On Sunday, Kevin and I visited Vancouver’s first (annual, I hope) Gluten-Free Expo. I didn’t take any photos there, as I’d intended, because the crowds were huge. Around 3,000 people attended, so many that some booths ran out of stock and had to send for more. Some of our favourite gluten-free vendors were there and we discovered some new ones, too. Things are looking up for those with celiac disease and gluten-intolerance.
Inspired by the expo, I thought I’d do a round up of some great gluten-free goods. I’ve posted about a few favourites before, but the list just keeps growing. As does the awareness of how to serve gluten-avoiding customers safely in restaurants.
Gluten-Free Bakeries
Gluten-Free Grocers
All Choices stores label gluten-free goods with a blue shelf tag and stores like East End Food Co-op, Donald’s Market, Nestor’s, and Drive Organics carry gluten-free goods, but there’s only one store in Vancouver that is dedicated to gluten-free goods entirely – Ed’s Gluten Free Specialty (which has sadly gone out of business, now).
If you’re looking for gluten-free flours, though, my first choice is Famous Foods. They have a huge selection of flours, along with tonnes of grains, nuts, and seeds.
Gluten-Free Dining
Vancouver is a great city for gluten-free eating. So many establishments get it. I’m listing a few that we’ve had good experiences with, but there are many more. Call ahead and ask if the restaurant you’re interested in can accommodate a gluten-free eater. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many places, even if they don’t have a dedicated gluten-free menu, know how to take care of people who avoid gluten.
Gluten-Free Resources
The Canadian Celiac Association
All the photos in this week’s post are gluten-free dishes from past posts. Here’s the list, if you’re interested:
One Wet Foot 
I think of you anytime I see something gluten-free, Teresa. I realize how challenging it must be to have to tweak so many recipes so that you can eat them, but it is so good to see so many gluten-free options that are out there now. I’m glad you and Kevin got to go to the Expo. I heard Thomas Kellar mention on a recent appearance on Martha Stewart’s show that he sells gluten-free flour now, but I see that you have your favorite. What a great round-up of recipes. I remember them all.
Thanks, Elaine. I’ve heard about his flour, but I think it’s quite expensive. I’ve been lucky to find a mix that works quite well for me and I’ve also experimented with mixing flours myself – it can be quite fun (when it works well, that is). There are lots of options these days, thank goodness, and it doesn’t have to be expensive if you avoid processed/junk food, which we generally do.