Squished Bread?

Ok, Udi's you've won my love.  Let me share with you how we met.  It was a very warm day on May 1st in Baltimore, MD.  I was disappointed that I had been unable to attend the annual Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K in the morning, but when I was finally able to get back to my day, I headed to Whole Foods Market to stock up.  Now, up until this point, my standard bread was Whole Foods Market's Gluten Free Bakehouse's loaves. Yes, it needed to be toasted, but I was ok with that...it was good.

Being a gluten-free food finding machine, I was able to find every new gluten-free product they had in stock...and that happens to include Udi's granola (in the cereal aisle), loaves of fresh bread & bagels (with--you guessed it--the fresh bread), and cinnamon rolls (over in the bakery).  And yes, I bought all of them.  That's the confidence I have in Udi's.  Where did this confidence come from?  My tweeps on Twitter who just won't say a single negative thing about Udi's.  It was when I went to grab a loaf of bread that I realized that these people probably weren't lying.  This gluten-free bread is squishy.  Now, if there is one thing gluten-free bread buyers have never had to worry about: squished bread.  Well, Udi's, we now have that problem...and that may be the highest compliment you may receive.  (Oh, and the fact that you don't actually have to toast the bread to make it palatable.)

So, on this 91 degree day, as I unloaded my bags of groceries, I discovered that the guy who had bagged my groceries had placed something heavy on top of one of my loaves of Udi's bread, and the loaf was squished! Not crumbled, but squished... And a smile came across my face because I knew something good had entered my life.  So thank you Udi's for my new squishy gluten-free bread products.

Gluten-free take out? Stay tuned!

For me, one of the biggest challenges with being gluten-free is all the planning and preparation required – there’s not much room for spontaneity. I miss the convenience of being able to pick up a deli sandwich, slice of pizza or take-out when my fridge -- or energy level -- is low. But there’s good news on that front…

Wegmans, the ultra popular supermarket chain with a location in Hunt Valley, Maryland, recently emailed an online survey to its club card members. It turns out they’re hoping to launch a line of gluten-free prepared foods. Although I wasn’t able to participate in the survey, it was closed by the time I tried to log-in, I contacted Wegmans to learn more about the initiative. Here’s the scoop from the local Hunt Valley prepared foods manager:

Wegmans has been considering gluten-free carry-out for sometime – customers have been asking for it and the management feels it is “the right thing to do.”

The management is meeting to discuss the results of the customer survey tomorrow. They still need to gauge interest in gluten-free prepared foods. (Given how quickly the survey met its completion goal however, I’d say folks are interested in it!) Don’t worry, they’re already aware of the need to ensure that cross-contamination of gluten-free meals is minimized.

Eventually Wegmans hopes to have gluten-free carry-out in all stores. If it’s rolled out, the Hunt Valley location would be the first – we’ll keep you posted!

Wegmans.com 

(410) 773-3900
122 Shawan Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21030

Graul’s Market Does Gluten-Free

In Baltimore County, the local market, Graul’s, is well-known and well-loved, but until recently, not known for its selection of specialty gluten-free foods. It appears that may be changing however. Just last week, I went into Graul’s (Ruxton location) for a gallon of milk I’d forgotten during my regular grocery shopping run and noticed a gluten-free display set up near the produce aisle. They were featuring Bob’s Red Mill products (including the favorite gluten-free Mighty Tasty hot cereal), Betty Crocker’s gluten-free cookie, brownie and cake mixes (for $2.99, the cheapest price I’ve found -- possibly a special introductory price), and snickerdoodle cookies and blueberry muffins from local Baltimore bakery, Sweet Sin.

I picked up a package of Sweet Sin muffins and a bag of gluten-free candy from a natural foods company out of Germany I hadn’t heard of before called Seitenbacher. I opened the candy right away to quiet my squirmy toddler and snuck a piece of the fruity strawberry candy myself. It was delicious and we’ve since been back for more Seitenbacher candies. Graul’s also had gluten-free egg noodles (hard to find!), instant soups called ‘hot snacks’ in tomato, vegetable and potato varieties, instant sauce mixes, muesli, cornflakes and energy bars all made by Seitenbacher.


I spoke with the manager about their new gluten-free goodies. He told me they were recently added in response to requests from customers for more gluten-free items. When I asked about the availability at other locations, he said the Mays Chapel store has had a gluten-free specialty section for over a year. Thanks Graul’s!

Locations throughout Maryland:
Annapolis | Cape St. Claire | Hereford | Mays Chapel | Ruxton | St. Michaels


-Christine

Bringing Gluten-Free Chicago to Baltimore. It's a Win.

Da Luciano's
8343 W Grand Ave
River Grove, IL 60171
708-453-1000
dalucianos.com

This wonderful restaurant is near Chicago’s O’Hare airport. Why am I mentioning it to Baltimore area celiacs? Because they will now SHIP gluten free food!! They offer gluten free food I have literally never seen elsewhere including gluten free ravioli, tiramisu, cannoli, and much more. Check out their website! My husband - who does not have celiac disease - says their gluten free food doesn’t taste gluten-free. (Doesn’t taste like it’s missing anything.) All I can say is I am very happy whenever I eat their food.

This restaurant is owned by a husband and wife who have children with Celiac disease so they really know how to cook for celiacs. If you’re ever in Chicago, it’s a must visit.

-Susan

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Week

Starting next Monday, September 14, Trader Joes will be offering gluten-free samples and cooking ideas at their Towson store. “We thought it would be different and fun,” says the clerk who told me about their plans for “gluten-free week” after seeing gluten-free rice bread, English muffins and pasta in my cart. 

Note: Only the Towson location will be doing gluten-free demos. 

Trader Joe’s No Gluten products.

Trader Joe's Towson (649) 

1 E. Joppa Rd. 

Towson, MD 21286 

Phone Number: 410-296-9851 

Trading Hours: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm 

Ben & Jerry's: Our New Favorites

My birthday was Sunday, and I love ice cream cake, but I haven't been able to enjoy any for a while.  Ben & Jerry's is my new hero.  See, the Dairy Queen, Carvel, and Maggie Moo's cakes all have a cookie crumble or cake layer or both.  Ben & Jerry's allows you to have a gluten-free cake.

You have two options:  1. All ice cream or 2. Bring in your own filling, such as cookies or brownies.

Then you place a special order.  The Ben & Jerry's that I visited had a binder at the counter that listed all the gluten-free ice creams.  I chose Phish Food and Vanilla, chose my cake style from the catalog, and handed over my brownies.  The clerk wrote "GLUTEN-FREE - USE CUSTOMER BROWNIES" in the special instructions.  Even better:  we got a $3 discount for bringing in our own brownies.

I came back a day and a half later to pick it up, and it looked good!  It tasted good too.  As you can see in the picture below, there are two layers of brownie or cookie alternated with two layers of your choice of ice cream.  I chose the chocolate frosting, but there is vanilla as well.

Check out the Ben & Jerry's Website for a location near you!

Cookbooks Can be Fun

Generously posted to our blog by Mikki Black

(http://hereswhatletsdo.blogspot.com)

Recently, I was contacted in regards to a new cookbook: Gluten Free Every Day by Chef Robert Landolphi.  Would I like a free preview copy?  No strings attached.  Feel free to write about it on your blog, but you don't have to.  um... .... ... YES!

Shortly thereafter, the book arrived, and I began to read.  Turns out it's not just a cookbook.

The whole first chapter, "Gluten Free Basics", is informative.  Each successive chapter begins with a quick breakdown of what you need to know to cook the type of food in that chapter.  Some of these informational segments are just a few sentences, and others, such as chapter three: "Entrees", for example, you get a two page list of possible coatings to replace the traditional flour breading. (THANK YOU!)

I wish I had had this book last year when I was first diagnosed.  I didn't know which way to turn, and it seemed that almost all the books I came across were either way too organic or too gourmet for my tastes and style (or they just had awful foods! Bleah.)

This book is excellent for someone who is just starting out.  It's easy to read and it does not contain the words "for dummies" (for me, this is super-important).  It's also a fairly versatile book.  It has recipes that would appeal to a variety of people:  Here's a short list of some of the items it contains:

• Beer-Battered Onion Rings (super yummy, and a little spicy)
• Baked beans
• Cranberry-Hazelnut Rice Stuffing
• Shrimp and Vegetable Pad Thai
• White Chicken Chili
• Ricotta Cream Berry Trifle
• Parmesean-Pesto Chicken with Pecans

Whether you're just starting out on your gluten free life or you've been at it a while and are just looking for something new and interesting, this is a good book.  I hope you like it as much as I do.

Zeer-It

I recently toured and demo-ed the food search engine, Zeer.com.  Zeer.com services numerous food preferences, such as dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and organic; however, its gluten-free "community" is huge, with over 30,000 products already in its database and new ones added daily.  Here's a snapshot of how Zeer.com gluten-free works:

You type in a food item, for example: College Inn Chicken Stock and it brings up a photo of the chicken stock with a bold symbol indicating its gluten status (there are four possibilities based loosely on color-coded traffic signals):

1. Check Mark:  Labeled gluten-free
2. Question Mark:  Appears to be gluten-free (not labeled as such, but Zeer.coom experts have examined the product and determined it appears to be free of ingredients containing gluten)
3. Caution Sign:  May contain gluten (some products get this labeling if there's concern about cross contamination)
4. Stop Sign:  Contains gluten

If your favorite chicken stock contains gluten, Zeer.com recommends gluten-free alternatives.  You can also search for gluten-free foods by categories, such as "cereal" or "snacks."  There's a drink category, which includes beer and spirits.  You can also create gluten-free grocery lists and share them with friends and family directly from the website.

What to know about Zeer.com:

• Every product in the database has a "last confirmed date."  While products are updated regularly and all "last confirmed dates" are within the last twelve months, you can vote on products you want updated in an expedited fashion.
• They have an impressive staff of celiac experts and nutritionists reviewing the status of every product.  At least two people code each statement for wheat, rye, barley, and oats.  If there is any disagreement about the coding, it is reviewed by a third expert at Zeer.com.
• They highlight and box key ingredients such as "Carmel Color" and "Modified Food Starch" and provide detailed explanations about why they are gluten-free or gluten-containing.  You can learn a lot from Zeer.com.

All this gluten-free expertise and organization isn't free though.  To get full access to Zeer.com, you need to subscribe for $14.95 a month. (note:  you can get Zeer.com as an iPhone app).  In the future they may offer quarterly or annual subscriptions.  They're also working on enhancements like being able to join multiple communities at once, for example, joining both the gluten-free and dairy-free communities so that those with both gluten and dairy intolerances can filter searches for products meeting both their dietary restrictions.  In addition, they may add over-the-counter drugs and health and beauty grocery items to the database.  The convenience may soon have many of us "zeering it."

http://www.zeer.com

-Christine

Doesn't Everyone Love To Be Fooled By Gluten-Free Products?

So, there's BIG news!  Betty Crocker has 4 gluten-free products out.  So far, the two stores where they've been spotted are the SuperFresh in Timonium, MD and the SuperFresh in Hampden.  Let's see if we can compile a longer list.  I'm sure we can!  Add a comment that shows where you found the latest and greatest.  I've personally tried the yellow cake mix -- delicious.  Monica has bought and baked the Devils Food Cake which "regular gluten eaters cannot tell the difference", and a good friend has tried the chocolate chip cookies, with the same positive results.  So, go!  Get yourself some gluten-free goodies.  See how many people you can fool -- or eat it all yourself, we don't really care either way, just let us know what you think.

(Monica's Caveat:  Be careful of store-bought icing.  You can read the label, but it doesn't always have the right information.  I made the mistake and bought the wrong one and am just now recovering from the consequences of getting glutened.  Lesson Learned:  Make Your Own Icing.  Try this one.)

The Fresh Market

The Fresh Market is what I'd like to categorize as a "boutique-style" grocery store:  Its layout is similar to that of an open-air market, yet it boasts an intimacy that is created with spectacular lighting, displays, and product placement.  

The Produce section appears almost to be in technicolor.  And (if it's possible) the Deli, Meat, and Seafood counters also offer the same beauty usually only constructed by food stylists with inedible products.  The Bakery is undeniably home to some fine artisans and craftsmen who give "fresh" a new name.  Unfortunately, I was unable to find a single offering of anything gluten-free; which--I must say--was quite disappointing.  I would imagine that these bakers and pastry chefs have the ability and knowledge of the science of baking necessary to create some darn good gluten-free products.  Perhaps they're worried about cross-contamination or that the gluten-free goods will become the ugly stepchildren to the glamorous golden Asiago and Sundried Tomato bread?  

The Packaged Goods and Freezer sections contain a surprising mix of mainstream and specialty products.  Bella Cucina products reside alongside Pepperidge Farm products.  However, there are no clear gluten-free labels, and there is no designated gluten-free section.  The gluten-free products' list they offer is a basic Excel spreadsheet compiled on-the-fly by store employees, and it is by no means complete.  This would not have been such a shock several years ago, but in today's world, it felt odd. 

If you are looking for a way to spend some time reading and decoding labels (in a space that is just waiting to make its Food Network debut) this is where you would want to be.  And, while you will spend time in the search, the prices are highly competitive.  For reasons still unknown, I happen to have memorized the price ranges of Alexia frozen french fries.  Fresh Market offers these for an astoundingly low $2.19, as opposed to the typical $2.79 range.  Impressive for a place with such an air of glamour and luxury.   

It's true: The Fresh Market has not yet jumped on the Gluten-Free Friendly Marketing Bandwagon. Perhaps they have not yet been informed of the statistics showing 1 in 133 people are likely to have Celiac Disease, and the countless others (such as those with autism and fibromyalgia) who benefit from following a gluten-free diet.  

It wouldn't be surprising, though, if within the coming months--as the Gluten-Free Diet itself continues to go mainstream--Fresh Market follows suit.  While it certainly is not competitive on the grounds of being "Gluten-Free Friendly" like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Wegmans; for those who maintain their gluten-free diets primarily through fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, Fresh Market offers a new beautiful--and relatively affordable--option.

Currently, the only Fresh Market in Maryland is located in Quarry Lake, 2510 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209.  There will be a second location opening in Annapolis.  

Rice Chex goes Gluten Free!

Rice Chex is now Gluten Free!  [Pause for cheering and applause.] General Mills is taking large steps and offering up their Rice Chex cereal in gluten-free form, with a great big label showing that it is indeed gluten-free.  In addition to the product change, they have also offered up several amazingly delicious recipes for Chex Mix.  Parties might just be more fun again and include more than just the veggie platter!  So exciting...and mouthwatering...

 

    

Recipes such as: 

Chex® Muddy Buddies®

Ginger-Rice Crunch

Italian Chex® Mix

Chex® Brittle

Monica's Goes Grocery Shopping and We Get Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I started my week with a trip to the grocery store.  Yup, the regular ol' grocery store: SuperFresh.  They don't have a large selection of specifically gluten-free products, but they do have my weekly staples.

I write the items on my list in the order in which I will walk around the store; it helps me to avoid the unnecessary purchases (like candy and potato chips).  Also, since I've started to walk to and from the store, I like to make the trip as quick as possible.

 

So here it is:  The list...

(Directly from my hot pink post-it note):

• Soy milk (I still cannot drink cow's milk.  Thank you, gut...) -- Silk brand (I've tried other brands and for me this one tastes the best.)
  
• Rice Pudding -- Kozy Shack
  
• Yogurt -- Dannon or Yoplait brands are labeled Gluten Free!
  
• Cream cheese--Philadelphia
  
• Corn tortillas – Pepito
• Eggs
• Lunch meat – Oscar Mayer (Lucky me!  It's on sale this week!)
• Canned Black beans -- Goya or Hanover
• Tomato Soup -- Pacific
• Canned tuna -- Chicken of the Sea
• Canned chicken – Valley Fresh, read the label, it should say GF, if it doesn't, err on not trying it.
• Rice Chex Cereal -- General Mills
• Peanut Butter--Jif Brand, but I also have 'natural' versions of peanut butter that are just as delicious and w/o the extra stabilizers and stuff, but Jif is the best to make my favorite cookies!
• Banana
• Pear

There are plenty of items that I already have in the pantry and freezer that I can add to this week's staples for my meals.  What's already in the pantry and freezer:

• Frozen broccoli and spinach -- store brand
  
• Whole Foods Bakehouse -- pizza crust and sandwich bread
  
• Glutino bagels
  
• Canned diced tomatoes (usually less expensive and won't spoil) -- store brand
  
• Bag of potatoes
  
• Bag of onions
  
• Fresh garlic and ginger
  
• Corn meal – Quaker
  
• Premade polenta – Sun of Italy
  
• Brown Rice
  
• Rice noodles (found in the Asian section of the store)
  
• Pasta -- DeBoles Corn or Ancient Harvest Quinoa pasta products
  
• Grits – store brand or Quaker
  
• Marinara sauce – Rinaldi original or marinara
  
• Goya's canned tuna stuffed olives (I love Goya!)
  
• Cook and serve pudding – jello
  
• Tortilla chips – Utz, Tostitos
  
• Salsa – many kinds, Mrs. Renfro’s is my current favorite (read the label, it should say GF, if it doesn't, err on not trying it.)
  
• Tofu – NaSoya
  
• Canned pineapple -- store brand
  
• Ground flax seed -- Bob’s Red Mill
  
• Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch (It's a new find for me and it's a great price, compared to other bars)
  
• Lara bars -- all the flavors are good
• Carnation Instant Breakfast (dark chocolate, all flavors but malt are ok)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 c. Peanut Butter

1 c. granulated sugar

1 c. brown sugar

1 Tbs. GF vanilla flavoring -- McCormick

4 eggs

1 bag chocolate chips -- Nestle

 

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients together. Drop 1" spoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly browned. Cool and Enjoy.

 

We baked these cookies at Christmas and I took them to my Super Bowl party. No one knew the difference. It was fun to see the reactions of family and friends when I told them the cookies were gluten free!

 

Gluten Free doesn't mean that you have to give up what you really love. It gives you a license to be creative!

Welcome to Monica and Her Outstanding Gluten-Free Hunting!

Monica is our newest associate contributor.  She's been quite active on our site for some time now, leaving great comments, and helpful pieces of advice.  She's been gluten-free for 2 years now.  Living with fibromyalgia, Monica decided to try the gluten-free diet as a potential treatment and form of relief.  Two years later, it must be working because she continues to eat gluten-free.  As always, we like to introduce our contributors with a list of their favorite foods; Monica's list includes:  hummus & carrots, pizza, peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, nuts, lara bars, and a gluten-free diet staple:  chips and salsa.  In addition to enjoying great gluten-free food, Monica enjoys running & cycling, everything having to do with dogs, and the Avon Breast Cancer Walk.

Monica is a great gluten-free goodies hunter.  She brings with her some outstanding news: Gluten-Free Cakes and Cupcakes right here in the Baltimore Metro Area (and D.C.!).

Cakelove

American Can Company

2500 Boston Street, Suite 4B

Baltimore, MD 21224

410.522.1825

Cakelove helped Monica's boyfriend (perhaps he's actually the actual gluten-free goodies hunter in the relationship?) out and he scored bonus points by getting a gluten-free chocolate cake with fresh strawberry icing to share with friends after dinner at Nacho Mamas! 

Costly Crackers

Anne R. Lee, a nutritionist who specializes in celiac disease, published a research paper in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics in 2007 on the topic of the price of gluten-free foods.  To sum up her research in just a few words:  the gluten-free diet is pricey.  On average, specialty gluten-free foods (bread, pasta, cereal, waffles, cookies, crackers, pretzels, pizza, cake) cost two to three times that of their conventional counterparts.  While Lee found that across the board every gluten-free product costs more than wheat-based ones, the most expensive gluten-free product costs more than wheat-based ones, the most expensive gluten-free items she surveyed were "snack" foods: crackers, cake, pretzels and the like.

Interestingly, Lee examined the cost of gluten-free foods in five different geographical regions (New York City and its metro area; Portland, Oregon; Atlanta, Georgia; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Chicago, Illinois) and in four different types of stores (regular grocers; upscale grocers; health food stores; and internet stores).  Lee found that in general, geographic location didn't affect the cost of gluten-free foods as much as type of stores.  Online shopping was the most expensive, though it offered the best selection, while regular grocery stores were, not surprisingly, the cheapest (and the most limited in selection).

Notably, gluten-free cereal was one food item Lee surveyed that was relatively close in cost to conventional cereal.  But instead of being a bright spot for gluten-free shoppers, it probably points more to the fact that cereal in general is an expensive purchase.

It remains to be seen if the projected growth in the gluten-free marketplace meaningfully affects prices.  According to Lee's research, the cost of gluten-free foods would have to come way down to match their wheat-based counterparts.  And Lee cautions that for some, the prohibitive cost of gluten-free foods could be a barrier to dietary compliance.

Lee, AR et al. (2007) Economic burden of a gluten-free diet. J Hum Nutr Diet 20 pp 423-430.

GlutenFree Bakehouse: Bread, Scones, and Pie. Oh My!

This is Part II of a new series dedicated to answering the question:  What's in Your Pantry?

When Whole Foods Market opened their Gluten Free Bakehouse, (sometime around 2005) everything became a little better.  It was a day to be celebrated: bread, personal-sized pies, scones, muffins, brownies, biscuits, cornbread, cookies, pizza crust, pie crusts, cakes & cupcakes...all packaged and sitting there in the freezer section just waiting and wanting for me to eat them.

The Sun-dried Tomato and Roasted Garlic sliced bread, when toasted, is the perfect compliment to a turkey sandwich.  The sandwich bread is versatile and works well as toast to accompany eggs and bacon for breakfast, chopped and baked into croutons for a salad for lunch, or slathered with butter, garlic, and parsley for garlic bread to accompany a big gluten-free Italian dinner.

The first product I fell in love with, though, were the Almond Scones.  They're huge, so remember to cut them in half.  All that needs to be done is let them thaw in the refrigerator, and then eat.

Of course, at Thanksgiving, it was fun to have a pumpkin pie and pecan pie pre-made sitting in my refrigerator.

I also find that their pizza crusts, while not so great for pizza, make a great base for gluten-free focaccia:  just brush with olive oil add some herbs and bake:  Moist, chewy, and delicious in minutes!

-Kate

Editor-in-Chief

gf Meals by Your Dinner Secret

We were sitting around discussing several Celiacs we know who don't follow the gluten-free diet strictly, and then continue to complain about their miserable symptoms.  These are the ones who are too busy to take care of themselves, don't have the time to recognize that the gluten-free diet isn't like a weight-loss diet; rather, it is a lifestyle.  That's where gf Meals comes to the rescue!

In a world where much of our grocery store's freezer section is filled with TV dinners, the gluten-free diet has been slow to catch-up; however, that's no longer the case.  gf meals offers entrees, side dishes, baked goods that will be delivered directly to your door and ready to cook. In our busy world, this may be the ticket to remaining healthy.  

Click here to visit gfMeals.com

The Natural Market

The Natural Market

2149 York Rd

Timonium, MD 21093

410-560-3133

Hours:

Monday - Friday:  9:30am - 8pm

Saturday: 10am-6pm

Sunday: 11am - 7pm

I am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of The Natural in Timonium, MD.  Their selection of gluten-free products just keeps expanding, and they keep continuing to find new and improved products.  They have some outstanding frozen foods, especially Glutino's frozen personal sized pizzas as well as some gluten-free TV dinners that are quite good.  (TV dinners--as far as I recall--were never top-notch gourmet food anyway...)  

The shopping center is currently under construction, but it's worth the trip!

If You Would Rather Purchase Products Than Eat At A Restaurant...

I realized recently, as I was going to make myself dinner, that I haven't posted about stores that stock gluten-free products.  I've been so focused on the difficulties of eating out when gluten-free, that I just completely glossed over the fact that there are many places in and around Baltimore where one can purchase gluten-free products and ingredients.  If the stores have provided lists of gluten-free products, you can find them as links below.  I will also list a few of my favorites as well.  So, with that in mind, here we go:

Whole Foods Market [Harbor East]

1001 Fleet Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

410-528-1420

Gluten-Free Products List

Whether you are a visitor to Baltimore staying in one of the hotels in Harbor East, or a long-time Baltimorean, Whole Foods Market is the place to go for gluten-free products. While this store has gluten-free products scattered throughout, my favorite place is in the freezer section right in the middle of the store.  If you are walking toward the back of the store, the right side of the freezer section contains a section of gluten-free products from their Gluten-Free Bakehouse.  Their sandwich bread is especially good!  If you continue back, Van's Waffles are also in the freezer section.  Be sure you check to make sure you've grabbed the gluten-free version (some aren't!).  On the left side of the freezer section, there is a wide variety of Amy's frozen products.  Once again, you'll have to make sure that you are buying a gluten-free product, because some of them aren't!  As you'll see from the products' list, there are hundreds of gluten-free items located throughout the store.

Whole Foods Market [Mount Washington]

1330 Smith Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21209

410-532-6700

Gluten-Free Products List

While the parking can be a little hectic at times, this Whole Foods Market also has an outstanding selection of gluten-free products.  Head to the back of the store and on your left you'll find the freezer section.  You'll have to try the Whole Foods Bakehouse Gluten-Free Pie Crusts; they are fantastic for quiche!  This store also stocks some of Sweet Sin Bakery's Individual Desserts right in the same freezer case.  They are quite pricey, but if you're looking to indulge, I'd definitely recommend the Pecan Tart, but there are probably four or five others to choose from as well.

Whole Foods Market [Annapolis]

2504 Solomon's Island Road

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-573-1800

Gluten-Free Products List

Whole Foods Market [Gaithersburg]

316 Kentlands Boulevard

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

301-258-9500

Gluten-Free Products List

Trader Joe's [Towson]

1 East Joppa Road

Towson, MD 21286

410-296-9851

Gluten-Free Products List

Whether you happen to be in Towson visiting one of the colleges, visiting family, or you just live in or around Towson, Trader Joe's is an excellent place to stock up on gluten-free products.  Once again, the parking situation is not optimal, but you'll realize it was worth it when you get home and try a bite of their Sweet Without Wheat Tiramisu.  While I wasn't ever a big fan of Trader Joe's--I'm not really sure how I came to that conclusion--I certainly have changed my mind.  They have some fantastic gluten-free products:  from fully-prepared entrees and desserts, to gluten-free ingredients.  You'll have to pick up one of their Sweet without Wheat frozen desserts.  It's in the first aisle on the left in the freezer.  I do not recommend any of their homemade gluten-free breads, but that doesn't mean the rest of the gluten-free products aren't any good...I also highly suggest their gluten-free Granola that sits alongside the rest of their cereals and granolas.  In fact, I'm eating some right now as I type this.  My personal favorite is the tropical forest variety, but that's just me.

Trader Joe's [Pikesville]

1809 Reisterstown Road

Pikesville, MD 21208

410-484-8373

Gluten-Free Products List

Trader Joe's [Columbia]

6610 Marie Curie Drive

Elkridge, MD 21075

410-953-8139

Gluten-Free Products List

Trader Joe's [Annapolis]

160 F Jennifer Road

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-573-0505

Gluten-Free Products List

Trader Joe's [Gaithersburg]

18270 Contour Road

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

301-947-5953

Gluten-Free Products List

The Natural [Timonium]

2149 York Road

Timonium, MD 21093

410-560-3133

Gluten-Free Products

You might be in Timonium because you live there, or because you're visiting the Maryland State Fairgrounds, or because you're visiting family.  No matter why you're there, The Natural is a great resource for gluten-free products.  The Natural is hidden at the very end of a Shopping Center in Timonium, across from the Maryland State Fairgrounds.  When you enter the store, head right down the aisle straight ahead of you, and you will find a huge variety of gluten-free products on your right.  The Natural stocks lots of Ener-G products, so if you're a fan, you'll be in heaven.  If you're like me, they have plenty of other products to keep you happy and coming back.  From Glutano cookies and crackers, to Pamela's cookies and Glutino breakfast bars, Tinkyada Lasagna noodles and other gluten-free pastas.  Now, I am personally disgusted by Ener-G products, but that's my opinion.   But, don't stop there, keep walking to the freezers in the back of the store and you'll find Glutino frozen pizzas: cheese or spinach and feta.  I highly suggest picking up one of these.  They make a great lunch or dinner.  I find them filling, despite their rather small size.  On the right wall freezer section, you'll find even more frozen foods:  Kinnikinnick products, such as sandwich bread and their delicious cinnamon rolls.  I recommend Glutano's Bagels.  You'll have to wander around the store to find the other hidden gluten-free goodies, but it's worth it.

Wegmans [Hunt Valley]

122 Shawan Road

Hunt Valley, MD 21030

Gluten-Free Products List

If you've never been to a Wegmans, you have not experienced everything there is to experience.  Wegmans is HUGE.  If you have social anxiety, I recommend not going on a Weekend.  I'm not making this up:  there was a Bus Tour one weekend that stopped at Wegmans.  Anyway, you'll have to do a bit of hunting for the gluten-free products, but many of them are located right in the middle of the store, where organic foods and health supplies are.  While Wegmans is huge, I've always been slightly disappointed by the lack of variety of products.  But, you'll find lots of glutano products (from cookies to crackers to pastas) in their gluten-free aisle.  Grab a bag of Glutino pretzels.  You won't be disappointed, unless you were looking for them to taste exactly like gluten-filled pretzels...  Anyway in the freezer case right near the gluten-free aisle, you'll find Glutino sandwich bread and bagels, as well as Foods By George gluten-free cornbread (which is outstanding, especially as part of a cornbread stuffing!)  Refer to the product list link above for a full listing of gluten-free products.  Many of Wegmans' brand products will say whether they are gluten-free.

Whole Foods Market Gluten Free Bakehouse

The Whole Foods Market Gluten Free Bakehouse

Baltimore has two Whole Foods Markets:  One in Mount Washington and one in Harbor East. There are also locations in Annapolis, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, and Rockville.  I will be writing about the Mount Washington and Harbor East locations, because those are the only two that I have visited in the area.

Anyway, Baltimore's Whole Foods Markets offer selections from their Gluten Free Bakehouse in the freezer sections: from the Sandwich Bread to Blueberry Muffins to Almond Scones, Banana Bread, and Carrot Cake to Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies and Walnut Brownies to personal sized pies, such as apple and pecan.  You can view the full list of Product Offerings here.

I must say, their gluten free sandwich bread is quite delicious (yes, it still must be toasted, but really it only needs to be warmed up), I like their almond scones too.  I find their pizza crust to be delicious not as the crust for pizza, but as the base for focaccia, or cut up for sandwiches. Their pie crust is outstanding as the crust for quiches.

So, yes, these are expensive products, but if you put them in your freezer, they last for quite some time and they are delicious.  So if you happen to be craving delicious bread, a good muffin, or banana bread, stop by Whole Foods Market and pick up a few frozen gluten free goods.  I promise: You won't regret it.