Be Free For Me Blog

Today was one of those just fabulous days! It was full of gluten-free food, fun and folks!

I just got home from the Healthy Villi Gluten-Free Winter Membership Meeting in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Like many of you, I belong and participate regularly in my local celiac (as well as food allergy) support groups. I love to join in the activities, find support and also meet some awesome fellow celiacs / food allergen-free folks that make my life just so much nicer.

I met so many wonderful BeFreeForMe members today… Thanks for stopping by and introducing yourselves!

Here is a summary of some of fabulous food finds from the exhibits today:

Willoughby’s Muffins: Gluten/Nut/Dairy and Soy-free these muffins are like homemade. Made in a designated gluten-free facility, Willoughby’s may make muffin pans a thing of the past! Buy on-line at EdiblesByJack.com

More Than a Macaroon: Can I say YUM? A must try, these cookies are chewy, gooey and hands-down one of the most addictive cookies I have ever eaten. A family-owned and operated business, with a passion for celiac baking, this cookie company will become a household name in gluten-free households everywhere. Mark my word.

Lola’s Italian Groceria: Craving gluten-free Eggplant Parmigiana, classic Italian Lasagna or a sweet cannoli? Check out Lola’s and have a tray delivered to your house for your next get-together or small party. Delicious!

Glutino: The number of gluten-free items, and the quality and tastiness of the products Glutino’s has in their line-up always amazes me. The pretzels, the cookies, the meals … all delicious and truly some of my all-time favorites.  Thank you Glutino for being the benchmark for gluten-free products!

Ian’s Natural Foods: The products in Ian’s line-up make me secretly wish I was a kid again… but, then again, Big Kids can love Ian’s products too! If you haven’t tried them yet, check out Ian’s Maple Sausage & Egg Wafflewich for a fast & easy breakfast idea!

Riceworks: A favorite of the gluten-free community, riceworks are just so good! Crunchy and tasty, Riceworks gives back tons to the gluten-free community too. Make sure you nominate for your favorite non-profit group for Riceworks Show Us Your Goodness program!

Kettle Cuisine Soups: It’s about 20 degrees over here in Massachusetts so I was so excited to see Kettle Cuisine here at the show today! If you haven’t tried them yet, you MUST! With 10 (yes, TEN!) gluten-free varieties and five that are dairy-free and five that are vegan, this is one of those staple gluten-free items that I always have on-hand. Need to buy? Find out where here. 

Mr. Ritt’s Bakery: A favorite at tradeshows, Mr. Ritt’s carries it all! Breads, cookies and pizza crusts – a favorite gluten-free designation!

Check out more finds from the Healthy Villi Winter meeting tomorrow on BeFreeForMe.com!

At the Natural Product Expo East, that took place in Boston from September 23 – 26th, I discovered many, many new products that the BeFreeForMe member’s just need to hear about!

I was pleasantly surprised at how many “fun” gluten and allergen-free products I found at the show that catered to kids. The marketing and the packaging of these products are outstanding, and for the most part, make gluten and allergen-free products for kid’s mainstream. Following are a few of the phenomenal kid’s products I found:

Ian’s Maple Sausage & Egg Waffle Sandwich: (Wheat, Gluten, Milk, Casein & Nut Free): Although this product is made for the kids – it is delicious and substantial enough for a big kid like me! Ian’s, as always, hit yet another homerun with this product. Quick, easy and microwavable – this delicious & nutritious sandwich quickly becomes a “solution” during those hectic mornings! (P.S. Ian’s has some other awesome products coming up in the near future – I will share more once these new products are available). Get Ian’s coupons here.

Revolution Foods Mashups Squeezable Fruit: This 100% organic unsweetened fruit puree is gluten free and has no trans fats or high fructose syrup. Basically this is squeezable, eatable fruit – that is ideal for the lunchbox or on the go snacking. Cool to eat, and good for you too. At 50-60 calories per pouch – these may be the hippest snacks for the Moms too.

Organic B.R.A.T. Tummy-Soother: (Gluten, Lactose, Soy, Corn and Casein free) This product, which was voted the Most Innovative Product at Natural Product Expo East, is designed to naturally promote electrolyte balance to aid in childrens re-hydration. Packed with calcium and vitamins it helps build strength and promote health. The four flavors are all gluten, corn, soy and preservative free. Although the B.R.A.T. (banana, rice, apples, toast) diet has traditionally been used for when people get sick, this product taste so good, and is nutritious enough to be enjoyed on a regular basis. I think this product would be perfect for those kids that are recently diagnosed with celiac, and have a hard time finding foods that make their tummies feel well.

Peas of Mind: (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy free – plus vegan) These baked crispy French fries made from real vegetables are delicious! The baked carrot fries, cauliflower fries, baked apple fries and the baked broccoli fries are a wonderfully sneaky way to get veggies onto your little ones tummies. Containing all organic ingredients,  these fries are packed with vitamins and nutrients – not oil and sodium like regular French fries. Can I super-size that?

Tasty Baby Frozen Organic Foods for Babies & Kids: These gluten free baby foods, and perfect for the gluten-intolerant. Although they are packaged for babies these products also are great for the whole family in smoothies, recipes and snacks.