News & Notes: December 13, 2019

BFree Foods' line of gluten-free wraps—including brand new Sweet Wraps for kids—are available in Walmart stores nationwide. Varieties include Quinoa & Chia Wraps, Sweet Potato Wraps, Multigrain Wraps, and new Sweet Wraps for kids. The Sweet Potato Wraps, Multigrain Wraps and Quinoa & Chia Wraps are available in the tortilla aisle in 1,800 Walmart stores, and the new Sweet Wrap are available in 1,400 Walmart stores. Customers can download a $2-off coupon from the company's website.

Manini’s has launched a line of gluten-free heat-and-serve microwaveable meals: Mac & Cheese, Lasagna Roll-ups, Stuffed Shells and Spinach & Cheese Manicotti.

The New York-based fast-casual Dig chain plans to open its first Philadelphia location in Rittenhouse Square by the end of the month (1616 Chestnut St.). Customers can create their own bowls from locally-sourced ingredients. The menu lists allergens, including gluten.

The menu at Kalaya, a Thai restaurant in South Philadelphia's Italian Market (764 S. 9th St., 215-385-3777), lists gluten-free choices, and the kitchen has gluten-free soy sauce. The Inquirer's food critic, Craig LaBan, gave Kalaya a three-bell review this summer.

Sister restaurants KC Prime (1580 Easton Rd., 267-483-8075) and the new Ardana, both in Warrington, can accommodate gluten-free guests. The Cypriot-influenced Ardana (751 Easton Rd., 267-488-1568), located at The Shops at Valley Square, notes gluten-free options on its menu.

Uncle B's BBQ has relocated within Phoenixville to 425 Bridge St. (610-935-1363). All meats, wings and fries are gluten free, and there's also a gluten-free version of mac & cheese.

Liberty Kitchen in Fishtown (1244 N. Front St., 215-309-2241) stocks Taffet's rolls for sandwiches and can prepare gluten-free mac & cheese with advance notice.

The kitchen at the modern American Blue Bell Inn (601 Skippack Pike, 215-515-5753) can prepare a variety of menu options gluten free.

Also in Blue Bell, the Mooyah burger chain (990 Dekalb Pike, 610-278-9191) is opening its first Pennsylvania outpost next week. The restaurant has gluten-free burger buns, but does not have a dedicated fryer for fries.

Gluten-free options like tacos and small-plate items on the menu at La Cabra Brewing in Berwyn (642 Lancaster Ave., 610-240-7908) are handled separately. Let your server know of your dietary requirements. There is no dedicated fryer for chips

La Padella in Media (100 State Rd., 484-445-4445) lists gluten-free options on its menu. Keep in mind that the gluten-free pasta is not prepared separately.

Now there are not one but two dedicated gluten-free businesses at the Pottstown Farmers Market. Joining Aye Caramba Taco is La's Desserts (300 E. High St., 484-374-2451). Sweet treats include a variety of muffins, cupcakes, cookies, cake pops and cakes.

Tiers of Joy Gluten-Free Bakery delivers cakes, cupcakes, donuts and cookies to the southern Chester County and greater Coatesville areas. Goodies are also sold at Landhope Farms in Oxford and Kennett Square and at Triple Fresh Market in Coatesville.

Fond in Passyunk Square (1537 S. 11th St., 215-551-5000) is hosting a bakery pop-up sale featuring pastry chef Monica Glass, who is gluten free, on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. The menu includes a variety of sweet and savory goods, including gluten-free options created by Glass. (Thanks to reader Katy L.)

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the always updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,700 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!

News & Notes: May 10, 2019

Spring has sprung lots of new gluten-free products upon us. Annie's has added to its gluten-free line with a white cheddar version of its popular Bunny Tails crackers.

Look for another variety of Mission Foods' gluten-free tortilla wraps, this one a spinach herb flavor.

Rather than break apart two sandwich creme cookies to make your own double-stuffed version, Glutino has saved you the trouble with its new Super Stuffed Chocolate Vanilla Creme cookies.

As part of Celiac Awareness Month, Aldi has brought back some annual favorites like gluten-free cheesecake, while adding new products such as chocolate frosted and glazed donuts.

Woodchuck Hard Cider has released its newest variety, Sangria. Inspired by the traditional Spanish drink, Sangria is a semi-sweet cider, showcasing balanced notes of red wine, bright acidity, and berry. Available now with a full national roll out by July, Sangria (5.5% ABV) will retail for $9.99/12oz. 6-pack can.

The Philadelphia area has several new all-gluten-free establishments. Sciascia Confections produces truffles, macarons, cookies and other sweets and sells them at New Hope's Ferry Market (32 S. Main St., 215-996-0606) and across the Delaware at the Stockton Market near Lambertville (19 Bridge St., 215-996-0606).

At the Trenton Farmers Market is 100%-gluten free and vegan Lady and the Shallot (960 Spruce St., 609-955-1120). The menu features tacos, salads, panini and other fare.

The Colony Meadery in Allentown (905 Harrison St., 855-632-3669) produces all-gluten-free meads available on draft and in bottles. Colony will be one of the dozens of vendors at next Saturday's Greater Philly Gluten Free Expo.

Lovebird's second location is now open in Bryn Mawr (484-222-6554). Both the new spot and the original location in Doylestown serve gluten-free fried chicken and mac & cheese.

Crepes and Crazes in Fenwick Island, Delaware (1204 Coastal Hwy., 302-537-1313) has a separate griddle for gluten-free crepes and also offers sandwiches on gluten-free bread.

Elsewhere in the First State, Newark's Olive Tree Cafe (13 Chestnut Hill Plaza, 302-266-4598) notes gluten-free options on its menu. The fries and falafel are prepared in a dedicated fryer.

In nearby Middletown, all of the grilled options at Empire Mongolian Grill (749 N. Broad St., 302-376-1089) are gluten free.

Eggspectation is "egg-spected" to make its Delaware debut in Stanton (501 Stanton Christiana Rd.) in July. Gluten-free options are noted throughout the menu.

In Easthampton, New Jersey, Russo's Pub (1302 Monmouth Rd., 609-261-3277) has a gluten-free menu that includes separately prepared pizza and pasta.

Down in Wildwood, Mud Hen Brewing Co. (127 W. Rio Grande Ave., 609-846-7918) offers a gluten-free menu featuring tacos, salads and entrees. Sister restaurant Dogtooth Bar (100 E. Taylor Ave., 609-522-8383) also has a gluten-free menu, though it does not have a designated fryer for potato skins and fries. The bar does stock several hard ciders and hard seltzers.

Ghostfish Brewing Company's award-winning gluten-free beers have finally arrived in southeastern Pennsylvania. Several varieties are available at Bella Vista Beverage in Philadelphia (755 S. 11th St.) as well as at some suburban outlets in Folsom, Media, Norristown, Swarthmore and Wayne. Ghostfish can also be found at several locations in the Lehigh Valley.

Join Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for a gluten-free cooking class on Tuesday, May 21st in collaboration with Vetri Community Partnership. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the CHOP Teaching Kitchen in Philadelphia (3550 Market St.). Children (grades 4 and up) and caregivers will have the opportunity to make a gluten-free dinner to share. Dr. Singh from the CHOP Celiac Center will also be there to cook and chat with attendees. RSVP is required for this event. Email integrativehealth@email.chop.edu or call 215-590-5043.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the always updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,700 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!

News & Notes: March 1, 2019

Annie's Homegrown has added to its line of organic gluten-free crispy rice bars with a peanut butter variety.

Crepini has introduced a gluten-free ingredient version of its Egg White Thins, a low-carb, high-protein wrap that’s made with about 90% egg whites, flax meal, non-GMO canola oil, salt and pepper. The wraps are sold in Costco stores and about 2,200 Walmart stores nationwide.

Pamela's Products has announced several new gluten-free products that will hit stores this year. The company's line of gluten-free ramen comes in three flavors - Spicy Beef + Veggie, Savory Chicken + Veggie, and Vegan Very Veggie - and will be available in August with a suggested retail price of $3.39 per pack.

New to the pasta meals line are two new Mac N’ Cheese products: Vegan Mac and White Cheddar. These new varieties will be available starting in May with a suggested retail price of $3.79 for a 5 oz. box. The Vegan Mac N’ Cheese will also be available in a family-size 10 oz. box, with a suggested retail price of $5.99.

Pamela’s Grahams will be available in July in a new chocolate chip flavor, with a suggested retail price of $4.99. All of the new products will be available on Amazon.com and at participating retailers.

Saffron Road unveiled their latest gluten-free additions to its globally-inspired frozen entrée product line: Thai-Style Green Curry with Chicken, Coconut Curry Chicken, Vegetable Biryani and Madras Curry with Chicken Meatballs. The new dishes will be available beginning in June for the suggested retail price of $4.99 per package.

Gluten-free snack purveyor From the Ground Up is expanding its product line later this year with cauliflower-based stars, stalks and tortilla chips as well as new butternut squash pretzel sticks and twists.

From Lakefront Brewery, which crafted the very first gluten-free beer granted label approval in the United States, comes another certified gluten-free brew. New Grist Gose-style with lime is 5.1 ABV and is crafted using rice, sorghum, lime and sea salt. It features Zeus and Willamette hops with an IBU rating of 15. Its release date is set for April 15.

News & Notes: July 13, 2018

Made Good Foods has debuted gluten-free, nut-free and vegan soft baked mini cookies in four varieties: Chocolate Banana, Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Chip and Double Chocolate. You can print a dollar-off coupon good toward any Made Good product (including their crispy rice treats and granola bars) from the company's website.

If you like cheese on your sandwich, then you may be intrigued by the new Folios cheese wraps. Made with 100% cheese, these gluten-free wraps come in Cheddar, Jarlsberg and Parmesan varieties.

Speaking of wraps, General Mills' Old El Paso brand will introduce gluten-free tortillas to the American market later this year. The product is available overseas.

New gluten-free pretzel rods from Snyder's of Hanover will be making their way to supermarket shelves in September.

Based on popular demand, Glutenberg has introduced a non-alcoholic version of its Blonde Ale in its native Canada, with plans to bring it south of the border later this year.

Lucky's Last Chance in Manayunk (4421 Main St., 215-509-6005) has gluten-free burger buns, but does not keep a dedicated fryer for fries.

Pho-ever Yours in Narberth (106 N. Essex Ave., 484-800-1239) notes gluten-free options like grilled shrimp summer rolls, curry chicken and pho bowls on its menu.

In Ocean City, Fusion Plate Asian Cuisine (947 Asbury Ave., 609-938-2476) gluten-free menu options include summer rolls, pho, seafood noodle soup, fried rice, pad Thai and Singapore noodles.

Gluten-free items are noted on the menu at Cardinal Bistro in Ventnor (6525 Ventnor Ave., 609-541-4633), as well as at the nearby Enlightened Cafe (6414 Ventnor Ave., 609-594-5283), where the menu includes pancakes, bread, bowls, juices and smoothies. Request that the pancakes be prepared separately.

Most of the menu at Tierra Mexicali Grill in Wilmington (4710 Limestone Rd., 302-384-6657) is gluten free, including desserts.

Also in Wilmington, Liquid Alchemy Beverages (28 Brookside Dr., 302-438-0252) produces gluten-free hard ciders and meads (honey wines). The tasting room is open Wednesday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday. Tours are also available.

Kurant Cider has opened in Fishtown (436 E. Girard Ave., 267-928-3630). In addition to a variety of gluten-free hard ciders, the kitchen serves hot dogs on gluten-free buns.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,700 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!

News & Notes: March 13, 2015

This weekend marks the sixth anniversary of my first post here at Gluten Free Philly - that's a long time in blog years. Thank you for your support throughout that stretch! It's your notes, recommendations, product sightings and the like that helps make the blog a joy to publish. If you're attending the CHOP educational event in Philadelphia on Sunday, please stop by the NFCA table between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to say hello.

To celebrate the anniversary, the Gluten Free Philly restaurant app is on sale all weekend for $1.99 (normally $2.99) at the Apple App Store. (It's also available at the Google Play Store.) With the app, you'll find more than 1,400 curated gluten-free-friendly restaurant, bakery, market and attractions listings covering southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and all of Delaware, with new listings frequently added. Search by name, location or cuisine, view gluten-free-friendly menus and options, get directions, make reservations, and call listed businesses from your phone.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor's Plain Rice Roll
(Photo: Nom Wah)

New York City's oldest dim sum house, Nom Wah Tea Parlor, has opened a Philadelphia location in Chinatown (218 N. 13th St., 267-519-2889). Gluten-free items are marked on the menu, like shrimp, beef and vegetarian rice rolls and tofu skin rolls; request that gluten-free soy sauce be used for these orders. Other items are fried in a shared fryer.

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar will open at the Moorestown Mall (400 Rt. 38 W., 856-581-0044) on Monday, according to Philly.com. Most items are 500 calories or less and many items can be made gluten free. The Philadelphia location, for example, offers gluten-free pasta and pizza options.

News & Notes: September 27, 2013

'Tis the season ... for all things pumpkin. During my latest run to Trader Joe's, I discovered pumpkin macarons selling for $4.99 for 12 pieces. Since the macarons are a seasonal flavor, they're likely to disappear quickly. They are delicious - like biting into a slice of pumpkin pie.

Williams-Sonoma is also getting into the seasonal spirit with two new gluten-free products. The Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Quick Bread Mix is made with Cup4Cup flour, which we've found superior, if not more expensive, than other all-purpose gluten-free flours. The mix sells for $14.95, the same price as the store's new Thanksgiving stuffing. The stuffing mix combines toasted cubes of gluten-free bread with aromatic herbes de Provence.

News & Notes: August 23, 2013

The latest culinary import to the Delaware Valley is Whole Hog Cafe in Cherry Hill (2321 Rt. 70 E., 856-910-8060). Originating in Little Rock, Arkansas, the award-winning BBQ chain has gluten-free meats (pork, chicken, brisket, sausage and ribs) and two table sauces made without gluten - #1 (classic) and #5 (sweet). The salads, nachos, baked potato, potato salad and cole slaw are also gluten free. Whole Hog's pork took first place in the 2013 New Jersey State BBQ Championship.

In Paoli, Redhound Grille (128 Paoli Pike, 484-318-8047) serves burgers and sandwiches on buns, gluten-free wings and fries from a dedicated fryer, and other items noted on its lunch and dinner menus. Redbridge and Woodchuck are available from the bar. Dishes are made from scratch and the kitchen takes precautions in preparing, handling and serving gluten-free orders.

Goodies Giveaway: Rudi's Gluten-Free Prize Pack

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery has been celebrating Celiac Awareness Month by giving back to the national celiac disease organizations dedicated to helping raise awareness. Through May 31, Rudi’s Gluten-Free fans can get and give some dough through Spread the Bread, a Facebook campaign with the goal of raising up to $30,000 for the leading celiac disease education and awareness organizations, including the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Sprue Association and Gluten Intolerance Group.

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Facebook fans are invited to select one of these four community partners to receive a $1 donation from Rudi’s Gluten-Free and then click for a downloadable coupon good for $1 off any Rudi’s Gluten-Free product. Fans can track the amount pledged to each organization and help encourage family and friends to donate to their favorite organization.

Breakfast wrap made with Rudi's Gluten-Free
Spinach Tortilla, eggs and cheese

Rudi’s Gluten-Free just introduced tortillas made with whole-grain flours. The new line - sampled at last month's Celiac Awareness Tour stop in King of Prussia - includes soft and pliable Plain, Spinach and Fiesta Tortillas.

Rudi's is offering one lucky Gluten Free Philly reader a prize pack that includes an apron, a T-shirt, a copy of the Gluten-Free on a Shoestring cookbook by Nicole Hunn, Rudi’s Gluten-Free coupons, a reusable shopping bag, and bread clips.

To enter up to three different ways, follow the instructions below. Entries are being accepted through Sunday, June 3. You must enter a valid email address so that I can contact you if you're the winner.

Good luck!

* * *

My new 'Gluten Free Philly' Delaware Dining Guide is available as an e-book download. The guide provides hyperlinked listings for restaurants, bakeries, markets and attractions throughout the First State, including the southern resort towns like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. Updated editions published within 30 days of initial purchase will be emailed to purchasers free of charge.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

News & Notes: March 16, 2012

The creative force behind Philadelphia's Modo Mio, Monsu and Paesano's is at it again. Gluten-free-friendly chef Peter McAndrews has just opened Popolino (501 Fairmount Ave., 215-928-0106), a Roman trattoria in Northern Liberties featuring a lavish antipasti bar. As noted on the menu, accommodations can be made for gluten-free diners. McAndrews, whose children are celiacs, raved about Toté Bakery's gluten-free bread to the Philadelphia Inquirer, which featured the bakery in the Food section of yesterday's edition.

If all goes well today during inspections, Jules Thin Crust - with its fabulous gluten-free pizza - will open its Wayne location (114 E. Lancaster Ave.) for business tomorrow at 4 p.m.

Goodies from Pure Sweets, featured here a few weeks ago, are now available at Ultimo Coffee (1900 S. 15th St., 215-339-5177) in South Philadelphia and Northern Liberties' One Shot Coffee (217 W. George St., 215-627-1620).

The all-gluten-free Little Bakery in Blue Bell (921 Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike, 267-708-0984) now sells bake-eat-home chocolate chip cookie dough and brownie dough by the pound.

Last weekend, many companies announced new gluten-free products at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. Udi's Gluten Free Foods is launching classic French and whole-grain seeded dinner rolls and vanilla cupcakes that will debut in July. The company's previously announced frozen pizzas and muffin tops are on the way to stores now.

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery's new gluten-free tortillas are made with whole grain flours and have a soft, pliable texture. The tortillas, which will retail for $5.99 a package, are available in plain, spinach and fiesta flavors.

The Pop-Tart-like gluten-free toaster pastries from Eco-Planet should be in stores by May, reports Jennifer H., who writes a gluten-free blog out of Georgia and who attended the Expo. Eco-Planet will also have a new line of gluten-free granola bars and bites, says Jennifer.

Jennifer also provided some other info via her Twitter feed. Hain Celestial's Gluten Free Cafe line of soups has three new additions: Chicken Orzo, Beef Noodle and Vegetable Quinoa. In September Van's Natural Foods is relaunching a version of gluten-free pancakes, which will also be dairy and egg free.

The Celiac Center at Paoli Hospital is sponsoring a seminar on the neurologic manifestations of celiac disease on Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at Paoli Hospital's Potter Room (255 W. Lancaster Ave.) Call 1-866-CALL-MLH to register.

"Nourished Together" is a four-session nutrition and cooking course being held next month in University City. The course fee of $180 is inclusive of all instruction, ingredients, course materials and dinner. You can save $36 (20%) through Tuesday, March 20 by mentioning that you read about the course at Gluten Free Philly. Call 215-872-5521 for registration.

The Flavor Festival at Phoenixville will take place on Saturday, April 21 from noon to 5 p.m. at Franklin Commons (400 Franklin Ave.). Most of the wineries at this food-and-drink event will have gluten-free crackers and local gluten-free-friendly vendors such as Cupcake Wars victor Dia Doce, Mompops, FreshaPeel Hummus and Chile Spot will be participating. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate.

My "Dining Out Philly" giveaway celebrating the blog's 3rd birthday runs through Sunday. (I very much appreciate all the birthday notes received this week!) Food For All in Mt. Airy has generously offered a $30 gift certificate as one of the prizes, so there will be seven winners in all. Other prizes are from Zavino, The Tomato Bistro, Pure Tacos, THE QUICK FIXX, Sweet Freedom Bakery and Toté.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

News & Notes: November 18, 2011

If you're not making your own gluten-free desserts for Thanksgiving, be sure to get out this weekend and grab your favorites before the stores sell out. Local Whole Foods Markets have a variety of pies, stuffing cubes and cornbread along with delicious pumpkin cheesecakes from Moondance Heavenly Desserts.

Staying with the turkey theme (work with me here), the new Bobby's Burger Palace in Cherry Hill, which I reviewed this week, serves up gluten-free turkey, chicken and beef burgers. We brought our own gluten-free bun to sandwich the patty, but hopefully the chain will consider having them on hand in the future.

Square 1682, the New American eatery at the Hotel Palomar in Center City Philadelphia (121 S. 17th St., 215-563-5008), has a gluten-free dinner menu.

The area's only Roly Poly, in Mount Laurel (4070 Dearborn Circle, 856-231-0615), offers sandwiches made with La Tortilla Factory's gluten-free wraps.

Gluten-free items are noted on the menus at Doylestown's Knight House (96 W. State St., 215-489-9900). Thanks to reader Richard S. for the heads-up.

Levittown residents, Fiore's Paesano's Pizzeria (1253 Woodbourne Rd., 215-547-5353) has brought gluten-free pizza to your nabe.

Cheese ravioli and other gluten-free options are available at Romanelli's Garden Cafe in Galloway (279 S. New York Rd., 609-652-0179).

Marc Vetri's Amis trattoria in Philly's WashWest section (412 S. 13th St., 215-732-2647) now has a gluten-free menu.

In addition to pizza, the Seasons Pizza location on Route 202 in Wilmington (3901 Concord Pike, 302-478-2009) has expanded its gluten-free menu to include chicken and eggplant parmigiana, lasagna, baked ziti and cheese calzones.

Reader Dan let me know that the J.B. Dawson's location in Drexel Hill has closed.

Through the end of 2011, Sweet Christine's Gluten-Free Bakery in Kennett Square is offering free shipping on online orders of $25 or more.

Wegmans will be giving the Whole Foods in North Wales some competition for the gluten-free dollar, although it may not be until 2013. The family-owned supermarket chain plans to open at the Montgomery Mall at the site of the former Boscov's department store.

Amy's Kitchen has several new gluten-free products hitting stores next month: three vegan wraps made with rice flour and a broccoli & cheddar bake bowl.

The Philadelphia Gluten Free Pasta Ravioli Company will debut its new gnocchi mixes at Di Bruno's (1730 Chestnut St., 215-665-9220) with a sampling this Saturday, November 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A gnocchi shaping tool is free with purchase.

After you've finished all of the Thanksgiving dinner leftovers, head to The Bards Irish Pub on Rittenhouse Square (2013 Walnut St., 215-569-9585) on Sunday, November 27 for a gluten-free dinner event beginning at 3 p.m. Brian Kovalchuk, the president and CEO of Bard's Beer, will be on hand for a meet-and-greet.

The Philadelphia Gluten-Free Supper Club will reconvene for dinner and a holiday cookie exchange at The Silverspoon in Wayne on Thursday, December 8. For more information, email reader Daria D.

Have a great weekend and a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Pocket Full of Pizza

Glutenfreeda Foods has been an innovator in bringing new gluten-free products to market, from ice cream sandwiches to burritos. Their latest creation: pizza wraps. We recently sampled the three flavors from the company - Italian Sausage, Three Cheese and Pesto Chicken - and I can confidently say that these will be a staple in our freezer. They're filling and are make a quick and easy meal.

Are these truly the gluten-free equivalent of Hot Pockets? In a word, yes. To prepare, we plated the pizza wrap in a wrapped paper towel and microwaved each side for 1 minute, 30 seconds. The wrap holds the contents together nicely, so a knife and fork are not necessary.

Three Cheese Pizza Wrap

Pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and rice are common ingredients in all three flavors. The Three Cheese also contains cheddar and ricotta. We liked all of them, though surprisingly the Pesto Chicken was the consensus favorite, followed by Three Cheese and Italian Sausage. My only quibble is that I'd prefer a rice or tapioca flour wrap over one made with corn. It's hard for me to think of anything other than Mexican food when eating a corn tortilla, especially one that has a trace of lime.

Pesto Chicken Pizza Wrap

The wraps are made with all-natural ingredients, have no hydrogenated oils or trans fats, and are made in a 100% gluten-free facility. Each wrap contains 4 grams of fiber per serving, with calories varying among the three from 220 to 240 and total fat ranging from 6 grams to 10 grams.

Each package retails for between $3.39 and $3.59. The wraps are available at natural foods markets and online at Gluten-Free Mall.

DISCLOSURE: While Glutenfreeda Foods provided product samples for me to review at no cost, such compensation did not influence my review. Neither I am nor any immediate family member is an employee, officer, director or agent of Glutenfreeda Foods or its respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated entities, advertising and promotional agencies. Click here for my complete Disclosure.

That's a Wrap

As the lunchmaker-in-chief in our household during the school year, I try to vary my older son's gluten-free lunches so that they don't get boring. I've made sandwich wraps for him in the past, but the brown-rice tortillas I used were not pliable and didn't hold up well long after being warmed in the microwave oven. I was intrigued, then, when I read about new gluten-free tortillas from French Meadow Bakery, which are made from a combination of rice flour and tapioca starch.

The company recently sent me a package of the 7-inch tortillas, along with its new gluten-free breads, to review. (The tortillas and breads also are casein-free, lactose-free, peanut-free and kosher parve.) All of the baked goods were shipped frozen, although the company says the breads can be found in the frozen-food aisles and bakery sections of stores.

Unlike the brown rice and corn tortillas my son has tried before, the French Meadow version had the texture - and even a bit of the elasticity - of wheat tortillas. I made him a cheese wrap in the morning before a day trip last week and it held up nicely through lunch time. (As with any tortillas, these should be warmed in the microwave.) This past weekend, he enjoyed a pan-grilled quesadilla, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses sandwiched between two tortillas.

My son also tasted the three different breads - sandwich, cinnamon-raisin and multigrain. The breads were not crumbly and all of them had a thick, chewy crust. Given that he's been eating the Whole Foods Gluten Free Bakehouse white sandwich bread for ages, I was surprised when he proclaimed the multigrain to be his favorite. It's made of a whole-grain flour blend that includes flax, quinoa, amaranth, millet and teff.

I also tried softening a couple slices of frozen French Meadow white bread in the microwave to see if it would make a decent sandwich. My son liked how the bread tasted as part of a turkey club. He thought the cinnamon-raisin bread made for good breakfast toast.

All French Meadow Bakery gluten-free products are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group. The certification means that the products test at less than 10 parts-per-million of gluten. The company's gluten-free product line includes fresh and frozen fudge brownies and chocolate-chip cookies, Italian rolls and pizza crusts. All of the gluten-free products are made on dedicated equipment in a segregated area of the company's Minnesota bakery.

The only rub in my view is the amount of servings per package, based on the cost. A pack of six tortillas retails on French Meadow Bakery's online store for $3.99, while the breads, weighing about 14 to 15 ounces, sell for $4.99 each. Each package of bread contains eight slices. By comparison, the Whole Foods breads sell near me for $5.29 and are a full loaf, weighing 28 ounces and yielding 16 slices. Hopefully, as the company ramps up distribution of these products, it will eventually increase the package sizes. French Meadow currently is offering 20 percent off online orders by entering code fmb423ss34 at checkout. You can also print a "$1 off" coupon from the company's website for in-store purchases.

French Meadow Bakery will be among the vendors attending the Appetite for Awareness fundraiser at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center on September 30. The company will have samples of its breads, tortillas and a new line of cupcakes available at the event.