Schär gluten free products in Düsseldorf, Germany

A look at Schär gluten free products on sale in Germany.

Lots of Schar gluten free food in Germany

Emily was recently in Düsseldorf, Germany and took these snaps of the Schär gluten free products available there. They are certainly different to the products available in the UK.

Savaiardi

Vollkornbrot

Pain Brioche

Knackebrod

Zwieback

Carrotinis

In 2017 Emily brought me back some Schär gluten free goodies from Spain.

Link:
- Schär gluten free

Related blog posts:
- Schär
- Gluten free

Gluten free at 3 Squared Cafe in Manchester

Finding a 100% gluten free cafe in Manchester.

We recently found out about 3 Squared Cafe in Manchester city centre. The menu is 100% gluten and wheat free, as well as being diary free and refined sugar free.

We visited for the first time yesterday afternoon and it was amazing.

Pulled beef and eggs - perfect

The beef brisket with poached eggs and salsa verde was absolutely delicious.

It was very nice to have a meal out with Emily where we could both eat for a change.

We ordered 3 of the 4 desserts. They were all lovely.

We had the Warm Brownie & Coconut Whip, Carrot & Cinnamon Cake and the Chocolate & Pistachio Tart for pudding

You can find the 3 Squared Cafe in the Royal Exchange Arcade in Manchester city centre.

We're looking forward to our next visit already.

Link:
- 3 Squared Cafe

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac Disease
- Manchester
- 100% gluten free places in the UK

Eleven years gluten free

Today marks my eleven year Coeliac Anniversary - my Coeliacversary.

Eleven years ago today I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and began my journey into the gluten free world.

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, horrible, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

Why I avoid gluten at all times!

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' and in-depth tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with a Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

While having a life-long condition such as Coeliac Disease can be a pain - and horrible if I 'get glutened' - having the disease has had some positives. I've met great people since my diagnosis and have made some brilliant friends who I've met through Coeliac groups. I've also blogged a lot about living with the condition and the great free from food and drink I've found since 2008.

Thank you to everyone for their support, tips, help and recommendations over the years. It's been very much appreciated. I've also found some funny things about being a Coeliac along the way.

And a BIG thank you to Emily for all of her help and support throughout my struggles with the illness.

For more information on Coeliac Disease do check out the NHS Choices and Coeliac UK websites.

You can also view the very first blog post I wrote about gluten free / Coeliac stuff at 'Gluten Free Fish & Chips at Rossi's in Swansea'.

100% gluten free at The Compass Inn at Winsor

Finding a 100% gluten free pub restaurant in Winsor, Hampshire.

Our friend Cat recently heard about The Compass Inn at Winsor and by chance we found it was near to where we were staying for a wedding so we had to call in.

As someone with Coeliac Disease I must adhere to a strict gluten free diet. Dining out can be incredibly complicated and stressful and there are very often risks of cross-contamination in food preparation, cooking and serving - even in places with 'gluten free' menus.

I've been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease for eleven years and I now only dine out at places that are 100% gluten free that are suitable for people with diagnosed Coeliac Disease.

Luckily I've found a few new 100% gluten free places, so in the last month I've actually dined out a fair bit. In comparison to recent years this is really lavish.

As it was a Sunday Emily and I both opted for the Roast Dinners. It's been years since I had a Roast Dinner so it was a real treat.

My 100% gluten free roast dinner

While dining out should be a nice, easy and natural thing to do, it can be stressful for people with Coeliac Disease. Especially so when trying somewhere for the first time.

I enjoyed the meal at The Compass Inn and would return. What was really nice about the experience was that it was great to be able to pop in for a meal, be served a tasty plate of food and then be on our where with very little fuss or stress. It felt almost normal!

Check out The Compass Inn website for more info.

Related blog posts:
- 100% gluten free places in the UK
- Gluten free
- Coeliac

Link:
- The Compass Inn

100% gluten free at the Off The Wheaten Track Deli in Altrincham

A visit to the new Off The Wheaten Track gluten free deli in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

On Saturday we headed over to nearby Altrincham to visit the brand new Off The Wheaten Track Deli. We'd heard the 100% gluten free deli was opening and were keen to check it out.

The menu at Off The Wheaten Track is 100% gluten free

We had a superb lunch and it really is brilliant that all of the food there is 100% gluten free.

The beef sandwich was excellent and there was a lot of choice on the menu. It was nice to see the deli busy with lots of people enjoying the gluten free options. We saw people ordering other items we'll try on future visits.

It was so nice to be able to have a sandwich out of the house. The beef sandwich I had was packed full of ingredients and flavour. Very tasty

Off The Wheaten Track Deli has a huge selection of cheeses and we tried the very interesting charcoal cheddar. It was delicious.

Some of the cheese we tried. It's NOT Black Pudding Cheese despite what it looks like!

We're looking forward to returning to the Off The Wheaten Track Deli.

Check out the Off The Wheaten Track Deli website for more information and opening times.

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac
- Gluten Free
- 100% gluten free places in the UK

Gloof - 100% gluten free in Soham, Cambridgeshire

Last Thursday we visited Gloof, the new 100% gluten free coffee shop in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

We'd heard about it online and were looking forward to our stop-off in the town while en route to Ipswich.

Look at that array of cakes. The empty spot at the front of the counter is where the sausage rolls were

We received a warm welcome and I was amazed by the selection of cakes and sweet treats on the counter. I also spotted sausage rolls and ordered one immediately.

A sign every Coeliac wants to see

We then sat down and had a look at the menu. It was superb to once again read that EVERYTHING is gluten free on the menu. As someone with Coeliac Disease I have struggled for years to find places that are 100% gluten free. Thankfully, the owner of Gloof is also a Coeliac so understands the risks and has ensured that the environment is free of cross-contamination.

We ordered a panini each - I went for Cheese & Ham, while Emily had the Mozzarella and Sun Dried Tomatoes one so we could share.

Luckily we arrived just before three other couples came in, creating a mid-afternoon rush.

All of the food looked great and the sausage rolls were proving popular, so popular that they actually ran out while we were there. Nice to see, but it did stop me from ordering a second one.

Sausage roll starter

The sausage roll arrived shortly after ordering and was served warm, with a sachet of ketchup. It's been so long since I've been able to eat something seemingly so simple for lunch. I might get to eat a sausage roll from M&S, but when I'm out and about I wouldn't be able to get a hot one. Little things like that can make a big difference and I really enjoyed this 'starter'.

Panini main

The paninis were up next and were really good. It's very rare that Emily and I get to have a lunch together where we both get to eat and it was especially nice to be able to share half of our paninis.

We still had room for dessert, so I had the double chocolate cake and Emily had a cheese scone. Both were excellent.

Double chocolate cake with a cake fork for dessert

Before leaving we also had a try of the lemon drizzle cake. It was delicious.

We both rate Gloof highly for the service, environment, range of food and general niceness. We're looking forward to our return visit already.

Check out Gloof for more information and opening times.

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac
- Gluten Free
- 100% gluten free places in the UK

100% gluten free places in the UK

As someone with Coeliac Disease it can be a nightmare finding somewhere that is 100% gluten free and safe for coeliacs.

While there do seem to be more and more places offering 'gluten free' options these days, there is still the risk of cross-contamination unless the place is 100% gluten free.

A very happy Coeliac on a recent gluten free day out in Leeds

Thankfully there are some superb 100% gluten free restaurants, tea rooms, pubs and takeaways that we've found on our travels, including The Oxford Place in Leeds and Gloof in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

Look at all those cakes at Gloof in Soham - they are all 100% gluten free

We also know about, but have yet to visit, 2 Oxford Place in York and Niche in London.

Luckily there is a gluten free deli opening up in Altrincham, Greater Manchester this Saturday. We're looking forward to checking out Off the Wheaten Track soon.

Do you know of any other 100% gluten free places in the UK? If so, do let me know in the comments.

When eating gluten-free isn’t a choice

Check out a case study about my Coeliac Disease journey on the This is MedTech website.

It's nice to do my bit to raise awareness of Coeliac Disease and the importance of getting a diagnosis.

I'm gluten free, not a glutton (or any number of other misspellings of gluten)

Link:
- This is MedTech

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac Disease
- Gluten Free
- Coeliacversary

100% gluten free at The Eltisley in Cambridgeshire

A visit to The Eltisley gastropub near St Neots.

It was brilliant to have a meal out yesterday and such a novelty.

There are only a handful of 100% gluten free places in the UK so it was marvellous to visit The Eltisley for lunch.

They do a cracking Banoffee Pie

The menu is 100% gluten free and safe for Coeliacs, you can find out more on The Eltisley's website.

Update (2021): The Eltisley no longer offers a 100% gluten free menu.

A Gluten Free Buffet

A sorry sight indeed.

Yum

I suppose it's better than nothing. Good to see the rolls in separate packaging.

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac Disease
- Gluten Free
- Funny things about being a coeliac

Ten years gluten free

Today marks my ten year Coeliac Anniversary - my Coeliacversary.

Ten years ago today I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and so I began my journey into the world of all things gluten free.

I'm gluten free, not a glutton (or any number of other misspellings of gluten)

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, horrible, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

Why I avoid gluten at all times!

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' and in-depth tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with my Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

While having a life-long condition such as Coeliac Disease can be a pain - and horrible if I 'get glutened' - having the disease has had some positives. I've met great people since my diagnosis and have made some brilliant friends who I've met through Coeliac groups. I've also blogged a lot about living with the condition and the great free from food and drink I've found since 2008.

Thank you to everyone for their support, tips, help and recommendations over the years. It's been very much appreciated. I've also found some funny things about being a Coeliac along the way.

And a MASSIVE thank you to Emily for all of her help and support throughout my struggles with the illness.

For more information on Coeliac Disease do check out the NHS Choices and Coeliac UK websites.

You can also view the very first blog post I wrote about gluten free / Coeliac stuff at 'Gluten Free Fish & Chips at Rossi's in Swansea'.

Roasted Gluten

Many 'thanks' to my mate Paul O'Connor for sending me this snap of a bag of Roasted Gluten he spotted in a Chinese supermarket.

As a Coeliac this is my version of Kryptonite!

They look like croutons to me

It's not the first time Paul has documented his gluten discoveries.

Related blog posts:
- Fried Gluten in a Can
- Gluten - my Kryptonite

Coeliac UK Awareness Week

Coeliac UK’s Awareness Week starts on Monday 14th May.

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease, the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

Next month is my tenth year gluten free. Any suggestions for how I can celebrate my Coeliacversary?

My life as a Coeliac in LEGO form

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with my Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

There's no sign of gluten in me

For more information about Coeliac Disease and Coeliac UK's Awareness Week visit the Coeliac UK website.

May is Celiac Awareness Month in the USA.

98% gluten free

If something is 98% gluten free it's 100% useless to me.

What a peculiar percentage to opt for, I wonder who their target market is?

Sadly there are very few 100% gluten free places for Coeliac diners. Cross-contamination with gluten containing food means that even 99% gluten free places are a big risk for people with Coeliac Disease.

I've just noticed there's also a "98% GF" sticker on the door too

Thanks to Jo Tubby for the tip-off about the sign.

It's good to be gluten free, sometimes

While living with Coeliac Disease isn't the best thing in the world, the fact that having to be incredibly careful about every little thing you eat or drink does make you get excited about new products you see while out shopping. Lately the Co-op has been getting me interested and excited about food again as they've launched a lot of new gluten free items in their Free From range.

It's always exciting receiving a free from food parcel!

While having our own dedicated free from section in a supermarket is convenient it's also nice to see 'normal' food products being made gluten free as standard.

I've been tweeting with the team at the Co-op and they were kind enough to send me four of the new soups in the range to try out. From l-r they are Tomato & Lentil, Red Thai Chicken, Carrot & Coriander, and Chicken & Vegetable. I've tried the Chicken & Vegetable soup already - as well as the Minestrone - as I picked them up in a two for £3 deal recently. They taste really good and are large portions, very filling. The pots do say they serve 2, but I'm not one for sharing!

The Co-op has been adding to its range of gluten free products for a while now and I'm looking forward to seeing what else they have in store for people who need gluten free food options.

Link:
- The Co-op website

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- The Co-op

Two more great meals at The Oxford Place in Leeds

Dining 100% gluten free at The Oxford Place in Leeds.

We recently dined at The Oxford Place in Leeds for the first time since the restaurant changed hands. I'm very pleased to report that it is still offering excellent and 100% gluten free food.

I had the Ham Hock Terrine starter

We first dined there when it was called 2 Oxford Place in February last year and have tried to visit the restaurant and Leeds as often as possible since then. It really is that good.

The meal was preceded by an appetiser / amuse-bouche of Gazpacho soup

Once again we had two superb meals. After having starters and mains on Friday were were unable to fit in a dessert. But we did leave room for pudding on the Saturday.

Not the most summery of desserts - but the Sticky Toffee Pudding was absolutely delicious. It was a giant portion too

It was brilliant to feast, safe in the knowledge that the meals were 100% gluten free.

Look at the size of the crackling that came with my Pork Belly main course

Some fresh Oysters to start my second meal at 2 Oxford Place

The best burger I've had in years

There are very few places which offer 100% gluten free options and so it's brilliant to find a restaurant able to cater for people with Coeliac Disease.

Little things like NOT having to explain to the waiting staff that I have a medical condition before ordering, or asking to see a 'special' menu, makes a BIG difference. And eating with the knowledge that there is no risk of cross contamination with any gluten containing ingredients is a relief.

Long may The Oxford Place continue offering diners - Coeliac and otherwise - superb food and service. I really hope some other restaurants take a leaf out of The Oxford Place's book and make the switch to 100% gluten free.

Visit The Oxford Place website for more information, opening times and menus.

We are really looking forward to our next meal there later this summer.

Celebrating nine years gluten free

Marking my Coeliac Anniversary - my Coeliacversary.

Nine years ago today I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and began my journey into the world of all things gluten free.

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease, the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

I'm still alive and kicking as I've avoided gluten (my Kryptonite) since 2008

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with my Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

I can't thank Emily enough for her help and support throughout my struggles with the illness. She's been bloody marvellous.

We've tried not to let Coeliac Disease get in the way of things and we're always keen to get out and about to explore new places and try different things. Check out this minigolf/gluten free/coeliac awareness crossover blog post for example

Working together we've plotted the minefield of 'going gluten free' and barring the odd 'explosion' along the way we've found what works for us. At home we're a Gluten Free Zone, however there are a lot of hazards when I venture outside the house. I've reached the point now that except for anywhere that can offer 100% gluten free food and zero risks of cross-contamination I've more or less given up on dining out. The last meal out we had together was in Leeds last December. Happily we've got a return meal at 2 Oxford Place booked for later this month.

I do often wonder how many manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and take-aways consider the impact selling gluten free products (or not) has on their bottom line? If I find somewhere offering gluten free options and no cross-contamination then I'm going to spend some money there (my Coeliac Pound if you will). Plus I'll tell other Coeliacs. A Coeliac will travel a long way to eat safely and with confidence.

While having a life-long condition such as Coeliac Disease can be a pain - and horrible if I 'get glutened' - having the disease has had some positives. I've met great people since my diagnosis and have made some brilliant friends who I've met through Coeliac groups. I've also blogged a lot about living with the condition and the food and drink I've found since 2008.

Why I avoid gluten

Thank you to everyone for their support, tips, help and recommendations over the years. It's been very much appreciated.

For more info do check out NHS Choices and Coeliac UK.

You can also view the first blog post I wrote about gluten free / Coeliac stuff at 'Gluten Free Fish & Chips at Rossi's in Swansea'.

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac
- Gluten Free
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Links:
- Coeliac UK
- Coeliac Disease on NHS Choices

It's Coeliac Awareness Week

Coeliac Awareness Week is taking place from the 8th to the 14th May.

This week is Coeliac Awareness Week. Organised by national charity, Coeliac UK, the focus this year is on dining out gluten free. And being able to do so safely.

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease, the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of horrible, stressful and painful symptoms.

The only treatment is to adhere to a strict lifelong gluten free diet. In the UK it's estimated that 1 in 100 people have the condition.

While more places are offering gluten free menu options it's unfortunate that they are not also controlling cross-contamination risks. As little as one crumb of bread is enough to do a whole lot of damage to the gut of someone with Coeliac Disease.

I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2008 and remember the years before when I could dine out quite easily. Now I barely ever do. The last meal I had out was last December at a 100% gluten free restaurant in Leeds.

I wonder how many manufacturers, retailers and restaurants consider the impact selling gluten free products (or not) has on their bottom line? If I find somewhere safe to eat then I'm going to spend some money there (my Coeliac Pound if you will) - and tell other Coeliacs to as well. Plus, I'll likely be dining out with someone else who is also going to spend money there.

For more information about Coeliac Disease and Coeliac UK's Awareness Week visit the Coeliac UK website. The hashtag for the week is #glutenfreevolution.

Over in the USA the whole of May is Celiac Awareness Month.

Link:
- Coeliac UK

Related blog posts:
- Coeliac Disease
- Gluten Free
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #9 - Menu disclaimers
- My life as a Coeliac in LEGO form
- What a perfect Crazy Golf obstacle for a Coeliac
- Gluten - my Kryptonite

New Free From range at Morrisons

Morrisons launches new Free From products.

Towards the end of last month Morrisons expanded its range of Free From products and the news sent ripples of excitement through the Coeliac and Gluten Free communities. I was particularly excited to hear that there were going to be new Curly Fries in the range, along with a number of other sweet and savoury treats.

The Curly Fries and Mini Hash Browns are only £1 a bag. Bargain

The updated branding, word of mouth buzz and excitement and the promise of new gluten and wheat free products at Morrisons means I've been spending a lot more time (and money) at my local store in Cheadle Heath. Much of the last two weeks has been spent keeping an eye out for the Curly Fries and Hash Browns. Luckily I managed to track some down on my dinner break today. I know what I'll be having for tea tonight!

The freezer section has a number of new Free From products

Looking in the Free From section I noticed a number of other gluten free products from brands outside of the Morrisons own-brand range, which is great to see.

A selection of the new gluten free cereals in the Free From section at Morrisons

Last year Morrisons expanded the range of Free From products available in store and so it's brilliant they are continuing to provide products that are safe and suitable for people with allergies, intolerances and autoimmune diseases (such as Coeliac Disease).

Check out the Morrisons website for details of their Free From range.

Related blog posts:
- Morrisons
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac

Link:
- Morrisons

100% gluten free places in the UK

There are 100% gluten free places to eat in the UK.

As someone living with Coeliac Disease I am extremely careful about what I eat and drink. Since I was diagnosed in 2008 I haven't knowlingly consumed anything containing gluten. However, I have been 'glutened' while dining out and the effects can be horrific and long lasting. So, I'm always looking for safe and suitable 100% gluten free places to eat at while travelling around the UK.

Before diagnosis I was a very adventurous diner and willing to try all manner of food and drink. Emily and I would enjoy visiting lots of different restaurants and takeaways. Nowadays Emily either dines while I watch, or has to wait to visit a place with friends or family to give it a try.

An incredibly rare sighting of us both dining out at the same time

At one of our last meals out together - way back in May - I was glutened. Since then dining out together has been very limited. While dining at home is safe and we do cook up some magnificent food (and great cocktails), we do miss having the whole meal experience. I am now looking to eat at places that are 100% gluten free and safe for Coeliacs. If it's not, I'll vote with my wallet and go elsewhere (or go hungry).

With my approach to tackling the problem of dining out safely I was incredibly pleased when fellow Coeliac and writer Caroline at the Coeliac Plate website let me know about a series of lists she has put together detailing the 100% gluten free places in the UK! It's absolutely marvellous to see.

One of my favourite places to eat is at 2 Oxford Place in Leeds. The fact that the restaurant is 100% gluten free and safe for Coeliacs is a real weight off the mind. To be able to visit a restaurant and not be on edge from the start is great. On the occasions I've dined there it's been brilliant. Just little things like NOT having to explain to the waiting staff that I have a medical condition before ordering, or asking to see a 'special' menu, makes a BIG difference.

When dining in a 'normal' restaurant that is trying to offer gluten free options cross contamination is possible. If eating there I can spend the whole time worrying about what could've happened to the meal I'm about to eat/am eating/have eaten. It doesn't make for a very pleasant or 'normal' experience and can often feel like the money has been wasted.

So do check out the Coeliac Plate website for more information and the links below for the 100% gluten free lists.

- UK 100% gluten free venues
- UK 100% gluten free – Northern England

Caroline tweeted me about her lists after I'd posted a tweet to fellow gluten free blogger Katie Bucknell asking about gluten free places in Manchester. Katie provided some good tips. Check out her website too.

Related blog posts:
- Gluten free
- Coeliac

Links:
- The Coeliac Plate website
- Katie Bucknell's website