Sunday, April 21, 2013

April 18 Gluten Free Shopping summary

Hi Folks,
Our # 1 topic by survey feedback was gluten free shopping, so I'll do my best here to summarize what we kicked around. Please note we'll meet again for dinner at Jason's Deli on Thurs. May 16 at 6:30 PM so we can continue this discussion if desired. I do need to know if you're coming, as they've asked for a headcount.

Here goes, in no particular order or organization! :-)

Super WalMart off 441 has a gluten free section with prices cheaper than most.
Rice pasta is often cheaper at Asian markets (which are interesting in and of themselves)
Green Polka Dot Box is a membership based club... but we aren't clear on details
Vitacost is mentioned a lot, but no one is sure what it is.

Some feel that online prices are cheaper but that shipping cancels the savings. Others said that Amazon.com has free shipping if you're a Prime Member (about $75 a year?). There are some other non-food bennies with this. May have to order in bulk. They will do auto-ship. It will tell you what's free shipping or not so you can make informed purchases.

Pasta.... every single one of us had a different favorite, so there's really some subjectivity here and it's trial and error. Fresh market has carried Jovial. Publix has carried Ancient Harvest quinoa/corn blend. Lots of varieties, and consensus was just work your way thru them and take notes so you find your favorites. Someone liked Sam Mills Pasta D'oro but had only found it in High Springs. Dellalo brown rice pasta noted as good, but also only seen at Winn Dixie in High Springs. I just saw an ad in Paleo magazine for pasta made from almond flour so it's less high-carb. I'm blanking on the co. name but if you Google "almond flour pasta," I bet you'll find it.

GF wraps do exist. Publix on 39th has sold Don Pancho brand.Food for Life brown rice tortillas noted as OK. Schar breadsticks were voted very good. Hokam ? rice sticks noted as good.

Highly recommended to subscribe to all the gluten free magazines. Aside from recipes and the latest research/news, the ads are also very informative, as these companies are all working to perfect their formulas, out-perform the others, and DO advertise. Try Delight Gluten Free, Living Without, and Gluten Free Living.

Chex and Rice Krispies noted as good gluten free cereals. Be sure you're getting the ones that are gluten free, though. Betty Crocker got good reviews for good GF baking mixes, as did GF Bisquick and stuff from Gluten Free Pantry. Unfortunately, stores are so inconsistent that it really takes shopping around and trying out new stuff.

Breads...also a variety of opinions. Udi's seems to be getting better. Canyon Bakehouse got good reviews, can definitely be bought online, but someone found at Earth Origins. We did agree you can ask store managers to carry your favorite brands. Apparently Jason's Deli will sell a large, fluffy loaf of Udi's, not the small sizes that we buy in the store!


NO SAMI's bread, due to cross-contamination issues. Deland Bakery now has a dedicated gluten free facility but not sure how to get it, as last I heard a personal order had to be in bulk.

We all agree don't buy a bunch of specialty gluten free flour unless you're a baker, having all made that mistake and then given it away or tossed it. One good bag of gluten free baking flour mix will usually do it, and if you prefer, a bag of coconut and/or almond flour for something a little less in the high-carb range.

Amy's frozen stuff noted as pretty good.

TJ Maxx and BigLots actually carry some GF stuff. Sweet Bay on 441 is noted to be catching on. Wards, Earth Origins ,and the downtown coop great places, of course.

Ladies and gentlemen, that was all we covered. Much more to share, I'm sure, so please join us for our Summer kick-off dinner at Jason's Deli on May 16.

Til then,
Janet