Gluten Free Doll

5 Must-Try Gluten-Free Summer Recipes That Everyone Will Love

2025-07-28T21:06:00.002-03:00

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant meals that keep your gluten-free lifestyle delicious and easy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for light, refreshing dishes, these five gluten-free recipes are sure to become your new favorites!

1. Fresh Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
4 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Gluten-free BBQ sauce (to taste)
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, toss salad greens, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, and cilantro.
Add shredded chicken and drizzle with BBQ sauce and lime juice.
Toss gently to combine and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.

2. No-Bake Gluten-Free Berry Cheesecake Jars

Ingredients:

1 cup gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp melted butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions:

Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of small jars or cups.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
Layer the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the jars.
Top with fresh berries.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

3. Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Ingredients:

3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade, ensure gluten-free)
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Spiralize zucchinis into noodles and place in a large bowl.
Toss zucchini noodles with pesto until well coated.
Add cherry tomatoes and pine nuts.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately or chill for a cold summer dish.

4. Grilled Gluten-Free Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced thick
1 red onion, quartered
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 min)

Instructions:

Thread vegetables onto skewers alternating colors and types.
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Grill on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until veggies are tender.
Serve hot.

5. Gluten-Free Frozen Fruit Popsicles

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, mango, etc.)
1 cup 100% fruit juice (apple, grape, or orange)
Honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

Blend fruit and juice until slightly chunky.
Add sweetener if desired.
Pour mixture into popsicle molds.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Run molds under warm water to release popsicles before serving.

Final Tips for Safe Gluten-Free Summer Eating

Always check labels to confirm gluten-free status, especially for sauces and pesto.
Clean your grill or cooking surfaces well to avoid cross-contamination.
Have fun experimenting with fresh herbs and seasonal produce to keep meals exciting!

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Products Online in Canada: Your Go-To Guide

2025-07-26T22:34:00.002-03:00

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Products Online in Canada: Your Go-To Guide

Shopping for gluten-free products in Canada has never been easier—if you know where to look! Whether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease or managing gluten sensitivity, finding safe, trustworthy gluten-free options is essential.

Here’s a list of reliable Canadian online retailers where you can shop gluten-free with confidence—complete with direct links to start browsing.

🍞 1. Natura Market

Natura Market is a top pick for Canadians seeking gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, and allergen-friendly foods. They carry brands that are often hard to find in-store, such as Simple Mills, Jovial, and Hu Kitchen.

✅ Free shipping over minimum order
✅ Easy-to-use filters for dietary preferences

🥣 2. Well.ca

Well.ca offers a wide range of gluten-free groceries, snacks, and pantry essentials. They carry trusted brands like Enjoy Life, Bob’s Red Mill, and MadeGood.

🚚 Fast shipping across Canada
🔍 Filters make it easy to find celiac-safe items

🛒 3. Goodness Me!

This Canadian health food store has an excellent online gluten-free selection. From bread and baking mixes to frozen meals and snacks, they’ve got it covered.

💡 Tip: Use the “gluten-free” search filter
🍁 Proudly Canadian-owned and operated

🍪 4. The Low Carb Grocery

Despite the name, this store carries many gluten-free options! From flour alternatives and noodles to protein bars and snacks, they’re great for gluten-free, keto, or paleo diets.

🛍️ Great for bundling items and saving on shipping

🧁 5. Amazon Canada

Amazon Canada has a huge variety of gluten-free products, often with Prime shipping. It’s convenient and often offers bulk buying options.

📦 Always double-check reviews and product labels

🍬 6. Healthy Planet

Healthy Planet offers gluten-free groceries, vitamins, and wellness products. They also carry local Canadian brands and natural body care items.

🌱 Filters make it easy to shop allergen-free

🧺 7. Bulk Barn

While not a dedicated gluten-free retailer, Bulk Barn offers a growing selection of gluten-free pre-packaged products. Some locations support online shopping and pickup or delivery.

⚠️ Best for sealed, certified gluten-free items due to cross-contamination risk

🧾 Final Thoughts

When shopping online for gluten-free foods in Canada, always double-check product labels and look for certified gluten-free symbols—especially if you have celiac disease.

Bookmark these Canadian retailers to make gluten-free living easier, safer, and more convenient. And if you know a great Canadian gluten-free online shop that’s not on this list, drop a comment—I’d love to check it out!

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Safe Gluten-Free Products for Celiacs in Canada: What You Can Trust

2025-07-21T15:46:00.006-03:00

Living with celiac disease in Canada can feel like a full-time detective job. Just because something says "gluten-free" doesn’t mean it’s safe. So let’s break down what’s actually safe for celiacs — no fluff, just facts.

✅ Certified Gluten-Free vs “Gluten-Free” Labels

In Canada, certified gluten-free means the product has been tested and meets strict standards — usually under 20ppm of gluten. Look for certifications from:

Canadian Celiac Association (CCA)
Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP)

“Gluten-free” without certification? It might be okay, but always double-check ingredients and manufacturing practices.

🚫 Products That May Look Safe But Aren’t:

Oats – Must be purity protocol. Regular oats are often cross-contaminated.
Spices and Seasonings – Make sure wheat is not listed and there is no "may contain" statement.
Vegan/Plant-Based Foods – Watch for wheat-based seitan or hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Imported “gluten-free” products – Different labeling laws apply. Trust Canadian or U.S. brands you know.

Canadian Brands Celiacs Trust:

Enjoy Life – Top 9 allergen-free and certified GF.
MadeGood – School-safe, organic, certified GF.
Glutino / Udi’s – Widely available and certified.
Kinnikinnick – Based in Alberta, 100% gluten-free facility.
All But Gluten – Certified, but check for any changes in branding or ingredients.

💡 Pro Tip:

Use the Canadian Celiac Association Gluten-Free Certification directory to double-check brands and products. And always trust your gut — literally.

Bottom line? If it’s not certified, labeled clearly, and made in a dedicated GF facility, it’s a “maybe.” For celiacs, “maybe” isn’t good enough.

Celiac Guide: What to Watch For and Red Flags to Run From

2018-03-28T15:23:00.007-03:00

When I think of the sea of information surrounding Celiac disease, I'm reminded of how I learned the ins and outs of managing it. Lucky for me, I was diagnosed long before gluten-free had become romanticised by celebrities and diet junkies. It made things easier I think because the information circulating about gluten-free was pure and foreign to most people. Gluten-free was just that; no gray area and no jokes.

With all of the information out there today, it can be difficult to weed out fact from fiction. The internet is a continuously growing source of unmoderated information and strong opinion. While different points of view can be a good thing, they aren't when it comes to managing Celiac. Scientific facts from medical professionals trump personal opinions on the internet (looking at you Facebook Groups, Twitter, and Instagram) one hundred percent!

So Who Do We Trust?!

What to look for

Bloggers who actively campaign for Celiac awareness without policing the nutritional choices of others. Celiac aside, we all have different dietary needs, requirements, and lifestyles. It's important to find bloggers you can relate to. For example, if you are gluten-free AND dairy free, you would naturally gravitate toward someone who shares that lifestyle.

Look for support groups which are low on animosity and focus on the positives. While we all need to vent once in a while, it can be emotionally draining to be constantly surrounded by negativity. It's not hard to find a silver lining when everyone you connect with is searching for it too. Support networks big or small, are important to successfully manage Celiac.

Advocacy groups which are funded by member and/or Government donations. When there is no sponsorship, there is zero potential for conflict of interest. They are also more likely to involve members in every aspect of the organization, making it 100% accountable. Advocacy is a vital lifeline to everyone with Celiac. This is why we need to make sure we're supporting groups which are serious about making a difference.

Facts based on valid scientific research. Celiac is not governed by personal opinion. Period. To avoid clickbait and plain old wrong information, ask yourself:

Is this a trustworthy information source?
Can the facts be verified?
Is there an ulterior motive?
What makes this source reliable?
Where did the information originate?
Is it up to date?

We live in an era where information travels at lightspeed and just because it's out there, doesn't mean it's accurate.

Red flags

Anyone who promotes Cheerios as a suitable option for those with Celiac. See more on why that is a no-no here. This is a hot topic still and I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around why. The main problem here is cross-contamination and lack of transparency about the gluten-removal process from General Mills.

Stay far away from anyone promoting gluten-removed beer as a Celiac safe. It's not. Here's why: current technology is not reliable as it can't accurately measure the amount gluten in beer. It doesn't matter if it has been treated with enzymes or your Aunt Betty said she drinks it and is fine. Bartenders are not medical professionals and should not be relied upon for accurate information on the gluten-freeness of a drink. Beer made with malt a.k.a gluten-removed beer is not safe for any Celiac, nor is Corona for that matter.

Watch out for anyone who neglects to disclose sponsored material. This has been an ongoing problem on the interwebs for some time. It's sketchy, in poor taste and lacks authenticity.

Stay away from people who want to sell you essential oils, tonics and cleanses. None of this will "heal" you and most of them tend to be MLM situations. Don't get caught up in it and you won't be sorry.

Avoid anyone who tells you that they know a "cure". Although therapies are actively being trialed and researched, there is nothing to date which will allow you to safely consume gluten. There is zero proof that anything currently on store shelves will help with cross contamination or accidental glutening. ZERO. Side note - those pills in health stores that "aid in the digestion of gluten" are not regulated by the FDA and not even meant for people with Celiac.

Advocacy groups and Expos that are sponsored by companies that are not Celiac safe. This is a major conflict of interest. How can we be sure that money hasn't bought a favorable opinion here? Safety first!

Be wary of anyone who relies strictly on the Nima Sensor. The Canadian Celiac Association recently released a statement cautioning anyone with Celiac or gluten sensitivity against using the device. While Nima could potentially be a helpful tool, it's not flawless and the opportunity for error is simply too risky.

Research and Support You Can Count On

Gluten-Free Certification

D-LUXE Burger Review: Gourmet Burgers at Disney Springs

2017-10-05T12:45:00.004-03:00

Owned and operated by Disney, you can find D-LUXE Burger in Disney Springs. Though you may want to grab a map to help locate it. The complex is large and can easily require a full day to tour. Side tip - go early in the morning and avoid the evenings if you're not one for crowds.

Formerly known as Downtown Disney, the entertainment destination has transformed into a not-to-be-missed dining and shopping mecca.

Order Area

D-LUXE Burger is a Quick Service restaurant and currently participates in the Disney Dining Plan program. Keep in mind that participating restaurants are updated and sometimes changed out yearly. The vibe inside the restaurant is pretty chill and laid back. It's actually bigger than it looks on the outside as well.

Gluten-Free Options

As we were on the dining plan, I was able to get the regular fries as a snack credit. If you are paying out of pocket, the regular fries will set you back about $4.99 and the large, about $7.49.

The fries are gluten-free, hand-cut, and fried in a dedicated fryer. I would say they are similar in texture to the ones you would find at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries.

I could not get enough of them. Seriously, the fries alone are worth the trip to Disney Springs! Even though they were a "snack" portion, the size was enough to fill me up.

The fries come with your choice of SIX complimentary dipping sauces...and they're all gluten-free! I tried all of them and WOW are they ever good!

Chipotle mayo
Curry ketchup
3 mustard honey
Garlic ranch
Buffalo blue cheese
Horseradish sauce

Although I haven't tried it, you can also order a gluten-free burger with either a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap. This is definitely on my list for next time though!

Things can get a little messy so, you will no doubt appreciate the paper towel rolls located on each table. I also loved that no rush atmosphere. We really took our time, enjoyed the food and just soaked up the vibe.

Have you visited D-LUXE Burger? Share your thoughts below!

Le Marché Émilie: Review

2017-08-24T00:07:00.003-03:00

Le Marché Émilie - Gluten-Free Hidden Gem in Quebec

While vacationing in Quebec, I found what I consider to be a hidden gem — Le Marché Émilie — and it will pleasantly surprise you. The store itself is a beautiful old post office building which has been converted into a colorful and vibrant gluten-free café and grocery shop. It is located in Pointe-Claire and within walking distance of the breathtaking St. Lawrence River.

Le Marché Émilie

What's So Special?

The entire store is 100% gluten-free! That's right — grocery staples, desserts, and hot food, all gluten-free. It's not often a Celiac finds a "safe" place to eat, let alone one that is completely dedicated to gluten-free. They serve freshly made pizza and have a pretty magical ice cream bar. On top of that, the store also sells both frozen and shelf-stable gluten-free groceries.

Eating Area

Right away I was in awe of the shop’s color palette. It gives off a really fun vibe. Although not large in size, the layout makes for a spacious and enjoyable atmosphere. Everything about Le Marché Émilie is absolutely darling — including the people who work there. I was greeted the moment I walked in with a friendly "Bonjour!" If you're not versed in French, don't worry — Pointe-Claire is a pretty bilingual area and the staff at Le Marché Émilie speak fluent English. Most of the signage is also in both English and French.

Groceries

We looked around the shop and discovered lots of products which are not available in Ontario. So much so that I will dedicate a future post to it. Since we visited Le Marché Émilie on our way back to Ontario, I decided to do a little souvenir grocery shopping in the freezer section. My husband was able to purchase a bag of ice at the convenience store across the road so I took a chance and bought about a hundred dollars worth of frozen food. I'm happy to say that all of the frozen food held up during our 6-hour drive home!

Just Look at That Pizza

Pizza

I ordered the personal size marinara pizza with 3 toppings. It cost me around eight dollars or so. The pizza base is focaccia, which was light, pillowy, and filling. Portion size was generous and, in my opinion, very worth it. Something else to note is that the pizza is dairy free on top of being gluten-free. Normally I can spot dairy free cheese a mile away, but not the case here. The cheese was soft and velvety.

We Need to Talk About the Sundaes

Ice Cream Menu

There are several varieties to choose from and they range from basic to extreme. I ordered the "Kid In A Candy Shop" sundae. It's vanilla ice cream coated in milk chocolate, M&M's, sprinkles, strawberry sauce, and topped off with cotton candy. All for $5.95 plus tax. There is so much going on in this dessert and it all works perfectly together! I had no idea ice cream and cotton candy could make such an enticing combination. Much like the pizza, the serving size is ample and you won't be disappointed.

Kid In A Candy Shop Sundae

Final Thoughts

I absolutely adored Le Marché Émilie and plan to stop by during future Quebec trips. It's the type of place I could see myself visiting on the regular had I lived closer. Cost-wise, I was happy. They charge a fair price and don't gouge the way some places do.

If you will be visiting Quebec, please stop by and give them some well-deserved love! The Celiac community needs more dedicated gluten-free shops like Le Marché Émilie.

What Every Celiac Wants You to Know About Managing Celiac Disease

2017-06-11T00:20:00.007-03:00

What Every Celiac Wants You To Know

Celiac is a permanent lifestyle change. A change that is difficult, expensive and involves more than just avoiding bread. For someone with Celiac, indulging in gluten containing food is never okay. Ever. Below, I touch on things every Celiac wants their friends, family and co-workers to know.

So What Exactly Is Celiac?

Celiac isn't an allergy, intolerance or preference. It's an autoimmune digestive disorder which causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Contrary to most people's understanding, this is not a new disease. In fact, Celiac was first discovered by the Greek physician, Aretaeus of Cappadocia who lived in the first century A.D. He wrote about "The Coeliac Affection" and named it koliakos which is derived from the Greek word koelia, meaning abdomen.

Celiac is a serious autoimmune condition where the body ultimately views gluten as the enemy. Thus creating a hostile reaction to it. Following a strict gluten-free diet isn't glamorous and it requires extra work to ensure that it's also healthy.

Common Overlooked Dangers

Taking precautions to prevent cross contamination (both home and away) is a necessary effort. Though it may seem exuberant, it's important to ensure some kitchen items are deemed Celiac only. Examples include:

Toaster
Cutting board
Colander
Condiments

It's also important to be mindful of food courts, break rooms and other eating areas away from home. The tables may not always be sanitized before you sit down and can harbor crumbs from previous diners.

Reading food labels can be tricky. Take your time and learn the various terms for gluten and become versed in proper label reading. The Canadian Celiac Association provides a great resource for label reading.

Myths, Lies, And Misunderstandings

Celiac is a lifelong condition as currently there is NO CURE. That means adhering to a 100% gluten-free diet is essential. Contrary to what some companies may try to slyly sway you into believing, no pill or ritual out there will allow you to safely ingest gluten. Period.

Though it seems to still be happening, starting a gluten-free diet before proper testing is a monster no-no. Why? Because if you are in fact Celiac, your body will begin to heal on a gluten-free diet which will result in a false negative test result.

Simply following a gluten-free diet blindly is never a good idea. Many of the foods are high in fat and sugar, as well as low in essential nutrients such as iron, fibre and vitamin B. Believe it or not, this can actually cause weight gain. It's a process to eat healthy on a gluten-free diet as we have to work harder to ensure that the healthy food makes its way into our routine. This involves a lot of planning and straying from the convenience of pre-packaged foods. Especially if away from home.

Don't Get Caught Up In Myths

Deep frying doesn't destroy gluten
Ancient Grains like Spelt aren't safe – they're in the wheat family
Celiac is not a result of GMOs
Crumbs are a big deal. Even a little bit is harmful to a Celiac
Lack of physical reaction is not an indication of safety. Even without a noticeable reaction, gluten consumption is harmful.
Celiacs don't need to avoid all grains. Unless you have another condition, wheat gluten is the only thing you need avoid.

The Complexity Of It All

Celiac has been associated with over 300 different symptoms. Crazy right?! Not everyone has the same telltale signs. Some people are what is known as "Silent Celiac", meaning they show no noticeable symptoms (also known as asymptomatic) of the disease. This is why proper testing is very important. Self-diagnosing and assuming you're Celiac can be a dangerous road to follow. By not taking the proper steps for diagnosis, you are potentially putting yourself at risk. You know all those symptoms linked to Celiac? They can be signs of other conditions as well. Thus making diagnosis tricky and solidifying the need for accuracy. What if you aren't actually Celiac, but have a health issue only masked by the gluten-free diet? You won't get the treatment you need and you will wonder why you're still sick or what's been "glutening" you. You're also less likely to adhere to the gluten-free lifestyle without having been correctly tested.

The Genetic Link

Celiac is genetically inherited, but not everyone with the gene will develop the disease. Providing genetic markers are present, there is a 1 in 10 risk of a first-degree (parent, child, sibling) relative developing Celiac disease.

Complications

Unlike wheat products, most gluten-free items are not fortified. This results in vitamin D deficiency for many with Celiac. It's important to ensure you are getting sufficient iron, calcium, Vitamin D, B6, B12, zinc and folate.

Untreated, Celiac can lead to a whole slew of other autoimmune disorders, including MS, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, neurological conditions, pancreatic problems and gastrointestinal cancers.

Etiquette And Support

A positive support network is crucial for everyone with Celiac. Whether it's an encouraging shoulder to lean on or an ear to rant to, simply being a bright presence makes our journey a little easier.

Though others may mean well by asking questions, there are some things that really should be avoided. Some questions and comments we field tend to be less than empathetic and kind of inconsiderate.

Let's talk etiquette and what falls under the please don't even category

"That must suck"

"Don't be dramatic"

"I feel sorry for you"

"Just a little won't hurt"

"I'd die if I couldn't eat gluten"

"If you take xyz you can eat gluten again"

"My friend's Naturopath say xyz will cure Celiac"

"I'd never be able to give up my favourite foods"

It's also important to understand that we may not always feel comfortable eating away from home. Even if it's something a friend or a family member has gone to the effort of making gluten-free. Not everyone understands the detailed prep involved in ensuring gluten-free food stays gluten-free. For people who are not immersed in the Celiac lifestyle, it can be easy to overlook areas of cross contamination. We mean no offence when we politely decline. Trust us. We really want to be able to trust you and eat the food you have so graciously prepared. But, we have also all had that one experience where we've reacted to food made by others. So when we say "no thank you" please just let it be and don't pressure us or become irritated.

Love,
your friendly neighbourhood Celiac

Review: Boatwright's Dining Hall

2017-02-20T22:18:00.004-04:00

Located in the picturesque Port Orleans Riverside resort, Boatwright's Dining Hall is a southern gem waiting to be discovered. The resort theming brilliantly mimics the bayou. It's a peaceful escape from the intense action of park touring. With top notch landscaping that is both relaxing and mesmerizing, it's easy to sit back and enjoy the lush surroundings.

In all fairness, having vacationed here twice, I have a deep fondness for Port Orleans Riverside. No matter how long we stay, it never seems to be a long enough visit in this treasure of a resort.

Alligator Bayou Rooms

Although Boatwright's is only open for dinner, it never seems to be overflowing with patrons. That's not a bad thing and part of what makes the experience so charming. Sure, peak times are loud and bustling, but it in no way feels crowded or rushed.

Boatwright's Dining Hall

After being seated, our waitress promptly greeted us. She was kind, patient, and funny – a real delight! Boatwright's now has allergy menus, which simplifies things nicely! Though we were given the option to have the Chef come out before we ordered. As I'm Celiac and my little guy was recently diagnosed with Lactose Intolerance, I opted for a visit from the Chef. This enabled us to ensure both dietary restrictions were understood and would be accommodated.

Deanna's Gluten-Free Rolls

The gluten-free rolls used by Boatwright's (and many other Disney restaurants) are made by Deanna's Gluten-Free. As they are both dairy and gluten-free, my son and I were brought a basket-full to share. Together we agreed that they are pretty remarkable and outrageously good. They were soft, not crumbly, and heated to perfection. I just wish they were available in Canada.

Voodoo Chicken and Waffles

I decided to go with the Voodoo Chicken and Waffles for dinner. Having read positive reviews on this dish beforehand, I was mighty excited! Guess what? It lived up to my expectations and then some! The chicken was mouthwateringly good – crispy, juicy, and seasoned well. The waffles were great as always. I'm a big fan of Disney waffles and you can enjoy them at most Disney-owned properties, which is great.

What the photo doesn't convey is just how big the portion size is. Though you can probably only see one piece, there are two big pieces of chicken on that plate. I actually ended up sharing some with my family! They loved it just as much as I did.

Butterscotch Creme Brulee

Dinner was followed by a round of dessert. The butterscotch creme brulee I was presented with was marvelous! How a dessert can be both light and decadent, I've no idea but Boatwright's pulls it off nicely. Needless to say, I wasted no time polishing off this beauty of a treat.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with our dining experience. Everyone we encountered was happy and helpful. The ambiance of Boatwright's is just so darn warm and inviting. And of course, the food, which everyone at our table collectively agreed was terrific.

Have you dined at Boatwright's Dining Hall? Tell me about your experience below!

The Little Things Make Life Sweet

2015-07-19T21:07:00.002-03:00

Good friends are important. Always.

As someone with a dietary restriction, I find it important to surround myself with those who accept me for who I am. People who take steps to understand Celiac Disease. People who don't make me feel awkward or like a nuisance.

Recently, at a friend's BBQ, I was treated to safe gluten-free food. I say "safe" as it was prepared properly with no risk of cross contamination. This really warmed my heart. I was included as an equal and didn't stick out like a sore thumb.

Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

Wanna know what else I was treated to?

Ribs
Corn on the Cob
OMG Chicken Wings - That's what I call them because they were that tasty!
Blue Corn Chips with Tomato Salsa
Watermelon Salad

Share with me YOUR stories about the little things that friends and family do to go the extra mile.

Mini Donuts: Gluten Free & Homemade

2015-07-05T19:58:00.003-03:00

I made the above yummy donuts with my Babycakes mini donut maker. I followed a recipe from Mini Donuts: 100 Bite-Sized Donut Recipes to Sweeten Your "Hole" Day, by Jessica Segarra. The recipe I worked with is called "Nutella Mini Donut".

I simply swapped out the regular flour for a gluten free one. In this case, I used President's Choice Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend.

Overall, I was really quite happy with how these little donuts turned out! Even the gluten eaters in my family enjoyed them. So much so, that they have been requesting that I make more!

A Little Awareness Goes A Long Way (pass it on)

2015-05-06T21:39:00.000-03:00

WHAT is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the villi of the small intestine become damaged by consuming gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye)
When a Celiac consumes gluten, the body reacts by attacking itself because it views gluten as the enemy
Untreated, Celiac can cause anemia, malnutrition and increase the risk for other autoimmune diseases as well as some Cancers
Some people with Celiac also suffer from Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) which is a condition where the skin breaks out in painful rashes and blisters
Celiac is genetic, meaning it can be passed down in families
There is no known trigger, but those with the Celiac gene can develop the disease at any point in their life
Once the disease manifests, there is no "off" button and a strict gluten free diet is important

WHO should be tested

1st-degree relatives of someone with Celiac such as a sibling, child or parent
Those with unexplained infertility
People with Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Osteoporosis or Type 1 Diabetes
If you have unexplained and chronic GI issues or have iron, B12 or folate deficiencies

WHY accurate testing is important

With an accurate Celiac diagnosis, you are able to start a gluten free diet without doubt and you will have a better chance adhering to it
If you have a negative blood test and symptoms are still present, further testing needs to be explored as an IgA deficiency can cause a false negative blood test
Ruling out Celiac is just as important as confirming it. It enables you and your physician to further explore your symptoms and hopefully pinpoint the cause

HOW to be tested properly

Remain on a normal gluten-containing diet (cutting back gluten will sku test results as well)

Have your physician run a blood test to measure levels of certain antibodies - anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) anti-endomysium (EMA) and the anti-deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP)

While a positive antibody test is able to suspect Celiac Disease, it is not conclusive (false positives can happen for various reasons) and further testing needs to be explored. This is where a biopsy comes into play as it allows Doctor's to check for damage to the lining of the small intestine

Feeling better when gluten is avoided does not necessarily mean you have Celiac Disease. Irritable Bowels Syndrome (IBS), Celiac, Chronic Fatigue and various other autoimmune disorders are easily confused for one another

If you are already adhering to a gluten free diet, you will need to undergo a gluten challenge to ensure accurate test results. This means you will need to consume 10 grams of gluten (4-5 slices of wheat bread) daily for up to 8 weeks. If this is not an option for you, there is genetic testing available. It won't diagnose you as Celiac, but it can rule it out if you do not carry the gene.

Good News With The Bad - Kellogg's Gluten Free Rice Krispies

2015-03-28T23:21:00.002-03:00

Bad News

Kellogg's has decided to stop selling their Rice Krispies Brown Rice Gluten-Free cereal in the United States. This is big news, and understandably, many people are upset about it. I still can't quite believe it myself.

Many assumed that if U.S. production stopped, Canadian availability would follow. So, I reached out to Kellogg's Canada to find out.

Good News

I'm happy to report that Rice Krispies Brown Rice Gluten-Free cereal will NOT be discontinued in Canada.

There are some concerns about where the product will be manufactured, especially since the London, Ontario plant is no longer operational. I followed up with Kellogg's to ask about this and also questioned why it was discontinued in the U.S.

I'll share more once I receive their response.

Here’s the statement from Kellogg’s Canada:

Dear Sandra,

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding Gluten Free Rice Krispies. We appreciate you letting us know how much you enjoy these!

We are happy to say that our Gluten-Free Rice Krispies are indeed available in Canada at most major retailers and have not been discontinued. We suggest that you speak to your local Store Manager about its availability. Our Sales department will then be able to work with the retailers in your area in an effort to make this product available to you.

Thanks again for reaching out to us, Sandra. We wish you the best!

Sincerely,
Marie-Claude L.
Consumer Specialist, Consumer Affairs

* See Below for an Updated Response from Kellogg’s *

Dear Mrs. Lajoie,

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding our Rice Krispies Brown Rice.

Most of our products are manufactured in Canada and the U.S. We do not manufacture products in China. Kellogg Canada has an excellent food safety record, and we have confidence in the safety of our products.

I wish I could give you better news about Gluten Free Rice Krispies. I am sorry to say it has been discontinued. Unfortunately, due to manufacturing constraints, we had to make the difficult decision to stop making it.

Although it will be hard to replace this cereal, we hope our American fans might want to try our Special K Gluten Free cereal. We will share your thoughts with the team.

Thank you once again for taking the time to email us.

Sincerely,
Yolande P.
Consumer Specialist, Consumer Affairs

10 Tips For A Magical Quick Service Experience

2014-07-26T02:55:00.006-03:00

Walt Disney World & Special Diets: How They Handle Gluten-Free, Allergens & More

Walt Disney World takes special dietary needs seriously. Whether you're gluten-free, managing food allergies, or need kosher or other accommodations, Disney is one of the most celiac- and allergy-aware destinations in North America.

Here’s what makes dining at Disney a standout for those with food restrictions:

Allergen-Friendly Menus: Many Disney restaurants list gluten/wheat, egg, dairy, soy, fish, shellfish, peanut, and tree nut info.
Special Diet Chefs: Guests can speak with trained chefs at table-service restaurants. These chefs understand cross-contact and can prepare safe meals.
Mobile Ordering with Allergy Filters: The My Disney Experience app allows mobile ordering at quick-service spots with allergen filter options.
Dedicated Fryers & Prep Areas: Many locations use separate fryers and prep areas to help avoid cross-contact.
Gluten-Free Bread, Buns & Mickey Waffles: GF options are widely available, including the iconic Mickey waffles made with gluten-free batter.
Label Reading Encouraged: Pre-packaged snacks and grab-and-go items are clearly labeled—but always ask a Cast Member if unsure.

Tips for a Safer Dining Experience:

Note allergies when making reservations.
Always inform Cast Members and servers of all dietary needs.
When in doubt, ask for a chef.
Review Disney’s official Special Diets page before your trip.

Disney isn’t perfect, but they’re miles ahead of many other destinations. With a little planning, food-sensitive families can enjoy the magic too!

Blame Gluten....When It's At Fault

2013-08-24T20:33:00.003-03:00

Gluten Blame Game - A Celiac Perspective

The Gluten Blame Game: Laugh, Learn, and Raise an Eyebrow

Sometimes people make me laugh, shake my head, and then wonder. There seem to be a lot of folks out there who blame gluten for just about everything. I’ve seen enough silly statements to draw a comparison to an old country music joke. (No offence to anyone who enjoys country music 😉)

Let’s remember that misinformation spreads like wildfire. Celiac is not contagious—but stupidity and ignorance sure seem to be. Believe it or not, many of the points below have been wildly debated in Celiac forums.

I certainly don’t blame the newly diagnosed—it’s a learning curve. But so many people add fuel to the fire by constantly spreading falsehoods about this complex and misunderstood disease. Heck, most doctors don’t even fully understand it!

Celiac Disease is not responsible for your fear of heights.
The dog did not do its business inside to protest your gluten-free ways.
A mosquito landing on a piece of regular bread and then biting you will not make you ill. (Unless it’s some West Nile Virus kind of thing.)
Meat from a cow that enjoys wheat will not cause a Celiac reaction.
The scent of the bakery section at your grocery store is not making you ill. That’s called anxiety—and you may be making yourself sick by fearing a reaction.

All jokes aside, the problem with blaming gluten or Celiac for everything is actually quite serious and could be detrimental to your overall health. Since no two Celiacs are alike, it’s up to us to understand our personal reaction(s) to gluten.

By blindly condemning gluten when it’s not the real culprit, we risk further harm by not seeking the medical attention we might actually need.

I'm Not A Trend Or Fad. I'm Celiac

2013-01-07T17:08:00.004-04:00

Ryan Seacrest, You’ve Made a Mad Woman of Me

I logged into Twitter today and saw this beauty courtesy of Gluten Dude.

In no way do I "own" gluten-free, but when people throw the term around like they’re about to endure some miracle procedure, it makes me LIVID. I have a private temper tantrum in my head—feet stomping and colorful words included.

Why do Ryan Seacrest and other fadsters get me so agitated when they "try" gluten free? Well, for one, there is no “try” for celiacs. It is what it is, and we must maintain a STRICT gluten-free diet. We can’t just decide to live on the wild side and indulge a little bit. It’s more serious than these people care to understand.

Because this “star” with 8,528,668 Twitter followers decided to try gluten free for half a second, he has inadvertently set the ball rolling backwards for us by hindering any progress that has been made regarding understanding and safety. Thanks, man!

Did he even end up trying anything gluten free? Most likely not. Well, maybe he had a sip of water.

Moments like this make eating at a restaurant so freaking risky! Maybe I’m presented with a waitress who "gets it" because she’s avoiding wheat for her figure. Or what about the chef who’s had one too many people order a gluten-free meal and then request a side of bread? Danger.

What Ryan Seacrest probably doesn’t know is that a gluten-free diet is often higher in fat and lower in fiber. On its own, it’s simply unhealthy. Period. There needs to be a variety of fruits and vegetables along with minimal sugary treats and carbs in any "diet." Yes, Ryan Seacrest, even gluten free has carbs.

The gluten-free club is something I don’t want to belong to. It chose me. I’m the one who gets to deal with the nasty and extremely painful side effects of cross contamination or misrepresentation on a label. Mr. Seacrest doesn’t understand that.

Food is social. Don’t make it harder for me. I’m not a trend or fad. I’m celiac.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

2013-01-02T15:52:00.003-04:00

Dinner in Frontier Land

To our surprise, this area was packed—bottlenecked, jammed, crazy. You name it. This was the only area of Magic Kingdom where we experienced any sort of congestion. I still don't know why, as we did not stay long enough after eating to find out.

Pecos Bill's is a big quick service restaurant with lots of seating and lots of people. A downside here is that when it's busy, those of us with special orders really get in the way. We had to stand next to the cashier and wait for the chef while the regular order customers tried to squeeze by us to place their orders.

After what seemed like forever, the chef came out and took our orders.

Not much gluten free here. I ordered nachos with ground beef and cheese—not very Disney-yum in my opinion. Dessert was the amazing "OMG It's Gluten Free Fudge Brownie." My mom ordered a chicken salad (no dressing) which came with a side of corn on the cob and no dessert.

This was the only time we encountered a slightly frazzled chef—maybe even annoyed. When he came out to take our order, he didn’t really have that Disney joy. I felt like a bother to him, and he really didn’t seem interested in offering us anything other than what we ended up ordering.

After taking our orders, the chef gave us a pager to take back to our table. For those unfamiliar, pagers are given to guests with special dietary requests or food that takes longer to prepare. Instead of hanging around the line, you can wait at a table. When it buzzes, it's time to go meet the chef to receive your order.

The wait was around 20 minutes for our food.

After giving me my order, the chef pointed out the condiment bar for toppings. I quickly told him it was not a safe option for me. I didn’t feel like waiting another 20 minutes for condiments, so I just asked him to grab some safe grated cheese from the kitchen.

All in all, it was filling, fresh, and tasted okay—just very plain. I would have preferred more toppings for my nachos, like salsa or sour cream, as just beef and cheese made it a bit dry. I don’t think I would go back here in the future. There are far better options around the park, which are also less chaotic.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

2012-12-18T22:06:00.001-04:00

After being in the park since the wee hours of the morning, we decided to hit up Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe around 11:30 am. This turned out to be a stellar lunch choice. Barely anyone was there! It was great to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed. This is a very big place so I imagine that when it gets busy, it also gets quite loud as well.

We really loved the entertainment of Sonny Eclipse! In case you are not familiar with him, he is a jazz singer from somewhere far away in the galaxy. Sonny's shows are about a half an hour long and he even cracks some funny jokes between songs.

The set up of Cosmic Ray's takes a moment or two to grasp. There are 3 "Bays" from which you can place your order. Each bay has its very own menu, line ups, and cash registers.

Bay 1: Chicken and Pork
Bay 2: Burgers and Hot Dogs
Bay 3: Sandwiches, Wraps, Soups

Make sure you are at the Bay you want as they will not make you anything that is offered at the alternate Bays. I suggest anyone who will be eating here with children, scope out the menu beforehand (online before you get to the park) and go in with a plan.

We ordered from the Burger Bay. As per Disney protocol, we advised the cashier that we would need to order Gluten Free. Within minutes a super bubbly and charming manager came by to take our order. It's a good thing it was not busy as we had to wait at the Burger Bay for our order. Thankfully it was only about a ten-minute wait.

Also worth noting, Cosmic Ray's has the infamous condiment station that has been known to produce a salad or two. Thankfully they also carry packets of ketchup, mayo, etc., which have the ingredients listed right on them.

Both my mom and I ordered bacon cheeseburgers with a side of fries and an Enjoy Life cookie for dessert. Holy yum batman! I'm not sure what brand of Gluten-Free buns Disney uses, but they were soft and could not be more perfect. The burger itself was a welcome treat as well. The meat patty was nice and thin, quite the decent change from the ones I'm used to buying in the grocery store. I saved my cookie for later on in the day. When I got to it, I was so impressed that I was actually a bit sad. Why? Well, because I was hooked and we don't have these cookies at home.

Wordless Wednesday - BabyCakes For My BabyCake

2012-11-21T15:57:00.003-04:00

Lincoln enjoying a Gluten Free doughnut at BabyCakes in Downtown Disney

Review: Petro's Chili & Chips

2012-11-19T20:36:00.003-04:00

West Town Mall, Knoxville Tennessee

This was our first major stop on our drive to Walt Disney World. We left at 7:00pm on a Friday night and arrived in Knoxville around 9:30am Saturday morning. Not bad I say! Our original plan was to get a hotel in this beautiful city and then take on some shopping.

After checking out the Knoxville Welcome Center, we discovered that there was a major football game this particular weekend which resulted in price surges and zero availability at local hotels.

Clearly being Canadian and a Leafs fan (Go Leafs Go!) prevented me from planning ahead for this one. I knew football was popular in America, but I didn't realize how big College football was. The team spirit was pretty fantastic! All over Tennessee, everyone was covered in Orange Jerseys, Hats, Jackets and face paint. Even cars had the giant signature orange "T" decal. We saw the odd Florida fan in the mix as well.

This brings us back to West Town Mall. After giving up on a hotel, we decided to take a break for some lunch and stretch our legs. I had prepared myself for more disappointment, this time in the food department. I was ready to go back to the car to dig something out of the cooler.

Boy was I pleasantly surprised!!!

I saw a baked potato on this menu and figured I better check it out! The guy working was awesome. After my usual gluten-free speech, he told me his grandmother is Celiac too and that all the gluten-free items on the menu are indicated by the letters "GF" in a red circle.

My mom and I split the nachos and baked potato. It was so good and it felt great to get some food with real substance into our tummies. There's only so much you can pack in a cooler without fear of it going bad. Especially in the gluten-free department. So this was great! Really great.

I would recommend visiting this mall to anyone making their way through Knoxville. It's very spacious and really pretty! The shopping opportunities are endless. Stores like Brookstone, Belk, and JC Penny were pleasant deviations from the norm for us. Is my Canadian showing yet?

Another plus is the kids play area that we discovered. It's in the center of the mall with a soft padded floor and lots of seating for moms and dads. Lincoln had such a great time running around here! He definitely deserved this play time after being such a great sport during our 14-hour drive.

After some time at the mall, we ended up driving a few more hours and spent the night in a Comfort Suite just past the Georgia border for under $100.00 US. Hubby was the sole driver so he gets the trooper award! Not only was he alert and happy, he dealt with the crazy hectic I-75 drivers and traffic backup splendidly. I should note that he slept a good 9 hours the night before the trip, got up for a little bit and then went back to bed for another 5 hours. Probably the most sleep he has ever gotten.

7600 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919-5600

Wordless Wednesday - eos Gluten Free

2012-11-14T08:35:00.001-04:00

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

2012-10-31T17:45:00.004-03:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Recently my family had the most wonderful Disney vacation. During that time, we attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. This event requires a separate ticket as the park closes to non-event ticket holders at 7pm.

We arrived at the park around 5:30pm (I believe they start allowing party guests in at 4pm) and I proceeded to City Hall to get my much anticipated gluten-free candy bag. Alas, they had none left. The cast member radioed around to see if someone could bring up some GF treats. She told me to come back by 7pm when the party officially starts to see if any candy was left. She took my name and said she would hold a bag for me. We headed back just before 7 and thankfully, there was a small bag of celiac-safe treats set aside!

Cast members are not shy about handing out candy. We each got handfuls at every candy location around Magic Kingdom. Candy hunting aside, this was a spectacular event! Disney caps attendance, so lines never get out of hand. The only time we encountered a big line was for character meet and greets.

We were at the party for about 5 hours when we decided to call it a night. Aside from a couple of things, I think we pretty much conquered everything we set out to do. There were no meltdowns and Lincoln actually fell asleep before we got back to the hotel. Although he didn't spend a lot of time in the stroller, it was handy to have!

Official gluten-free candy stash

My candy stash is obviously much smaller than everyone else's, but honestly it doesn’t bother me. The event itself was worth the price. I cannot begin to tell you how much fun we had. Take note that mixed into the "regular" candy collected throughout the night were a few items labeled "gluten free" under the ingredient list. There were also some that, although not labeled GF, a quick check with the manufacturer proved were safe. So keep those eyes peeled!

Regular Candy Pile (3 bags!)

If you can make it out to this event, which runs on select nights in September and October, I highly recommend it! Even if you don’t like candy, there is so much fun to be had throughout the evening!

12 Things You Should Never Say To A Celiac

2012-07-24T18:09:00.007-03:00

When Someone Suggests That A Crumb Won't Hurt

If that was the case, do you really think I would be so cautious? To put things in perspective for you, one crumb can and will make me ill. One crumb makes me a difficult person to be around and shortens my lifespan. Chew on that.

When Someone Asks If Gluten-free Helped You Lose Weight

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No! I actually gained weight. It's called being healthy. Any carb overindulging person will see a drop in weight if they instantly cut it out of their diet. That being said, there are actually carbs in Gluten Free food. Yep. Bet ya didn't know that, like ya didn't know that some people have no choice but to eat Gluten Free.

Every Time Someone Asks Me What I Can Eat

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I can eat a lot of the same things you eat. Not everything is off limits. I just have to be cautious of ingredients and make changes to adapt recipes. Time-consuming yes, but extra time and effort trumps being sick.

When Someone Says They Tried Gluten-free for a while

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You "tried" it? Must be nice to have that option! I do it because I have to. Unlike you, there is no choice for me. Being Gluten Free is what allows me to live. I don't understand why anyone would want to be GF by choice! Not only is it a difficult road to navigate but it is expensive. I would not buy it if I didn't have to, even if it was on sale kind of expensive.

When Someone Mentions The Increased Food Cost

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Yes, gluten-free can be expensive. A lot of companies take advantage and price gouge. It blows my mind that people will choose to pay inflated prices for food they are not restricted to.

I prepare chef quality meals without said expensive flour

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Not everyone lives in an area with massive Gluten Free variety. Nor does everyone have the luxury of being an exceptional chef. Most of us are average folk, given the task of creating satisfying Gluten Free meals.

When The Server Says The Oven Will Kill Off Any Gluten

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Am I being punked? Seriously, who started this rumor?

When People Call Me Picky

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I am NOT a picky eater. Unfortunately, when one has a dietary restriction, eating can become mundane. Like anyone else, I enjoy variety in my diet as well as flavor. I can't always afford to purchase different and exciting gf food. Nor do I always have the time or energy to make something from scratch. I have a right to become irritated with my food options from time to time.

When Someone Tells Me Gluten-free Is A Fad For Money

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This actually has a little bit of truth to it. Sometimes it feels like a Gluten Free label is just an easy excuse to charge more money.For those of us who NEED a gf diet, the high cost is an unfortunate side effect of this mandatory lifestyle.

The Suggestion That VeryFew People Have Celiac Disease

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That is a very archaic thought. 1 in 133 people have Celiac Disease. More people suffer from Celiac than Alzheimer's Disease.

When Someone Complains About The Cost Of Vegan/Vegetarian/Organic Food

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Being Vegetarian is a choice. A choice you are allowed and able to make. I don't have any choice when it comes to eating Gluten free. My wallet sure wishes I had a choice, though.

When People Admire My Apparent Willpower

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No, it's not willpower at all. Gluten is toxic to my health, therefore, I avoid it. Period.

Yesterday Was Not So Good

2012-05-15T15:50:00.004-03:00

Got Glutened yesterday.

We went to Lonestar for lunch with the little one. It's usually a great dining experience for us there. The waitress brought Lincoln out a dough ball to play with — a nice gesture that keeps little ones occupied until the food arrives.

Being only 3, my little guy gets a bit antsy sometimes. He fooled around with the ball for a few minutes and had enough. Hubby took the ball away, and I could see a gooey mess on his hands. I suggested he take our little guy to the men’s room so they could both clean up. Unfortunately, hubby thought a napkin was sufficient. Not wanting to create an issue, I didn’t push.

Our waitress brought us another nacho/salsa as our meal wasn’t ready yet. This is where the problem likely started. Hubby grabbed some nacho chips instead of asking me to put some on a spare plate for him. I suspect some leftover dough crumbs from his hands got into the shared nacho platter.

I realized my error in not reminding hubby about the little things that can make me ill. About 30 minutes after leaving the restaurant, we hit the mall — and I hit rock bottom. It went like this:

A thousand knives piercing my lower stomach
Hot flashes
Exhaustion
Nausea
Multiple washroom visits

The reaction that goes along with it is never something I can get used to or prepare for.

Pretty sure the woman cleaning the washroom thought I had an eating disorder — four visits in under an hour. Ugh!

I was so tired after this. Hungry too, as my stomach was now clearly empty. But relieved to no longer be in serious pain. Today, the sleepiness and tender tummy linger... but at least I’m able to function.

I know my husband wasn't entirely to blame. I should’ve stood my ground. I really wish this learning experience didn’t come with health consequences.

Latest lesson learned: Say no thank you to the dough balls and make sure EVERYONE washes their hands well when we’re sharing food. Better safe than sorry.

Dearest Domino's

2012-05-09T15:31:00.004-03:00

An Open Letter to Domino's Pizza

Dearest Domino’s Pizza,

You have probably noticed by now that the Celiac community is less than enthused with your offering of “Gluten Free” pizza. Really, why call it gluten free when it ends up not being so? I understand the crust itself is indeed gluten free, but once your employees handle it, all that safety is out the window.

“Appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity. Not recommended for those with Celiac Disease.”

Seriously? What are you trying to accomplish?

In my opinion, if you’re going to offer a gluten free pizza, shouldn’t it remain just that—gluten free? I get that it’s not only Celiacs who eat gluten free. But the difference between us and ~~bandwagon yuppies~~ Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, and the rest of the posse is that Celiacs medically require 100% gluten free food. Did you catch that?

The fact that you’re even marketing it as “Gluten Free” blows my mind. Would you market something peanut free but only recommend it to people with a “mild intolerance”? Probably not. Just like you wouldn’t sell a vegetarian pizza that’s drizzled in meat sauce.

Please understand I’m not out to get you. You’re just going about this the ~~money-making~~ wrong way. I mean, sheesh, why not just label the darn thing “low carb,” for crying out loud?

Your Twitter feed the other day sort of made me laugh. I had to, or my eyes would have exploded at the sheer ignorance of what you’re doing. Sure, go ahead and tweet celebs who credit going gluten free for their amazing bodies about your new “gluten free” pizza. Not a sham at all!

You do realize those people have personal chefs, fitness trainers, and their photos get a healthy dose of Photoshop, right?

What was the point of partnering with the NFCA? Credentials, perhaps? Neither of you recommend this pizza to people with Celiac. So what is it then? Are you secretly hoping gluten free will be the next big thing, and once you're overflowing with money, you’ll actually offer pizza that stays gluten free?

Or are you hoping Celiacs in desperate need of something new and quick to eat will see “GLUTEN FREE” and order without questioning? Sure, you can’t be sued because you’ve disclaimed the hell out of it on your website. But not everyone reads the fine print. Language barriers exist, and many people assume “gluten free” means just that.

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder. “Gluten free” is NOT a trend—it is my life. It keeps me from being so ill I can’t function. Have you seen someone with Celiac Disease have a reaction?

Even if we all react differently, we face the same long-term consequences. Untreated or continuous accidental ingestion leads to serious conditions: osteoporosis, cancer, neurological disorders, infertility. And yes, it can be fatal.

Here’s something else you may not know: malnutrition is a symptom of Celiac Disease.

In the end, you’re attaching yourself to a “trend” that is not actually a trend. You are doing so at the expense of myself and others with Celiac Disease.

Shame on you.

Butterbeer And The Great Debate

2012-01-11T21:55:00.004-04:00

Is Butterbeer Gluten Free?

There has been a lot of online banter about whether or not Butterbeer is gluten free. If you're unfamiliar with what I'm referring to, let me explain…

Butterbeer is a non-alcoholic, sweet-tasting beverage from the Harry Potter novels. It was brought to life at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure as part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This top-secret recipe was approved by J.K. Rowling herself. Apparently, it tastes like a mix of shortbread and butterscotch. The drink is served either cold or frozen (similar to a Slurpee) at select locations within the theme park.

Back to the banter… I’ve been trying to find out if Butterbeer is truly gluten free. Some online forums say the drink itself is safe, but the whipped topping is not. Others claim it’s completely safe. One person even mentioned that the beverage isn't allowed to be served without the frothy topping.

Too much confusion for me! I emailed Universal Studios yesterday to ask directly. To my surprise, I received a phone call from Jimmy at Universal Studios Guest Services this afternoon. Unfortunately, I missed the call while caring for my sick little one, but he was kind enough to leave a detailed voicemail.

In his message, he shared that while Butterbeer itself is gluten free, there have been concerns with cross-contamination since it's prepared in an area where gluten-containing products are made.

If you'd like to contact Universal Studios yourself, call 407-224-4233 (option 2).

Since we can’t safely enjoy Butterbeer in the park without the risk of cross-contact, why not make our own version at home?

I visited one of my favourite Harry Potter fan sites (Mugglenet) to check out some fun recipes. Below are two Butterbeer recipes that are gluten free—just be sure to double-check the ingredients you use.

Official Response from Universal Orlando

Thank you for contacting Universal Orlando® Guest Services.

I am delighted to inform you that Butterbeer™ and Pumpkin Juice™ are gluten-free. However, all desserts sold at Honeydukes™ are currently flour-based. The packaged candies sold at Honeydukes™ include ingredient and nutrition labels, as they are made off-site.

We strongly recommend speaking with a Food Services Manager at each dining location to help guide your selection.

Your email has been forwarded to our Food Services Department, and a representative will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours.