News & Notes: July 24, 2020

Licorice fans rejoice! Jelly Belly Candy Company has expanded its growing line of candy offerings to now include another classic candy staple, licorice, with the introduction of Scottie Dogs. Available online and at specialty retailers nationally in August, fans will be delighted by the bite-sized gluten-free Scottie Dog shapes available in two flavors - red licorice and black licorice.

Quinn Snacks recently announced gluten-free, paleo-friendly pretzel chips made from cassava flour. The plant-based chips are baked, topped with rock salt, and contain 2 grams of protein and fiber. They come in Original and Cracked Black Pepper varieties and are available at Whole Foods and Amazon.

Saffron Road has added two new frozen entrees to their Thai cuisine product line: Thai Basil Noodles and Thai Red Curry Chicken. Both meals are made with responsibly-sourced ingredients like chicken raised without antibiotics or grass-fed beef and are free from anything artificial. They are both halal and gluten-free certified.

Caulipower has debuted the first-ever microwaveable and recyclable cup of riced cauliflower in three flavors: Baja Style, Curried and Sesame Citrus, ranging from 100-160 calories for the whole container. The products are available at Amazon and in supermarkets throughout the country.

Several of Conagra's brands are introducing new gluten-free products. Blake's Foods now has a mac & cheese bowl made with white cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, Evol has rolled out keto-friendly pizzas - Cheese and Pepperoni - made with a chicken and parmesan crust, as well as two additional "lifestyle" bowls. The new gluten-free bowls are Unwrapped Chicken Egg Roll and Guajillo Chicken & Cauliflower.

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!

* Post contains affiliate links

News & Notes: January 5, 2018

Happy New Year to everyone! The first News & Notes post of 2018 highlights several new gluten-free items at Trader Joe's:

The Fruit & Seed Granola is also grain free (oat free), organic and vegan and is made with sunflower seeds, coconut, sesame seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, flax seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds. Each 10-oz. bag is $3.69.

The Rice & Quinoa Hot Cereal is a blend of organic whole-grain brown rice grits and organic quinoa flakes, with each serving containing 42 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving. Each 14-oz. resealable pouch sells for $3.69.

Trader Joe's also has a new gluten-free snack, Norwegian Crispbread, that's made with sunflower seeds, oats, sesame and flax and combined in a cracker-like crisp.

The My/Mo line of ice cream is adding a pint-size version with gluten-free sweet mochi rice dough bits, available in Strawberry, Mango, Green Tea, Chocolate and Salted Caramel flavors.

Birds Eye's new Veggie Made pasta line is gluten free and comes in the following varieties:

• Plain Penne Pasta made with Zucchini & Lentils (Original)
• Rotini Marinara Pasta made with Zucchini & Lentils
• Penne with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Pasta made with Zucchini & Lentils
• Rotini Alfredo Pasta made with Spinach & Lentils

The line is available in the frozen vegetable aisle at retailers nationwide.

Expo East 2017 Recap

What do seaweed, vinegar and beets have in common? Products featuring those ingredients were among those trending at the annual Expo East natural-foods show in Baltimore earlier this month. The show features new and emerging gourmet, natural and gluten-free products from across North America whose manufacturers are seeking wider distribution in supermarkets and grocery stores.

This year's show was larger than ever, with more than 1,500 exhibiting brands and more than 450 first-time vendors. In no particular order, here are some of the highlights among gluten-free products at this year's event (not all items are currently available in area stores):

Mikaela's Simply Divine Biscotti Cookies: These are more "cookie" than "biscotti," given that they're light and crunchy. The all-natural, certified-gluten-free cookies come in five flavors: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Mint, Luscious Lemon and new Butterscotch Toffee Pecan and Chocolate Brownie, . They'll soon be available in bite-size portioned pouches in addition to the currently available boxes and single-serve versions. Mikaela's cookies can be purchased via the company's Facebook page and are also available at markets in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and in northern New Jersey and New York.

Otto's Cassava Flour: This paleo flour, made with Brazilian yucca root, can be used as a one-to-one substitute for traditional wheat flour. We were impressed with the taste of sample chocolate chip cookies made with Otto's. The flour can be found locally at Whole Foods and Wegmans, and online at Amazon and through the company's e-store.

Unreal chocolate candies: This upstart natural candy company has obtained GFCO certification for its dark chocolate peanut butter cups, crispy dark chocolate peanut butter cups (made with quinoa bits) and dark chocolate almond butter cups. All ingredients are fair trade and sustainable. Unreal's candies are sold at Whole Food, Target and other stores, and look for a special holiday-themed 20-treat-pack of the cup varieties.

The Good Crisp: With a cleaner (and shorter) ingredient list than Lay's Stax, The Good Crisp stacked potato crisps come in three varieties: Original, Sour Cream & Onion and BBQ. The crisps have no artificial colors or flavors and are made with sustainable palm oil. The Good Crisp products can be found at Wegmans and other markets throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Western U.S.

Ethel's Baking Co.: This Michigan-based gluten-free bakery produces delectable, buttery brownies, blondies and shortcake-topped "dandy" bars. All of the them were great, though our favorite was the raspberry dandy. The entire line can be ordered through the company's website or via Amazon (which has either $10.00 flat-rate shipping or free shipping depending on the amount ordered).

The Soulfull Project: The Camden-based, Campbell Soup-backed The Soulfull Project will be introducing gluten-free hot cereals in single-serving-size packets early next year. For every serving of The Soulfull Project’s hot cereal purchased, the company donates a serving to a regional food bank. The flavors will include Hearty Grains & Seeds, Cinnamon Spice Multigrain and Irish Oatmeal. Currently, the gluten-free Hearty Grains & Seeds (14 oz. pouch) and Brown Sugar Pecan Multigrain cups are sold at Wegmans and through the company's website.

Other news from the expo: The Toasted Oat Bakehouse has changed the packaging for its soft gluten-free granola, switching from canisters to pouches; it can be found at Wegmans . . . Mi-Del will have limited-edition gluten-free Maple Ginger Creme cookies available for the winter holidays . . . Lundberg Family Farms was sampling its new line of gluten-free arancini (rice balls); the gouda & mozzarella ones were a hit . . . Smart Flour Foods sampled its new pizza snack bites, and they're worth waiting for . . . Camden County's Caesars Pasta has refreshed the look of its gluten-free pasta meals like lasagna, ravioli and gnocchi and brought them under the Gluten-Free Gourmet line  . . . Goodie Girl teased its new Caramel Apple cookies made with crunchy toffee and dried apple bits . . . Barbara's Bakery is adding a new gluten-free protein-focused Puffins cereal, Berry Burst; look for the Pumpkin variety to return this fall.

Disclosure: I receive a commission from purchases made through the Amazon affiliate link in this post. 

News & Notes: August 4, 2017

During our recent vacation in Spain, France and Italy, we discovered so many gluten-free options nearly everywhere we went, from restaurants and gelaterias to coffee shops and pharmacies. I'd venture to say that Western Europe is at least 10 years ahead of the United States when it comes to accessible and safe gluten-free foods - even McDonald's has gluten-free burgers in Spain and Italy (among other countries):

We found Kit Kat-like candy bars and chocolate-covered palmiers (elephant ears) in Barcelona:

Madeleines in Nice, France:

Brioche bread in Capri, Italy:

Back on American soil, Amy's Kitchen has debuted a number of new gluten-free frozen entrees, including a vegetarian paella bowl, pesto pizza and spinach pizza made with rice flour crusts, Mexican breakfast bake with black beans, bell peppers and roasted potatoes and a country-style breakfast bake with meatless sausage.

Reader Lesley F. recommended Caulipower pizza, which she purchased at a South Jersey ShopRite. She wrote that the crust was fluffier than most gluten-free frozen pizzas. Varieties include Margherita, Three Cheese, Veggie and plain crust.

Reader Christin S. suggests two area restaurants being added the growing number of listings on the Gluten Free Philly restaurant app: Victor Cafe in the Bella Vista section of South Philadelphia (1303 Dickinson St., 215-468-3040), which can make its protein entrees gluten free in addition to those noted on the dinner menu (and where the servers sing!) and Kitchen 519 in Glendora, New Jersey (200 E. Evesham Rd., 856-312-8629), which has a separate gluten-free menu.

The Elevation Burger locations in Collegeville (201 Plaza Dr., 610-831-1360) and Willow Grove (3945 Welsh Rd., 215-659-1008) now offer gluten-free burger buns for a $2 surcharge. (Thanks Brian H.) Other area locations can prepare burgers in lettuce wraps, while all have separately prepared fries.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

With the updated Gluten Free Philly app for iOS and Android devices, find more than 1,600 area gluten-free-friendly businesses on the go, search by cuisine or neighborhood, make reservations and more!

News & Notes: May 26, 2017

This week's Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago brought word of some novel twists on traditional gluten-free favorites. This December, Skittles and Starburst are spicing things up with Sweet Heat versions of their classic candies.

Just Born's Peeps brand is set to expand with more premium Peeps Delights. Look for maple brown sugar marshmallow with white fudge, sugar cookie marshmallow with white fudge, and peppermint bark marshmallow with dark chocolate later this year.

Locally, Station Taproom in Downington (207 W. Lancaster Ave., 484-593-0560) has gluten-free burger buns and can recommend other items on its rotating menu that are gluten free. (Thanks Kaitlyn M.)

An Egg-cellent Holiday

Native Philadelphians know that there's more to the city's culinary traditions beyond pretzels and cheesesteaks. For nearly 100 years, Zitner's has produced and sold confections locally. A few months before every Easter, its Butter Krak Eggs and other egg varieties - all gluten free - appear in area markets and convenience stores. Butter Krak Eggs, the most well known version, are made with butter cream and long thread coconut, enrobed with dark chocolate that's blended with toasted coconut. Other varieties include Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate, Butter Cream Dark Chocolate, Double Coconut Dark Chocolate, Coconut Cream Dark Chocolate and Marshmallow Dark Chocolate. One of Zitner's owners is gluten free, and the company maintains a protocol to ensure safe manufacturing practices.

News & Notes: February 24, 2017

Evol Foods has expanded its line of certified-gluten-free options with three new enchilada varieties: Chipotle Chicken & Uncured Bacon, Carnitas & Salsa Verde and Cilantro Lime Chicken.

 

Three of the four new Sweet Balanced Breaks from Sargento are gluten free. They include Natural Cheddar Cheese, Sea-Salted Roasted Almonds, Raisins and Greek Yogurt-Flavored Drops, Monterey Jack Natural Cheese, Dried Cranberries and Dark Chocolate-Coated Peanuts, and Monterey Jack Natural Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Dark Chocolate Chunks and Banana Chips. The snack packs, which combine natural cheese with dried fruits and dark chocolate,.feature 5-7 grams of protein and fewer than 200 calories.

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Expo East 2016 Recap

What do functional water, cold-brewed coffee and sauerkraut have in common? Those products were among those trending at the annual Expo East natural-foods show in Baltimore last week. The show features new and emerging gourmet, natural and gluten-free products from across North America whose manufacturers are seeking wider distribution in supermarkets and grocery stores.

This year's show was larger than ever, with more than 1,450 exhibiting brands and more than 450 first-time vendors. In no particular order, here's my list of the top five gluten-free products I tried at this year's event (not all items are currently available in area stores), along with information about some other noteworthy items:

New Pop: The Original version of this skinless popcorn, one of three flavors from a New York-based upstart, reminds me of a less cloyingly sweet Sugar Smacks cereal made with corn instead of wheat. The skin on the corn kernels are peeled before being pressure popped, so there's nothing to get stuck between your teeth. A cup serving size is just 32 calories, but you'll want more - it's addicting. Each serving has 4 grams of fiber, zero grams of fat and just 3 grams of sugar. New Pop can be found at a few area markets, but mostly in the New York City area. The company also takes orders online.

Tucson Tamale: This Arizona mini-chain of restaurants has begun to expand distribution of its delicious gluten-free tamales east of the Mississippi River, though they can also be ordered online. They are super easy to make and taste great. There are several vegetarian and vegan varieties, and well as dessert and breakfast versions.

Smashmallow: The creator of Krave jerky is behind this new line of premium snackable marshmallows. The treats are made with organic sugar and all natural ingredients, and range from 70-90 calories per serving. Smashmallow bites come in seven flavors, including Cinnamon Churro, Strawberries & Cream, Espresso Bean, Mint Chocolate Chip, Toasted Coconut Pineapple, Meyer Lemon Chia Seed and Root Beer Float.

The Curious Creamery: Coming this week via Amazon is The Curious Creamery's new make-your-own ice cream - no machine is needed. The gluten-free, neutral base can be used to customize your flavor. All that's needed is a hand mixer or stand mixer, freezer, and liquid (tea, juice or milk) or fruit puree or yogurt of your choice. The prep takes less than five minutes, followed by freezing time. I sampled a yummy pumpkin flavor that's perfect for fall.

Pasta Oggi: This Montreal-based start-up got a mention in this space last year for its gluten-free ravioli, but this year its certified gluten-free pizza took center stage. The hand-tossed, stone-baked frozen pizzas have a crisp, tasty crust. Alas, these are only available in Quebec at the moment but the company is seeking U.S. distribution.

News & Notes: October 23, 2015

I can't vouch for all of the chain's locations, but the 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza in Marlton (752 W. Rt. 70, 856-334-5533) prepares quick-fired gluten-free pizzas on their own foil tins with separate ingredients from the walk-in refrigerator. The staff also uses a dedicated cutter.

The new Cibo by Illiano in Cherry Hill's Short Hills Shopping Center (484 E. Evesham Rd., 856-433-8837) can prepare gluten-free pizza and pasta. Request that separate sauce, cheese and toppings be used.

In Holland (Pennsylvania, that is), Jersey's Tomato Pies and Bistro (295 Buck Rd., 215-396-1000) also offers gluten-free pizza (tomato pies, too) and pasta. As with Cibo, request that separate sauce, cheese and toppings be used. Most entrees can be made gluten free as well.

The Brothers Moon, a New American restaurant in Hopewell, New Jersey (7 W. Broad St., 609-333-1330), can accommodate many gluten-free requests and has gluten-free bread on hand.

News & Notes: January 9, 2015

Blue Duck Sandwich Company in Northeast Philly (2859 Holme Ave., 267-686-4687), which received a favorable "two-bell" review this week from Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan, offers sandwiches on gluten-free bread.

Newtown, Bucks County has a few more gluten-free-friendly options. Italian restaurant La Stalla (18 Swamp Rd., 215-579-8301) serves gluten-free pasta prepared in fresh water, as does Friends Bar & Grill (2821 S. Eagle Rd., 215-579-2970). In fact, Friends notes about a quarter of its menu as gluten free, including pizza. The pizza is also available to-go at sister restaurant Dolce Carini, which shares space with Friends.

No Tricks, Just Treats

As we enter the fall and winter holiday seasons, the perennial question arises: What candy is gluten free?

Halloween is Friday night and the kids will bring home pounds of sweets from their neighborhood rounds. Before the kids get that sugar rush, be sure to read ingredient labels to see whether the candy they're interested in is safe. The Celiac Disease Foundation has published a handy gluten-free treats list covering major brands like Hershey, Mars, Tootsie Roll, Just Born and Nestlé. Happy Halloween!

News & Notes: May 16, 2014

Mumbai Bistro has branched out of Center City Philadelphia and into the suburbs, Philly.com reports. The Indian restaurant recently opened in West Chester (18 S. Church St., 484-887-0114), where the buffet and table-service menus list gluten-free options.

There's no shortage of gluten-free pasta options in Wilmington: Cafe Napoli (4391 Kirkwood Hwy., 302-999-7553), Cafe Mezzanotte (1007 N. Orange St., 302-658-7050) and Cafe Verdi (12A Trolley Square, 302-656-5411) all offer it. (At Cafe Verdi, the pasta can be prepared using separate water upon request.)

Reader Cheryl F. let me know that Capt'n Chucky's Crab Cake Co. has a gluten-free version of its award-winning Smith Island Crab Cake, which is available "to go" at all locations (Newtown Square, Chester Springs, Trappe, Blue Bell, Colmar, Yardley and Wilmington). Most stores also stock gluten-free New England Clam Chowder.

News & Notes: April 18, 2014

Gluten-free Milanese pizza from Bricco in Westmont

The owner of Villa Barone in Collingswood, Vincenzo Barone, is serving gluten-free pizza at his just-opened pizzeria down the road in Westmont, Bricco Coal Fired Pizza (128 Haddon Ave., 856-477-2233). The pizzas are made using Conte's crusts and are prepared and cooked separately upon request. (Thanks Heather H.)

Reader Christin H. let me know that Revolution House in Old City Philadelphia (200 Market St., 215-625-4566) notes several gluten-free options on its menu.

News & Notes: April 11, 2014

Taking over the former Peace A Pizza location in Ardmore is Snap Custom Pizza (4 Station Rd., 610-896-4488), a Chipotle-style quick-service restaurant where the pizzas are made in about two minutes. Chef Tim Van Winkle says that after a gluten-free pizza order is placed, a single employee will handle the preparation. using a pre-made crust, the employee will pull ingredients and toppings from the walk-in fridge and prepare the pie with separate bakeware and utensils. All pizzas with a gluten-free crust are $8.49, regardless of whether guests order a featured or custom pie with a choice of toppings. (Most toppings are gluten free, but avoid the meatballs and blue cheese salad dressing.) The shop's grand opening is tomorrow, when doors open at 11 a.m. and the first 50 guests get a free pizza. It's then $5 per pizza until 5 p.m.

What's New for Passover 2014

There's much to celebrate at Passover if you're gluten free, Jewish or not. Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating the biblical exodus from Egypt, begins this year on April 14. It's a time when many more gluten-free products are available at supermarkets. This grew out of the observance of certain segments of the Jewish population to refrain from eating any wheat products during Passover. The packaging of many gluten-free products is expressly labeled as such, while others have a "non-gebrokts" notation. (As always, read the ingredient label before buying and consuming a particular item.)

News & Notes: January 24, 2014

A new addition to Philadelphia's Chinatown is Simply Shabu (1023 Cherry St., 267-273-0354). Shabu is an Asian-style fondue that involves cooking meat, seafood or vegetables over broth in a hot pot. All of the broths are gluten free, as are the meats, seafood, tofu, produce and rice. (Thanks Beth C.)

Reader Shari S. let me know of two more local restaurants that can accommodate gluten-free guests: Sang Kee Asian Bistro in Wynnewood (339 E. Lancaster Ave., 610-658-0618) has gluten-free soy sauce on hand, while Casselli's in Roxborough (7620 Ridge Ave., 215-483-6969) can modify many Italian dishes as needed.

The Elephant & Castle location at the Sonesta Hotel in Center City (1800 Market St., 215-751-9977) now serves burgers on gluten-free buns.

The Smith & Wollensky steakhouse at the nearby Rittenhouse Hotel (210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 215-545-1700) has an allergen-friendly menu that includes gluten-free options.

Expo East Recap (Part One)

Natural Products Expo East, held in Baltimore each September, is an opportunity for both emerging and developed companies to showcase their products for retailers and distributors. Here's a look at some gluten-free products that are either on their way to market to stores or gaining wider distribution.

Pizza

A Texas pizza chain sampled retail versions of its gluten-free pizza. Russo's New York Pizza has six crispy pizza varieties, including the excellent Mulberry (Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon and hamburger), that will be making their way to markets.

Smart Flour Floods was one of many companies at the expo hailing from Austin, Texas. Smart Flour's frozen pizzas were distinctive for their ancient grains flour base. The crusts in the new Classic Cheese, Garden Margherita and Uncured Pepperoni varieties are made with a blend of tapioca, sorghum, teff and amaranth flours. These are free of soy, egg and rice. The Pepperoni pizza won the expo's "Best New Food" award.

Swiss Bliss

Many publications run “Top 10” and “Best of” lists, but some hold more cachet than others. With its heritage, National Geographic Traveler magazine is more than qualified to opine on the world’s best. So with Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s worth trumpeting the fact that the magazine’s recently crowned Best Chocolatier in the World sells its creations right here in Philadelphia.

Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland beat out highly regarded confectioners like Godiva, Scharffen Berger and Jacques Torres. Teuscher (pronounced “toy-sure”) is best known for its signature Champagne Truffle. This truffle was created 80 years ago by Dolf Teuscher, Sr. Teuscher uses Dom Perignon to create a champagne crème, which rests in the center of a dark ganache. The recipe has never been changed or altered at all; the recipe and formula are known by only two people in the world.

Because Teuscher doesn’t use preservatives, the truffles have a short shelf life of about three weeks; the company's pralines and other confections last from six to 12 weeks. There is no gluten in the chocolates or specialty fruit jams, the cacao beans are fair-trade and organic, and there are vegan-friendly options.

Philadelphia is home to one of only 10 Teuscher shops in the U.S. Teuscher Philadelphia has been operating from The Shops at The Bellevue (200 S. Broad St., 215-546-7600) since 2007. In addition to offering exclusive Philly-themed boxes filled with an assortment of chocolates, father-and-daughter owners Bruce and Rachel Goldberg also sell chocolate Liberty Bells. Teuscher's confections are prepared daily in Zurich and flown in weekly. The Philadelphia store is open seven days a week and orders can be placed online or by phone.