a personal choice. No matter what pups eat, Falini recommends consistent hand washing, not preparing or serving dog food near gluten-free human food, keeping can openers clean and storing dog food separately from human food in the kitchen.

“Treat dog food and related supplies clean and separate as you would for a shared household of humans eating both gluten free and gluten,” Falini said.

Dog Foods That Are Gluten Free

Amazon offers an array of gluten-free dog food options that may be a good fit for you and your dog. These brands include Taste of the Wild, Rachael Ray Nutrish, Diamond Pet Foods, Blue Buffalo and Hill’s Ideal Balance.

Make sure to read the ingredients to check for components that may contain gluten, especially wheat and barley, “since regulations for animal food are lacking in this area,” Falini said.

What About Other Pets?

Falini said one of her patients wasn’t responding well to a gluten-free diet because of her fish food.

“She was feeding her goldfish with food containing wheat without washing her hands,” Falini said. “She would then run out the door, drinking her coffee while driving to work to play piano. This resulted in continued symptoms and elevated antibodies.”

Whether you have guinea pigs, fish, hedgehogs or cats, it is wise to consider gluten-free pet foods “unless meticulous housekeeping is maintained to prevent the potential for inadvertent ingestion when toddlers and young children share the home with pets,” Falini said. She pointed out that cat litter and other animal supplies can also be a source of gluten.

Celiac Disease in Dogs

True celiac disease is rare in dogs, with the exception of Irish Setters, which can have a congenital disease that causes gluten intolerance, and in some cases Samoyeds and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. However, even if a dog doesn’t have the true disease, gluten can be a problematic ingredient.

Dogs who are sensitive to glutenous grains may exhibit diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, repetitive chewing the feet, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, bumps, rashes, constant scratching and chronic ear infections, according to The Honest Kitchen. Additionally, they state that other health problems that could be related to grain sensitivity include arthritis, epilepsy, abnormal behavior, allergic and inflammatory reactions and increased susceptibility to infection.

These symptoms can be indicative of other issues outside of a grain intolerance, so check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet if you suspect they may have a sensitivity or allergy. Blood tests, saliva tests and an elimination diet can be ways of confirming why your dog is experiencing these symptoms.

5 Gluten-Free Cocktails to Mix Up for the Holidays

This holiday, impress your guests with a cocktail while keeping things gluten-free so you can celebrate as much as you want! Any of these cocktails can easily be made without alcohol for those who don’t drink it, but these fun holiday flavors will be a treat either way. Find recipes for sangria, an apple pie martini, a fiesta mule and more.

Toasting to the holidays never tasted so good.

Top 10 Gluten-Free Books for Kids

If you need a holiday gift for a young friend or just a book to help a child understand celiac disease, we’ve rounded up the top 10 gluten-free books for kids. Each of these books breaks down the disease in a way that is positive and easy to understand for young readers. Some have charming illustrations, others have kid-friendly recipes and still others are available on Kindle.

Check out these titles and consider picking some up for the bookworm in your life!

Your Essential 2018 Gluten-Free Holiday Directory

Welcome to your one stop shop for everything you need to have a magical gluten-free holiday. You’ll find our favorite holiday recipes in each category, must-have products and gift ideas, tips on staying healthy this season and more! It’s the best of Gluten-Free Living’s holiday material compiled in one place. Bookmark this page so you can find it quickly every time you have a question this holiday season.

Can a Gluten-Free Diet Help With Vitiligo?

Celiac disease and vitiligo, a skin disorder, are both linked to autoimmune diseases and a gluten-free diet could be beneficial in helping treat both.

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes skin to lose its natural color, causing patches of lighter skin to appear. The condition impacts about 1 percent of the world’s population, and 2 to 5 million people in the United States.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, vitiligo develops when melanocytes, the cells that give the skin and hair color, die. It is not fully known why the cells die, though non-segmental vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disease. Though vitiligo occasionally causes pain or itchiness on the skin, it typically does not have other symptoms. Several treatment options are available, including light therapy, topical medicine and sometimes surgery.

“We know that patients with autoimmune conditions are generally at higher risk of developing certain other autoimmune conditions, and a few small studies have found vitiligo patients to have a slightly higher risk of developing celiac disease compared to the normal population,” said Dr. Kristina Liu, director of the Vitiligo Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

According to Mercola, a gluten-free diet could cause vitiligo to improve.

“Wheat is one of the grains in many of the processed foods at your grocery store that interferes with a healthy complexion and contributes to psoriasis and eczema outbreaks. Proteins in wheat are responsible for inflammation and changes to your gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and cardiovascular system.”

Acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo may be exacerbated by gluten in the diet, particularly to those who are gluten intolerant. According to Mercola, in a case report, a 22-year-old patient was placed on a gluten-free diet after undergoing medical therapy for vitiligo without success. “Partial, but rapid repigmentation occurred in the first month and stabilized after four months of remaining gluten-free.”

Dr. Alessio Fasano, a world-renowned expert on celiac disease and gluten sensitivity at Mass General Hospital for Children and director of the Center for Celiac Research, said it is not common to see patients with celiac disease also affected by vitiligo. “However, as with other chronic inflammatory diseases, there have been descriptions of this co-morbidity of vitiligo with celiac disease,” Fasano said.

The component found in wheat has been linked to inflammation, which can trigger the immune system to become active and start attacking your melanocytes, this Mercola article explains.

Since vitiligo and celiac disease come from the same family of autoimmune disorders (there are 14 known genes associated with vitiligo, and 13 of them have been found to be a component in celiac disease too), avoiding gluten may be beneficial to treating both.

Fasano said medical experts don’t know for sure if consuming gluten exacerbates vitiligo symptoms. “There have been several anecdotal reports suggesting that cross-contamination with gluten can ignite both gastrointestinal symptoms and make vitiligo worse in people affected by both diseases,” he said.

Liu said a gluten-free diet is a “reasonable” option for those struggling with autoimmune conditions. “There has a few case reports of patients with vitiligo and celiac disease improving when they adhered to a strict gluten-free diet,” she said. “I think it’s reasonable for patients who have celiac disease, which was diagnosed by a physician, to adhere to a gluten-free diet, since this would be very beneficial for their celiac disease, and may be helpful with vitiligo if they also have this condition.”

Most medical experts agree that there has not been enough research done to determine whether a gluten-free diet can help with vitiligo. However, some small studies and anecdotal reports imply that it can help. Overall, in a patient with celiac, vitiligo or both, a healthy and balanced diet is essential.

“Just as in many other autoimmune diseases, it is intuitive that a nutritious, balanced diet that maintains the gut microbiome as a healthy ecosystem may mitigate the inflammatory process that characterizes this autoimmune process in vitiligo,” Fasano said.

10 Hot Gluten-Free Foods You’ll Want to Taste Test

During a Gluten-Free Living Facebook Live event last week, the GFL team gave their first impressions of hot new foods in the gluten-free world. Watch the video to hear their thoughts and check out the list of products mentioned and where to find them.

1. GrandyOats Granola

This crunchy, slightly sweet granola is a source of protein you can feel great about eating. It is made in small batches, certified gluten free, USDA certified organic, paleo, non-GMO verified, dairy free and kosher. It’s made in a solar-powered bakery in Maine!

Check out the price on Amazon.

2. Pamela’s Crispy Gluten Free Cookies

Pamela’s makes plenty of delicious gluten-free cookie flavors, but we are currently loving the ginger cookies. All of their ingredients are verified non-GMO, kosher and contain no hydrogenated oils or trans fats. They’re also made with organic cane sugar, butter and eggs. Keep an eye out for their delicious holiday flavors.

Check out the price on Amazon.

3. Perky Jerky

Perky Jerky provides the ideal road trip snack. The jerky comes in pork, turkey and beef varieties, with flavors like Mountain Maple, Pale Ale, and Jammin’ Jamaican. It’s a flavorful all-natural snack with a mouthwatering texture and packed with protein.Low-carb snack, 100% natural Wisconsin cheese. Bake cheeses until they are crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Check out the price on Amazon.

4. Just The Cheese

Just The Cheese provides a low-carb alternative to other crunchy, cheesy snacks. They aremade from 100 percent natural Wisconsin cheese and are baked until they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They come in bar and bite forms and are all rich in protein and calcium.

Check out the price on Amazon.

5. GAIA Herbs Calm ASAP

This vegan supplement can help reduce anxiousness and provide a natural calm during stressful times. It is made with passionflower, chamomile, holy basil, lavender essential oil and fresh organic skullcap from the Gaia Herbs farm.

Check out the price on Amazon.

6. Crazy Richard’s Almond Butter

This almond butter provides an alternative for those with peanut allergies. It is all-natural, non-GMO and vegan. There’s only one ingredient in this almond butter: dry roasted almonds. Crazy Richard’s is proof that sometimes, simple is best.

Check out the price on Amazon.

7. Pamela’s Whenever Bars

These on-the-go snacks are wheat free, gluten free, dairy free and have no artificial ingredients. What they do have is tons of whole grains and omega 3 fatty acids. They have a soft, chewy texture and are available in plenty of flavors.

Check out the price on Amazon.

8. Fairlife Smart Snacks

These Smart Snacks are a scrumptious afternoon pick-me-up that feature ultra-filtered milk in several all-natural flavors. The milk is nutrient-rich and ultra-filtered. They are lactose free and come in an easily transportable size and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Check out Fairlife products on Amazon.

9. Smart Flour Foods Snack Bites

These gluten-free snack bites provide a mini pizza explosion with every bite. They are available in Three Cheese, Uncured Pepperoni, and Pepperoni and Sausage Combo flavors. The snack bites are stuffed with hormone-free cheddar and mozzarella cheese and free of artificial colors and flavors and free of allergens including wheat, nuts, tree nuts and eggs.

Check out Smart Flour.

10. Redbyrd Workman Dry Cider

This cider is made with mixed heirloom, bittersweet, bittersharp and wild seedling apples. It’s bright and juicy, with notes of tropical fruit, orange peel and birch, with mouthwatering acidity and plentiful tannins. It is best paired with a soft cheese, cured meats and olives.

Check out Workman Dry.

If you want to send products to Gluten-Free Living for consideration in a future Facebook Live event, contact the editor at [email protected] for the address. Stay tuned on Gluten-Free Living social media for more live product tasting events.

Top 10: Gluten-Free Junk Foods

Let’s face it, many people on the gluten-free diet eat pretty healthy most of the time. Many are paleo, keto, dairy free, nut free or vegan in addition to eating gluten free.

But sometimes you just need to indulge in a bag of chips or a chocolate bar, whether to help you get through a long afternoon at work or to treat yourself during a movie. The last thing you want to do during those times is try to figure out if your favorite snack is gluten free or risk getting sick, which is why we rounded up a list of 10 popular, delicious junk food options that are gluten free.

Clothing Company Focuses on Positive Message for Those With Celiac Disease

With the holidays rapidly approaching, people who are trying to refrain from eating gluten can feel discouraged and start to focus on the things they can’t eat or participate in. Clothing company Celiac Cutie is working to change the conversation around celiac disease and focus on the positives and raising awareness in a way that brings smiles to people’s faces.

Meredith Miller, who lives in Orlando, Florida, founded the apparel company Celiac Cutie in spring 2017 after being diagnosed with celiac disease.

“I was looking for a connection to my new community,” Meredith said. She found it in creating funny, fashion-forward graphic T-shirts with upbeat messages about her disease. As soon as she started modeling the shirts in public, strangers began stopping her on the street and asking how they could get their hands on the shirts.

“I realized what a powerful tool it could be,” Meredith said. “People see the shirt and they laugh, and then it opens up a conversation and raises awareness.”

The most popular shirt? “Dear gluten, we are never ever getting back together.” Other lighthearted shirts say “My body is a rebel force,” “Food allergies: because I like to live dangerously” and “When life gives you a cookie, run!” Holiday-themed shirts are also available, with messages like “Gluten is on my naughty list” and “Dreaming of a gluten-free Christmas.”

The clothes incorporate messages that focus on strength, a constant theme Meredith said she hears as others with celiac disease share their stories.

“You are stronger, whether you deal with the challenges yourself or you make up the support team. Stronger then those around you will ever know and stronger than maybe you even give yourself credit for.”

The overwhelming positive response to Celiac Cutie has inspired Meredith. She brings her merchandise to expos and sells the line on Amazon and her website and said many people feel compelled to share their story with her.

“Every single person has a story,” she said. “When you look at someone, you aren’t seeing who they really are.”

The clothing line promotes conversation and helps people struggling with celiac disease feel less isolated. Meredith said kids love the shirts too, as it gives them a reason to be proud of who they are.

“We’re always about celebrating your strength,” Meredith said.

Her current favorite T-shirt shares this message: “You are stronger than you know,” it reads. Celiac Cutie’s mission is to celebrate the journey people are on and to create a community that celebrates and shares their message with humor and fun products.

Celiac Cutie is rapidly growing, adding new designs throughout the year, lines of aprons and hats, and an athletic line currently in the works. Meredith is also designing a line of shirts made for those who support people with the disease. A portion of all proceeds from Celiac Cutie merchandise go to the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. Meredith said she believes it is crucial to support doctor education, early diagnosis and research.

“We’re a company that’s on a mission,” she said. “We’re giving money back and we’re doing it with intention.”

Gluten-Free Living readers can get 30 percent off Celiac Cutie products with the code GFLIVING from now through January 1. Check out the items and add them to your holiday wish list or gift them to a friend. Click here to shop Celiac Cutie products.

10 Choice Treats to Savor on National Cookie Day

Last week was National Cake Day and today it’s National Cookie Day— there’s always a reason to celebrate and indulge! As you gear up for the holidays, cookies are probably already on your mind, so December 4 is an ideal time to test drive your holiday sweets. We’ve rounded up 10 toothsome cookie recipes that are crowd favorites and can be shared with friends, given as a gift, dipped in milk— you name it.

Before you get started, check out our 7 Tips for Baking Gluten-Free Cookies for a refresher on the basics of assembling your ingredients and baking a divine delicacy. You can also check out our roundup of superb gluten-free baking products. Then, all there’s left to do is try to decide which cookies you’ll try! In this list, you’ll find White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies, Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies and a keto cookie recipe.

If you need even more recipe inspiration after this batch, head to our Gluten-free Dessert Recipes page for tons of options to sate your sweet tooth.

1. Grain-Free Rolled “Sugar” Cookies

These sensational Grain-Free Rolled “Sugar” Cookies are a perfect treat for anyone craving something sweet. They can be topped with the accompanying Royal Icing for an unbeatable dessert. Have fun with decorating the cookies to fit any occasion! Cookie Monster approved.

2. Savory Butter Shortbread Freezer Cookies

It’s easy to prepare these simple yet scrumptious shortbread cookies ahead of time for a party or to have on hand for when guests drop in. The dough can be frozen for up to three weeks. They make a lovely teatime snack. Savor the flavor.

3. Keto Cookie

If you’re on a keto diet but still want to celebrate National Cookie Day, these are the ones for you. A blender is used for the entire process to keep preparing them super simple. They are savory, sweet and crispy. Diet away.

4. Four-Ingredient Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

These quick gluten-free peanut butter cookies require only four ingredients and are so easy to make that you can stir the dough together while the oven preheats. If you’re not in the mood to shop for ingredients or spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this cookie is calling your name. Four? Score!

5. Chocolate Snowflake Cookies

Impress and delight your friends, family and co-workers with these festive gluten-free Chocolate Snowflake Cookies. They look lovely on a plate and are certain to satisfy the chocoholic in your life. Snow way.

6. Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

For snack time or dessert, sate your sweet tooth with Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, which are gluten, dairy, soy and refined sugar free. They are packed with flavor and spicy sweetness! Stay on gourd.

7. Sunbutter Cookies

Nut allergy? No problem. This recipe uses Sunbutter is a great alternative to the classic peanut butter cookie. Adults and kids love these cookies and they are delicious as ice cream sandwiches with vanilla ice cream. Sun for all.

8. Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookie Dough Cupcakes

If you’re more of a cupcake lover, incorporate a cookie twist into your baked good of choice. These cupcakes have a chocolate chip cookie inside them, so you get the best of both worlds! Rock out the dough.

9. Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies

These gluten-free thumbprint cookies, a holiday staple for many, are also vegan, dairy free and soy free, making them perfect for a family with more than one dietary restriction. Allergens away.

10. White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies

These festive gluten-free white chocolate chip peppermint cookies are dairy, nut and soy free, but chock-full of the good stuff. Stripy sweet.

Gluten-Sniffing Dogs Can Be a Best Friend in Uncertain Situations

What do you get when man’s best friend meets a celiac’s worst enemy? A gluten-sniffing dog! For people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, service dogs that detect gluten can offer peace of mind and allow greater ease in traveling, eating out and going about daily life. This can spare the dog owners pain and hospital bills as they navigate the world of gluten-free living.

Allergen detecting dogs are growing in popularity and are “the most accurate and practical form of scent detection readily available,” according to Allergen Detection Service Dogs (ADSS). Though the dogs are not infallible, ADSS says they are the best resource available. A trained allergen detection dog can accurately search an environment and alert to the presence of the odor of gluten.

The dog nose knows

Since dogs’ sense of smell is anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times as acute as our sense of smell, a well-trained dog can be a valuable asset for those with allergies. Dogs have 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only six million in humans. A PBS feature on dogs’ astonishingly sharp sense of smell put it this way:

“Dogs can detect some odors in parts per trillion. What does that mean in terms we might understand? Well, in her book Inside of a Dog, Alexandra Horowitz, a dog-cognition researcher at Barnard College, writes that while we might notice if our coffee has had a teaspoon of sugar added to it, a dog could detect a teaspoon of sugar in a million gallons of water, or two Olympic-sized pools worth. Another dog scientist likened their ability to catching a whiff of one rotten apple in two million barrels.”

What is a service dog?

Service dogs already help people who are blind, deaf, have mental illnesses, diabetes, epilepsy and many other conditions. Service animals are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities…The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.” U.S. Federal law allows certified service dogs, including gluten-sniffing dogs, to go anywhere the general public is allowed to go, including restaurants, movie theaters, stores, hotels and most schools.

Training two pups to be celiac allies

Kerri Caldwell, who lives in Virginia Beach, is lucky enough to have two dogs currently being trained to detect celiac disease. Elliot and Maggie, the former three months old and the latter 11 years old, both receive training from Kerri and trainers at Compass Key Service Dog Training.

Kerri was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2015 after having severe symptoms for two years. Her condition was so bad that Kerri was unable to work, as she is extremely sensitive to gluten and had violent skin and intestinal reactions. After Kerri was diagnosed with celiac, she learned about gluten-sniffing dogs and, after a year of research, brought her lab, Maggie, to Compass Key Service Dog Training to learn the scent detection techniques. Trainers at Compass Key come to Kerri’s house twice a week for lessons and she works with Maggie at home every day. After one year of training, “I trust her completely,” Kerri said.

Kerri with her service dogs in training, Maggie and Elliot.

When Maggie detects gluten in a product she is sniffing, she is trained to take a few steps back. If she doesn’t smell gluten in the item, she will sit down, signaling to Kerri that the food is okay to eat.

“When we’re at home, she always wants to check my food no matter what, even when I know it’s fine,” Kerri said.

Recently, Kerri rescued a new dog named Elliot. Elliot started training right away and Kerri said she expects the puppy to learn quickly, especially since Kerri knows what to expect and teach him after her year of experience training Maggie. She is training Elliot to spin in a circle when he detects gluten in a food item.

“For people who are really, really sensitive to gluten, there’s no doubt a service dog would help,” Kerri said. “It would also be good for people who travel a lot.”

For Kerri, who was constantly thinking about gluten and whether cross-contamination or even gluten on a surface, like a public telephone, would make her ill, Maggie and Elliot have given her peace of mind and increased quality of life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJp8GihaBw/

An owner-trained allergen detection dog

Nicole Sams’ service dog Pippi has helped her detect gluten for more than a year. Nicole rescued three-year-old Pippi, a pit bull mix, after she was diagnosed with celiac disease. She trained Pippi to detect gluten herself by purchasing pure wheat gluten and teaching her dog to recognize it. Later in their training, Pippi was able to smell packaged products in a grocery store and determine whether they contained gluten. When she detects gluten, Pippi gives Nicole her paw, and when she doesn’t, she sits.

“She’s about 90 percent accurate,” Nicole said. Nicole added that Pippi has helped her at restaurants when menu items claimed to be gluten free but were really cross-contaminated. Since Pippi is a certified service dog, Nicole is able to take her everywhere she goes. She shares photos and videos of Pippi on Instagram @thestudydog.

The investment

Training a service dog can be expensive, depending on the program and trainers used. It can cost between $10,000 and $20,000, and training must be maintained throughout a dog’s life. However, a Healthcare Reimbursement Account or other Healthcare Spending Account can usually be used to cover the cost of a service animal, including an allergen detecting dog. The cost of buying, training and maintaining a service dog is also tax deductible.

According to ADSS, the Veterans Administration may be able to reimburse veterinary cost for the service dogs of veterans and many veterinary offices will discount the cost of their services for service dogs.

Is a celiac service dog for you?

So at the end of the day, is a gluten-sniffing dog a good option for you? If you travel often, have severe celiac symptoms and have the time and money to invest in training, an allergen detection dog can be a great asset and friend. If you want to train the dog you already have, like Kerri did with Maggie, Kerri recommends starting with a foundation of obedience training and scent work.

An article on the Nima Gluten Sensor website suggests that allergen-detection dogs can benefit many people: “individuals with Celiac disease, those with severe reactions to allergens, gluten-free teenagers who want more independence, and families that are eager to be more involved in their community.”

7 Delectable Recipes to Celebrate National Cake Day

November 26 is National Cake Day, arguably one of the best holidays of all time. One of the most wonderful things about cake is the many varieties you can choose from, so here are seven gluten-free cake recipes that will tempt you and make you cave in to eating cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Before you dive in, check out our Keys to Baking Lucious Gluten-Free Cakes for a refresher on the basics of whipping up an amazing, gluten-free confection. Then, all there’s left to do is try to decide which cakes you’ll try! In this list, you’ll find a Lemon Lime Greek Yogurt Cheesecake, a One-Bowl Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake and lots more.

If you need even more recipe inspiration, head to our Gluten-free Dessert Recipes page for tons of options to sate your sweet tooth.

5 Recipes That Give Thanksgiving Leftovers a New Lease on Life

Now that Thanksgiving is over, many people are left with mounds of leftover food. While eating cold turkey sandwiches and re-heated mashed potatoes can be delicious for a few days, there are plenty of recipes that can give your turkey, potatoes, creamed corn or butternut squash a makeover and transform them into a new meal.

Make sure none of your leftovers go to waste by incorporating them into one of these five delicious recipes. Click through the article to find a pumpkin turkey chili, quinoa potato poppers, butternut squash mac and cheese and more!

4 Indulgent Gluten-Free, Vegan Desserts

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These delightful vegan treats come from Heather Saffer’s cookbook, Crazy Easy Vegan Desserts. She provides alternatives to buttermilk, eggs, milk, four and butter that won’t make you cringe or wait hours to prepare ingredients. This list has some of our favorites from the cookbook, including beautiful donuts, a spiked root beer float and strawberry shortcake cups. These easy-to-make desserts will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth, from your vegan holiday party guests to your finicky kids.

1. Rum Root Beer Float

This dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and can be easily adapted for kids by omitting the alcohol. You only need a few ingredients to make this nostalgic beverage! Float your boat>>

One-third of Restaurant “Gluten-Free” Menu Items Actually Contain Gluten, Study Shows

Almost one-third of restaurant dishes labeled “gluten-free” contain detectable amounts of gluten, a new study found. The study from the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center was performed by crowdsourcing data from more than 800 restaurant patrons using a handheld gluten-testing device and assessing 4,723 menu items. Of the items tested, 32 percent had gluten quantities exceeding the Food & Drug Administration’s standard for what can be labeled “gluten free.”

Though the study results are still considered preliminary, the number of “gluten-free” dishes that contained gluten is concerning for those adhering to a gluten-free diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates packaged items sold in grocery stores that are billed as gluten free, but state and local governments are tasked with overseeing restaurants. According to its website, the FDA “continues to work with state and local government partners with respect to gluten-free labeling in restaurants” and that restaurants “should” be consistent with the FDA’s guidelines. However, standards may not be as clear or carefully regulated, depending on local government.

The study used portable Nima gluten sensors, which use antibody-based chemistry to test samples of food for the proteins found in gluten. A small amount of food is placed in one of the disposable test capsules, then inserted into the center. After a few minutes, the handheld device displays the result.

The handy device painted a troubling picture of restaurants around America that serve “gluten-free” dishes that could still trigger an immune-system reaction in people with celiac. Some restaurants are more attentive to the details of preparing a safe gluten-free meal than others, even though millions of people in the U.S. follow a gluten-free diet. For those who are gluten free and dining out, keep in mind that some restaurants do have certification or training through a celiac support group. These restaurants take care to use gluten-free ingredients and implement processes to prevent cross-contamination.

You can find lists of dedicated gluten-free restaurants and bakeries across the U.S. If you notice a favorite spot of yours missing, let us know via our Facebook or Twitter accounts.

For practical tips on dining out, read Eating Out Gluten Free.

Gluten-Free Baseball Food: Hot dogs, beers and snacks for the World Series

The World Series is in full swing (pun intended), and whether you’re a Dodgers diehard, rooting for the Red Sox or just along for the peanuts and Cracker Jack, there’s no denying baseball is as American as apple pie (for a scrumptious gluten-free version of that, click here). And to help you have a classic good time, we’ve got plenty of safe gluten-free baseball food options for you to check out.

Hot dogs

The traditional hot dogs and beer can pose a challenge for those following a gluten-free diet, so here are some suggestions for enjoying the game without feeling like you’re missing out on the classic tastes and smells of the old ballgame.

7 gluten-free hot dog brands

Applegate Farms’ beef, chicken, turkey and pork varieties
Bar-S (note that its corndogs are not gluten free)
Boar’s Head
Dietz & Watson (certified gluten free by the National Celiac Association)
Nathan’s Famous hot dogs (they are also produced in a gluten-free facility)
Sabrett hot dogs (certified gluten free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization)
Kunzler’s

Don’t forget the bun! Show off and make your own with these tips from our resident baking expert or pick up a package of your favorite gluten-free hot dog buns before you fire up the grill.

Beer

Of course, you’ll also need a frosty beverage to wash down your dog (or something to turn to should your team fall behind). Gluten-free beer is increasingly available, so you have quite a few American gluten-free beers to choose from. Check out our gluten-free beer roundup for taste, availability and even food pairing information for more than 65 brews.

Snacks

If you’re taking in the games with younger fans, score big with traditional kid-friendly—and gluten-free—baseball snacks, including sunflower seeds, peanuts, popcorn (I love Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop!) and these pigs in a blanket.

Now you’re ready to savor the final weekend of the 2018 baseball season!

If you’re also a fan of the pigskin, download our FREE 10-page recipe book filled with delicious gluten-free recipes for game day!

What is gluten?

Gluten-Free Living: Can you tell us about yourself and Colored in Flour?

GFL: When did you go gluten free and why did you start?

GFL: What are (or were) some of the challenges of the gluten-free diet for you?

GFL: What are your tips to gluten-free bakers?

What is gluten?

What are your tips for eating healthy on the go?

How do you manage a budget while buying gluten-free and healthy food?

What do you keep in your kitchen to make quick food prep a breeze?

How can I help my busy kids eat healthy?

Brands that make gluten-free beer

Is gluten-removed beer safe?

What are some gluten-free beer alternatives?

Gluten-free cocktail recipes

What is gluten?

1. Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer

2. Loyal Nine Cocktails

3. Yomi Bites

4. Claffey’s Frozen Cocktails

5. Cutwater Spirits Canned Cocktails

6. GeeFree Appetizers

7. Glutenberg Beer

8. Good Karma Foods Plant-Based Dips

Potato chips

French fries

Potato starch

Gluten-free dishes with potatoes

Gluten-free salad dressings

Make your own salad dressing

Gluten-free salad toppings

Grate Parmesan

Get dressed up

Sprinkled with love

Get your crouton on

What about when I go out to eat?

What is gluten?

Tamari

Coconut aminos

What can I cook with coconut aminos and tamari?

What is gluten?

Are marshmallows vegan?

Can I make my own marshmallows?

What recipes incorporate marshmallows?

What is gluten?

1. 30-Minute Chocolate Donuts (Vegan + GF)

2. Gluten-Free Vanilla Birthday Cake Donuts

3. Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts

4. Gluten-Free Doughnuts (Krispy Kreme Copycat)

5. Gluten-Free Baked Chocolate Donuts

1. CLIO yogurt bars

2. Mountain House Simple Sensations

3. Happy Family Organics snacks

4. SMASHMALLOW

5. Schar product selection

6. Rowdy Bar

7. Wandering Bear Coffee

8. Bare Snacks Fruit Chips

9. Dona Spice Sodas

10. PECKISH Boiled Eggs

1. Gluten-Free Death By Chocolate Cheesecake

2. Gluten Free No-Bake Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

3. Classic Gluten Free Cheesecake | Oven or Instant Pot

4. Gluten-Free Mini Cheesecakes

5. Strawberry Cheesecake