Nancy Lapid over at About.com is reporting that Rice Chex, a cereal that comes oh-so-close to being gluten-free if it weren’t for the barley malt, is changing its recipe. General Mills has tweaked the recipe and will be introducing the new GF version in the coming weeks. The new boxes will declare “Gluten-Free” under the Chex logo (see my circle on the box).
It’s worth reiterating Nancy’s warning; make sure you’re buying the GF version, as the older recipe will still be on the shelves for some time I’m sure.
Rice Chex Going Gluten-Free [About.com]
Rice Chex page on GeneralMills.com
A list of gluten-free foods I found in a Trader Joe’s last week has shown up on the company’s web site as part of an overall labeling initiative. As a private label store, selling more than 80% of its products under the store brand, Trader Joe’s is in a unique position to help its customers find appropriate items for special diets, including vegan, kosher, low-sodium, even 15min quick meals.
According to the grocer:
Our dedication to you as a valued Trader Joe’s customer is to provide you with helpful information to make informed buying decisions because we know that you have specific dietary concerns.
While not what I would call reader-friendly, the list is a long one, which should be exciting for anyone tired of the treasure hunt.
Gluten-free foods at Trader Joe’s Trader Joe’s labeling system
Back when I lived in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, I was an avid hiker. At any given point you could find bags of trail mix in my backpack, some store-bought, most home made. I haven’t been hiking since I was diagnosed with Celiac last year, but Elizabeth over at Wildflower Morning has a recipe for gluten-free granola that I am bookmarking immediately.
Celiacs are used to bringing their own snacks on trips both near and far, but it’s especially important anytime you’re going to be out in the wilderness. In my pre-celiac life, I could ask a fellow weekend warrior for a Power Bar if I ran out, but celiacs run the risk of having nothing to eat no matter who you run into on the trail. If you find yourself two miles into a 12-mile hike with no fuel left, you run the risk of bonking in the middle of nowhere. That’s a dangerous scenario.
Even more reason to take a look at her recipe! I’m not supposed to eat oats for a good year while my system heals, but for those of you that can eat oats, this looks like a great mix.
Gluten-Free Granola [Wildflower Morning]
The folks at Enjoy Life Bakery just outside Chicago are on a mission: to help people, especially those with allergies and Celiac disease, eat freely and enjoy their foods.
To that end, the bakery cranks out a large portfolio of safe-to-eat products, including trail mix, snack bars, granola and bagels. Distributed in grocery stores like Jewel and Hannaford (which is quickly getting the gluten-free message), the brand is quickly becoming a go-to for people looking to eat gluten-free.
Some of the bakery’s staff eats gluten-free too. And they’ve put together a list of some of their favorite gluten-free foods (pdf). With a passion like this, Enjoy Life bakery is sure to succeed in making people smile.
Benjamin Franklin once said that “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is making sure that’s true for Celiacs as well. New Grist, made from Sorghum and Rice Extract is the first gluten-free beer recognized by the U.S. government.
But they aren’t satisfied just making the beer. They want to get to know Celiacs everywhere. The New Grist Web site features a social network where New Grist lovers and people living gluten-free can create profiles, share information, start message threads, and more. You can even start your own New Grist blog.
We’re members ourselves, so come say hello and toast to New Grist!
The Celiac Disease Blog, a great resource on About.com, is reporting that Celestial Seasons has started labeling their gluten-free options.
