News & Notes: September 20, 2019

My/Mo has launched two new limited-edition mochi ice cream flavor launches for the fall. Pumpkin Spice is made with creamy pumpkin spice ice cream infused with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove spices wrapped in a pillowy rice flour dough exterior, while Apple Pie á la Mode wraps the dough around a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream hugging a cinnamon apple center. Both varieties are available at Target, among other retailers.

RXBAR is entering the hot cereal category with the launch of new RX A.M. Oats. RX A.M. Oats are made with the same core ingredients found in RXBAR and RX Nut Butter products - egg whites, fruits and nuts - with the addition of gluten-free oats. RX A.M. Oats are available in three flavors: Maple, Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate. Consumers can prepare the single-serve cups in one of three ways: with hot water, in the microwave or as overnight oats.

Simple Mills' certified gluten-free Soft Baked Almond Flour Bars will be available this fall in Dark Chocolate Almond, Chunky Peanut Butter, Nutty Banana Bread and Spiced Carrot Cake varieties. The bars have a soft-baked texture with chunks of almonds, coconuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, carrots, bananas and raisins. The line will be sold at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Amazon and other grocers.

Veggies Made Great by Garden Lites has added two Veggie Cakes varieties and three new Frittatas. The Superfood Veggie Cake now comes in Butternut Squash and Broccoli Cheddar, and the Frittatas in Spinach Egg White, Veggie Bacon & Potato, and Mushroom & 3 Cheese Egg White.

The primary ingredient in the new Crunchmaster Grain-Free Crackers is cassava, a root vegetable native to South America. Also known as yucca or manioc, cassava is paleo and vegan friendly as well as gluten and nut free. The line features three flavors: Lightly Salted, Mediterranean Herb, and Romano, Asiago & Cheddar.

Brewery Ommegang announced the introduction of Project Cider, a new initiative intended to explore the intersection of European and American cider traditions. The line debuts with two varieties: Dry and Rosé. The ciders will be offered year-round on draft and in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans.

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: April 12, 2019

While more gluten-free beers are always welcome, beverage companies are focusing their efforts on lower-calorie alcoholic seltzers and cocktails. Fortunately, some of them are gluten free. Cape Line Sparkling Cocktails, a new line from MillerCoors, launched this month with three flavors: Blackberry Mojito, Margarita and Hard Strawberry Lemonade. The 120-calorie drinks are made with fermented cane sugar and have no artificial flavors. Cape Line’s drinks are slightly sweet and effervescent and check in at 4.5% alcohol-by-volume. You can check for retailers in your area stocking Cape Line here.

Coming this July is a new beverage line called Pacer Low Proof Seltzer, which will be offered in three flavors: Blood Orange, Meyer Lemon & Lavender and Melon & Mint. Each seltzer is under 50 calories, with less than 1 gram of sugar and 2% alcohol by volume.

One of my favorite gluten-free baking mixes, Krusteaz, has four new gluten-free varieties: Yellow Cake Mix, Chocolate Cake Mix, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and Confetti Buttermilk Pancake Mix. Certified gluten-free with no artificial flavors or preservatives, the new additions nearly double Krusteaz's gluten-free family of products, which includes Blueberry Muffin, Gluten-Free Flour, Buttermilk Pancake, Double Chocolate Brownie, Cinnamon Crumb Cake and Honey Cornbread Mixes. The new mixes have a suggested retail price of $3.98 and can be found in the baking aisle at Walmart and online at Walmart.com.

Gorton's Seafood's new gluten-free frozen entree line, Hook Line and Savor, can now be found at Wegmans markets throughout the Northeast U.S. The three varieties - Black Bean Crusted Cod, Citrus Ginger Salmon and Crispy Beer Battered Haddock - are also dairy and egg free. The haddock is made with Glutenberg Blonde Ale.

Nabisco has expanded its Good Thins line with two new gluten-free rice and cheese crackers: Three Cheese and Parmesan & Garlic.

The big news in the area this week in the announcement that the owners of Haddonfield Donut Company (14 Tanner St., 856-354-0006) are taking over the space formerly occupied by Posh Pop Bakeshop and opening Bleu Bear Bakery, a dedicated gluten-free bakery in Haddonfield (109 Kings Hwy. E.). The menu will include donuts (of course) as well as cookies, pies, cake pops, stick buns and monkey bread, cupcakes, cheesecakes, bread and breakfast sandwiches, Plans are for the new shop to open next month.

The venerable Jake's & Cooper's Wine Bar in Manayunk (4635 Main St., 215-483-0444) notes gluten-free options on its menus and has a dedicated fryer for French fries.

Kalaya is a new Thai BYOB in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista neighborhood (764 S. Ninth St., 215-385-3777). Gluten-free options are listed on the menu.

Michael Schulson's Italian restaurant in Rittenhouse Square, Giuseppe & Sons (1523 Sansom St., 215-399-9199), has gluten-free pasta. (Thanks to reader Julie P.)

Monday is the last day for early-bird registration for the Step Beyond Celiac 5K run/walk at the Philadelphia Zoo on Sunday, June 9th. Join "Team Gluten Free Philly" at registration to help me raise money for Beyond Celiac.

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: June 8, 2018

Hometown snack purveyor Herr's Foods has introduced sweet and crunchy funnel cake-flavored snack balls that are gluten free.

Berks County's Sweet Street has added gluten-free brownies to its Manifesto line of baked goods. The individually wrapped brownies are made with a gluten-free flour blend, cage-free eggs and dark Honduran chocolate. The company's gluten-free chewy marshmallow bars are sold at Barnes & Noble bookstores.

Annie's Homegrown has debuted gluten-free Cheddar Bunny Tails snack crackers. The new cheese crackers will be making their way to stores this summer.

A few more Ocean City businesses are accommodating gluten-free customers. TJ's Ice Cream Plus in Ocean City (100 E. Atlantic Blvd., 609-398-5055) has gluten-free cones; all of the chocolate flavors have gluten but many others do not. On the Boardwalk, all of the fries at the new Frenchy's Fries (822 Boardwalk, 609-513-3144) are gluten free, as are the fresh-cut (but not spiral) fries at
Curly's Fries (944 Boardwalk, 609-398-1972).

Center City Philadelphia is primed for poké. At The PokéSpot in Rittenhouse Square (1804 Chestnut St., 267-541-2183), all bases and proteins are gluten free, as are most toppings. The sriracha aioli and tamari soy sauces also are gluten free. Opening this summer East of Market Street (1037 Chestnut St.) is the first of several area Pokéworks locations. The online allergen guide lists all proteins and mix-ins and all but one base as gluten free, along with many sauces and toppings.

At long last, my favorite fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant, CAVA, is coming to the Philadelphia area later this year with a location in Rittenhouse Square (1713 Chestnut St.). Most menu items are gluten free.

In Manayunk, Boostin' Bowls (100 Levering St., 267-331-8974) has açaí bowls with gluten-free granola as an available topping along with smoothies. Meanwhile, the rapidly growing Playa Bowls has new locations on Beach Haven on Long Beach Island (610 N. Bay Ave., 609-467-5818) and in Forked River (44M Manchester Ave., 609-994-2828). (Hat tip to Facebook follower Kevin K.)

Prohibition Taproom in the Spring Garden section of Philadelphia (501 N. 13th St., 215-238-1818) offers gluten-free fried chicken every Tuesday prepared in a separate fryer.

The menu at the new Rice & Curry in Ambler (521 Limekiln Pike, 215-390-1945) has several gluten-free options like pad Thai, chicken coconut soup and curry.

The newest tenant on the main drag at the University of Delaware is Peruvian restaurant Pachamama (76 E. Main St., 302-738-3800), which opened yesterday. (Thanks Beth S.). Although the signature rotisserie chicken is not gluten free, many gluten-free items are listed on the menu. Avoid the fried items like the banana chips, though, as there is no dedicated fryer.

Reader Melissa D. let me know that the menu at Arooga's in Allentown (327 Star Rd., 888-622-9464) is heavily annotated with gluten-free choices. The kitchen maintains a separate fryer for wings and tater tots.

The Lehigh Valley also has a gluten-free bakery in Kendra's Buttercup Bakery (484-226-0517). Based in Bangor, Northampton County, Kendra's is an made-to-order bakery offering pick up and local deliveries. Orders can be placed online or over the phone.

With yet another round of rainy weather on tap for the area, stay dry and 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: April 27, 2018

Snyder's of Hanover, now owned by Campbell Soup Company, has released new gluten-free snack flavors across several product lines. Gluten-Free Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzel Pieces are the first offering in the popular Pretzel Pieces line free from gluten, soy, dairy and eggs. Snyder's collection of certified gluten-free baked crackers, Wholey Cheese!, have two new flavors: Spicy Pepper Jack and White Cheddar & Chive.

Crunchmaster is introducing two new gluten-free product extensions. The company's Vegetable Cheese Crisps are made with seven vegetables - spinach, kale, carrot, red pepper, pumpkin, beet and onion. The cheese varieties include white Cheddar, Asiago and Parmesan Romano. The new Protein Brownie Thins come in three flavors: homestyle Milk Chocolate, Chocolate with a hint of cherry, and Dark Chocolate.

Reader Marie S. let me know that Royal Asia's Boom Boom Shrimp, sold at Whole Foods in the seafood freezer section, is gluten free. The appetizer is similar to Bonefish Grill's fried Bang Bang Shrimp.

If you haven't already noticed, the tumeric herb is the latest ingredient that's trending in the food world. Nature's Path's new gluten-free Golden Tumeric cereal is made with corn flakes and is spiced with tumeric, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. It's currently available at Costco.
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New from Katz Gluten Free are Chocolate Creme and Lemon Creme cupcakes. Use promo code WELCOME20 for 20% off your entire order; there's also free shipping for orders over $50. (Your purchase through these affiliate links will support Gluten Free Philly).

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

North Italia, a Western U.S.-based Italian concept from the owners of Zinburger, is coming to King of Prussia (350 Mall Blvd.) this summer. The menu includes gluten-free pizza and pasta that's prepared separately to avoid cross-contact.

The menu at Lil Saigon in Linwood (2110 New Rd., 609-904-2778) indicates which items contain gluten. Most boxes and soup bowls can be prepared gluten free.

Urbano Mexican Kitchen & Bar in Bethlehem (526 Main St., 610-419-1736) offers gluten-free tacos and rice bowls on its dinner menu. Stella Cidre hard cider is available from the bar.

Delaware Online reports that Wilmington's Cupcake Heaven is closing next month. The 10-year-old bakery has offered gluten-free cupcakes since its inception.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is hosting a support group meeting this Sunday at the Specialty Care Center in King of Prussia (550 S. Goddard Blvd.) from noon to 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a gluten-free snack to share. RSVP with the number of children and caregivers attending via email.

Have a great weekend!

- Michael

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

What's New for Passover 2018

While the Jewish holiday of Passover has not lost its religious meaning, it has in recent years become an unofficial gluten-free holiday. This year, Passover begins the evening of Friday, March 30 and ends the evening of Saturday, April 7. 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 refraining 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.)

Kosher food manufacturer Kayco will be introducing many new gluten-free products this year under various brand names (you can find all of Kayco's gluten-free products here.) The best-selling gluten-free matzo-style cracker, Yehuda, will have a Cinnamon version for the first time, joining Original,  Everything, Egg, Unsalted, Onion and Fiber Enriched varieties. Returning products include Yehuda's gluten-free matzo meal, farfel, cake meal and crackers.

Kayco's Gefen label will introduce fresh gluten-free gnocchi and fusilli pasta for Passover. Gefen will also have a new lasagna and two kinds of chow mein noodles on store shelves.

New from Kayco's Haddar brand are chocolate nut clusters (cashews, pecans and almond), soup croutons and panko crumbs (Original, Onion & Garlic and Barbeque).

This year, Manischewitz has two new gluten-free gefilte fish products: a frozen loaf and a pre-sliced version.

Lieber Foods is expanding their Passover baked-goods line with several kinds of mini cookies.

About a week or two before the start of Passover, supermarkets receive their shipments of fresh gluten-free cakes and cookies from New York bakeries such as Oberlander's, Lilly's Bake Shoppe and Schick's. Look for sandwich, black-and-white and rainbow cookies, cake rolls, decorative and layer cakes.

If you want to try "Mexican Coke" (made with sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup), Passover Coca-Cola will be available in the Philadelphia area and other regions. Look for bottles with distinctive yellow caps.

Prices of some Passover foods tend to be higher than their non-holiday counterparts, so I suggest buying one of a particular item to see if you like it before stocking up. Keep an eye on Passover sections after the second night of the holiday, when markets tend to cut prices on whatever products are left.

News & Notes: January 19, 2018

Real Good Foods' new gluten-free, low-carb Real Good Pizza is made with preservative-free parmesan chicken crust instead of traditional flour. It comes in Three Cheese, Pepperoni, Supreme (Sausage, Pepperoni & Veggies) and Breakfast (Bacon, Pepperoni & Sausage) flavors in 5-inch and 7-inch varieties.

Wasa's new gluten-free crispbread will be offered in two varieties: Original and Sesame & Sea Salt. Both are made with potato and amaranth, along with rice sourdough. The crispbreads contain no lactose ingredients, are vegetarian and baked without palm oil, and packaged in convenient snack packs.

The company behind popular Australian yogurt Noosa has added new gluten-free flavors to its range. The two new Mates varieties are Coffee Chocolate Almond, which consists of blended cold-brew coffee yogurt as well as a mix-in of Guittard dark chocolate chips, coffee crunchies and sliced almonds, and Blueberry Walnut Granola, combining blueberry yogurt with gluten-free Purely Elizabeth ancient-grain granola and a sprinkle of currants and walnuts. The Classic line adds Blackberry and Raspberry Lemonade.

Contessa's Love Food Naturally line of frozen meals includes seven gluten-free varieties: Mandarin Orange Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Shrimp Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Rice, Roast Pork Stir Fry and Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto.

Last time out I mentioned Annie's new gluten-free Cinnabunnies cereal. The company has another new gluten-free product out now: organic crispy snack bars, made with rice and quinoa crisps. They come in Original and Cocoa varieties.

District Taco, which originated as a food truck in the Washington, D.C. area, recently opened its first Pennsylvania location at the King of Prussia Town Center (100 Main St. - Suite 130, 484-808-2870). A Center City Philadelphia location will be coming later this year on Market Street East. All menu items except for the flour tortillas are gluten free. You can read fellow blogger Amanda's review of District Tacos over at The Gluten & Dairy-Free Review Blog.

Joining District Taco at the KOP Town Center in March will be Vitality Bowls, specializing in açaí and pitaya bowls. Gluten-free granola is available and there is gluten-free bread for panini (made on a separate press).

Though the fryer used for French fries is not gluten free, Jose Garces' popular Rittenhouse Square burger restaurant, Village Whiskey (118 S. 20th St., 215-665-1088), now has gluten-free buns.

Center Square Tavern in Swedesboro (120 Centre Square Rd.) is targeting an opening date by the end of January. Chef-owner Jim Malaby, who also runs blueplate in Mullica Hill, will have many gluten-free options on the menu; he has a child with celiac disease.

Facebook follower Amanda let me know that The General in Lafayette Hill (646 Germantown Pike, 610-234-6189) has a gluten-free menu that includes grilled wings, sushi, salads and a variety of entrees. Note that the French fries are not prepared in a dedicated fryer but gluten-free orders are handled separately.

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!