Gluten Free Finds

Short Sale: 20% off at Jet-dot-com – Lots of GF Items

For a short time jet.com is taking 20% off when you buy 6 or more eligible items. Jet has a good selection of gluten free groceries and snacks. Use code GROCERYBASH to get the deal.

Jet.com || Search Gluten Free at Jet

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Smart Flour Foods Frozen Gluten Free Pizza and Crusts!

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I really struggled to find a good gluten free frozen pizza. The biggest problem that I had was the use of a lot of rice flour in the crust. Most of them were just too dense and didn’t really remind me of a real pizza crust.

After actually liking Mellow Mushroom’s GF Pizza (and liking the way they handle it) See: Dear Mellow Mushroom… Thank You I noticed that they used Smart Flour Foods Crusts. I looked to see if Smart Flour sold mixes and didn’t find any. I did however notice that they sell frozen pizzas and frozen pizza crusts.

One of the reasons that I like Smart Flours crust is that it doesn’t have the consistency of most GF pizza crusts I’ve tried that are usually rice based. Smart Flours crust ingredients include…

Smart Flour (Tapioca Flour, Sorghum Flour, Teff Flour, Amaranth Flour), Potato Starch, Modified Tapioca Starch, Sorghum Flour, Water, Olive Oil, Sugar, Agave, Flax Seed, Yeast, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch, Monocalcium Phosphate), Guar Gum, Baking Soda, Canola Oil.

Current variations available include – uncured pepperoni, cheese, margherita, chicken sausage, Tuscan inspired two meat and Italian sausage. Those are available in two sizes both regular and family size.

I had a hard time actually tracking these down in my area, although I was finally able to lay my hands on some (with a little bit of a drive). I’m happy to say that Smart Flour Foods makes a delicious frozen pizza.

Smart Flour Foods has a store locator. Check it out and see if their pizzas are available in your area.

If they are not Amazon (as of this posting) has several varieties available. Search Smart Flour Pizza at Amazon – make sure and compare the total price, per pizza including shipping. Shipping frozen items can be expensive, factor that in when comparing.

Smart Flour Foods Frozen Pizza has been added to… Gluten Free Things That I Actually Like

Always check ingredients to confirm gluten free status. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer with questions.

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Gluten Content Test: Chilli Man Chili with Beans

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Chilli Man Chili with Beans is made by Faribault Foods.

Find Chilli Man Chili: Amazon || Wal-Mart || Jet

I contacted Faribault Foods to ask if Chilli Man Chili with Beans is gluten free. Note that this is their response to me personally. Ingredients and procedures can change over time, check with manufacturers to get up to date information.

I received this response on March 9, 2016

Thank you for your contact concerning Chilliman Chili. This product does not contain any gluten ingredients.

Barb Edwards
Consumer Relations

To put that to the test, I performed a GlutenTox test. GlutenTox allows you to choose between 5 and 20 PPM. I performed this test at the 20 PPM (parts per million) sensitivity level.

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The test stick has two lines, the one on the left is the blue control line and should always become visible. There is another possible line just to the right of that, that one is red. That becomes visible if gluten is detected at the selected concentration. As you can see in this photo only the control line is visible. According to this result the sample I tested has a lower than 20 PPM gluten content.

Each GlutenTox test comes with single use pipettes, extract solution, dilution solution, sample scoop and a test stick. The testing process is relatively simple and the instructions are clearly written. This test gives you some flexibility as you have the choice between testing at 20 PPM (parts per million) or 5 PPM. Under 20 PPM allows manufacturers to label certain foods as gluten free.

More About GlutenTox

GlutenTox Home is a quick, user-friendly test to detect gluten in foods, drinks, cosmetics, or any other substance. It’s useful for anyone who suffers from celiac disease, or keeps a gluten-free diet for any reason.

Adjustable sensitivity: test for 20ppm or 5ppm of gluten depending on your specific needs
No special equipment required; everything but the test material is included in the kit
Safe, non-toxic, and easy to use
Quick response: a reliable answer in less than 20 minutes
The included G12 antibody recognizes the toxic fraction of gluten in wheat, barley, rye, and even oat.

Kits contain everything you need to test for gluten in foods, drinks or cosmetics. Kits are available in 2-, 5- and 10-test quantities.

Price varies based on how many kits you buy

Visit GlutenTox

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A note about gluten content tests: These are performed in non-lab environments with small samples. Processes and ingredients change over time. Tests found on Gluten Free Finds should not be considered authoritative in nature. Always check product labels and consult manufacturers for additional information on ingredients and processes.

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Sale!

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As of this posting, Soap.com (an Amazon Company) is discounting many Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free products by 20%. Shipping is also free with a $49 order. I have no idea when this ends.

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free at Soap.com

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Always check ingredients to confirm gluten free status. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer with questions.

Oberto Spicy Sweet Beef Jerky [GF] 4 Packs

Oberto All Natural Spicy Sweet Beef Jerky, 3.25 Ounce Bag (Pack Of 4) from Oberto

All natural, low in carbohydrates, no MSG, 97% fat free, no MSG. Made in the USA . 4 x 3.25 ounce bags.

I take two or three packs of Oberto beef jerky with me every time I travel. I’ve found them to be a great source of gluten free protein when on the go.

Update; Since this post was published, the price has changed. Check the product page for up to the minute price and availability.

Oberto All Natural Spicy Sweet Beef Jerky, 3.25 Ounce Bag (Pack Of 4)

Always check ingredients to confirm gluten free status. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer with questions.

Recent Amazon Finds [view more]:

Stanley Vacuum Insulated Food Jar – For Eating on the Go

As much as I want to eat out every single meal always and forever like I used to do pre-celiac [About Me], I just can’t. I eat at home for many of my meals and, sometimes, bring food with me while I’m out and about.

I picked up Stanley’s Classic Vacuum Seal Insulated Food Jar to use while on the go. I settled on the Stanley after considering Klean Kanteen’s Canister and Hydroflask’s Canister. I like the size, features and stats.

I got the 17 oz size (a 24 oz is also available). It features vacuum insulation to keep food hot or cold for up to 12 hours. Vacuum insulation means there are two layers with a vacuum in between. That vacuum makes heat transfer very inefficient and insulates contents.

It’s made of 18/8 stainless steel and is naturally BPA free. The lid doubles as a 12 ounce bowl. It is also leak proof and packable and comes with a lifetime warranty. Whammo.

Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 17oz, 24oz

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Kitchen Gadgets: T-fal FR8000 Deep Fryer

We cover the occasional kitchen related item here on Gluten Free Finds because, we gluten free folks, tend to cook for ourselves a lot. See: Topics Covered

Since I have Celiac Disease [About Me], I can’t eat fried foods at most restaurants because of cross-contamination concerns. Since I would still like to enjoy the occasional fried thing, I picked up a deep fryer.

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After shopping around, comparing reviews, cost and features I settled on the T-fal FR8000 EZ Clean Deep Fryer.

I really like it because of it’s large capacity and basket and how easy it makes clean up. A flip of the switch drains and filters oil (of course after you’ve let it cool) into a sealed plastic container for storage. Excluding the easily removable heating unit, everything else can go into the dishwasher for cleaning.

It has… a 2.65 lb food capacity, a 3.5 liter oil capacity and includes a two position basket (1 position for frying and one for draining). It has an immersed heating element and (of course) an adjustable thermostat. 1,700 Watt heating element.

T-fal FR8000 Oil Filtration Ultimate EZ Clean Easy to clean 3.5-Liter Fry Basket Stainless Steel Immersion Deep Fryer, 2.6-Pound, Silver

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Restaurant Fail… If they can’t make it Celiac Safe, they shouldn’t plate it

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I’m fresh from returning for an overall great trip to Seattle. Look for a sizable trip report soon. Also: Trip Reports tag. I did want to tell you a quick story about a bad experience that I had in hopes that you’ll learn from my misfortune.

The primary reason we went to the Seattle area was a family function. We flew from the Midwest to Seattle. The family function had an associated luncheon with it. Great… that’s always fun for a Celiac [About Me].

I called the restaurant a few days in advance and spoke with the Chef. He was polite and respectful. I asked him if he knew what Celiac Disease was and he said… not really, could I tell him about it. I explained it in general and let him know that I’m very sensitive to even small amounts of gluten.

After chatting, he told me he didn’t feel comfortable providing food to me. Surprising, since this was an actual Chef at what appeared to be a well-rated and moderately expensive restaurant. Nevertheless, I would have rather heard this vs sweet nothings combined with sickness from gluten. He suggested that I bring my own food in and they would plate it. Good solution. I asked him if I should just ask for a plate and he said that he would prefer that I give them the food for plating. Ok.

The morning of the event I drove 25 miles in the wrong direction to get a gluten free breakfast at a highly rated Seattle based dedicated gluten free restaurant. It was delicious. The restaurant also prepared and packed up a lunch for me. Yay! I have no doubts that the lunch I received was gluten free and Celiac safe.

Upon arriving at the luncheon, I spoke with staff to let them know I was there and went over plating my food. They immediately knew who I was and what my situation was. They expected to see me and seemed to have it under control. The last thing I said before giving them my food was… that whoever touched my food needed to wash their hands and change their gloves prior to doing so.

Upon receiving the food (a panini and a cup of soup), I knew that the food had been warmed up. My assumption was that this had been done in a microwave (wrong). Within a couple hours, I became certain that I had been poisoned by gluten. I would say it was a small amount of cross contamination.

I emailed the manager about this. He was apologetic and confused at what happened. He said that “kitchen staff had washed their hands multiple times” preparing my food. Wait.. preparing my food? I was already told that the restaurant didn’t have the capacity to safely prepare my food. Their task was to… put it on a plate. Yet, they felt the need to “play chef” and contaminate my food. Note that he (rightly) never disputed the gluten free status of the food I brought.

This leads me to a new rule that I’ve made up for myself… If they can’t make it then they shouldn’t plate it. If a restaurant staff isn’t trained to understand basic food safety, including cross contamination, then they can pretty easily botch anything up. If you’re in a similar situation to me, I’d say skip the eating altogether. If for whatever reason you feel that they must plate your food then I would suggest that you talk directly with a Chef or cook and walk through every single step that the food will take.

Lesson Learned.

I had a good discussion with the management and asked them to commit to discussing this issue among their team. They agreed.

Also: Gluten Free Dining Out Cards (English and Spanish Edition) – Review

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Get This Book: Jennifer’s Way

I typically try to read a book while on vacation. We just got back from a trip to Seattle. My choice for this trip was “Jennifer’s Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease–What Doctors Don’t Tell You and How You Can Learn to Live Again”

All I can say is… wow. Jennifer Esposito tells her compelling and sometimes heartbreaking storing of dealing with celiac disease for nearly her whole life.

If you have celiac disease or think you may have celiac disease, I think you should read this book. Also… if you are in the healthcare industry or know someone who is a doctor or nurse… buy them this book. Jennifer’s story shatters the myth that this is fad or minor disease. This would also be a good title to share with family and friends to let them know just how serious this condition can be.

I don’t share the severity and length of Jennifer’s story or the severity of her symptoms, but I do see shadows of what she has gone through in my own experience. I was essentially told I was crazy when I suggested to my general practitioner that I may have celiac disease. Crazy. Even after my GP received blood work results were a clear indication of celiac, I was told that “I might want to try a gluten free diet”. No referral to Gastroenterologist or additional information. Just… give it a shot and see what happens. Had I not diagnosed myself through internet research and trial and error, I may have gone years and years without a diagnosis. If it was up to my GP…. I would be trying to relax try and relieve the stress in my life that was causing my health problems.

My own situation has frustrated and confused me but I am utterly flabbergasted at Jennifer Esposito’s story. I think you should get this book and share it with the people in your life.

Jennifer’s Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease–What Doctors Don’t Tell You and How You Can Learn to Live Again

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Free Shipping on Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free

Get Free Shipping on your Canyon Bakehoues order of $60 or more when you include their gluten free hamburger buns in your order. Shop Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free

Details….. Orders will ship FedEx Ground. Orders are not guaranteed to ship same-day and may be shipped the following week. Coupon does not apply to expedited orders. Retail orders only. $50 minimum does not include tax or shipping. Coupon applies to both individual packages and cases of Hamburger Buns. To claim your free shipping, enter “SUMMER” under “Discount Codes” on the shopping cart page. Code is case sensitive. Offer ends 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time 7/12/16