Author: The Gluten Free Suitcase

Breadsticks by Gerblé

Where From? Gerblé
Available in Supermarkets Across Spain and France

When you can’t eat gluten, breadsticks are one of those obvious snacks you will have to say goodbye to. Most of the larger supermarkets across Europe and the US now offer store-brand gluten free breadsticks but they do not match these Palitos al Punto de Sal from Gerblé. I found these at a Caprabo supermarket in Barcelona and subsequently saw them at stores including El Corte Ingles and Carrefour. These super crunchy gluten free treats are more substantial than your average breadstick and are sprinkled with rock sea salt. They are perfect with hummus or even by themselves. Go get yours (and be sure to pick up more than one box!)

Water Crackers by The Fine Cheese Co.

Where From? The Fine Cheese Company
Available at As Nature Intended and Online

As a massive cheese-and-cracker fan, my quest to find the ultimate gluten free water biscuit has been a long and tiresome one. While a lot of the bigger brands have a decent cracker offering, including the likes of Schar, Glutino and even Nairns, no one has come close to the original Carr’s Table Water Biscuits I used to love so much. That was until I found these delights from The Fine Cheese Company in organic high-street supermarket As Nature Intended. They are perfectly textured, flavoured and even larger than I remember – a win win win!

Gluten Free Beer by Damm

Where From? Damm Brewery, Barcelona
Available in Tesco and Waitrose

Thankfully for beer lovers in the gluten free community, the availability and selection of coeliac-friendly beers has shot up. I still maintain that Daura Damm, brewed by Damm (the team behind Spain’s Estrella beer) is the tastiest option out there. Considered the world’s first gluten free beer, Daura Damm, luckily for Londoners, is now available in major supermarkets and in pubs and restaurant chains, including Honest Burgers. Salud!

Pão de Queijo by Dona Rita

Where From? Dona Rita
At Pop-Ups and Markets in London

Even before I discovered I couldn’t eat gluten, I was obsessed with this naturally gluten free cheesy snack. Hailing from Brazil, pão de queijo is crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside – all in all the perfect food on the go or meal accompaniment. Rita from Dona Rita makes these delicious morsels fresh and sells them at locations including Druid Street Market and Old Street Station (until May 21). Go get yours hot out the oven or in ready frozen packs to store and heat up when cravings attack!

Sausage Roll by The Artisan Gluten Free Bakery

Where From? The Artisan Gluten Free Bakery
On Upper Street and at Markets across London

The Brit in me often craves a hearty, well-seasoned sausage roll, covered in flaky, buttery pastry. A lot of brands have tried their hand at a gluten free version but The Artisan Gluten Free Bakery does it best. The roll is a generous size and perfect eaten either hot or cold on the day of purchase. It’s an ideal snack or light meal served with a salad and a dipping sauce. Find this bakery on Upper Street in Islington, where you’ll be tempted by a plethora of other goodies, including bread and pastries. I bumped into the team in April at the Gluten Free Street Food Fair at Limehouse in East London, so keep your eyes peeled for them at more events!

The Artisan Gluten Free Bakery is located in Islington
167 Upper Street
London N1 1US

Gluten Free Ranger by Pieminster

Where From? Pieminster
Available at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose

Pies are one of those items that anyone newly diagnosed or told by the doctor to leave gluten behind thinks they will never taste again. Well, you’re wrong! After years of sampling, I’ve finally come across what I believe to be the best gluten free pie out there and it is made by Pieminster. This chicken, ham hock, leek and thyme pie is topped with some of the best gluten free pastry around, which is flaky but doesn’t fall apart upon cutting (a rarity in the gluten free baking department!). The pie filling is generous, with a perfect sauce to meat ratio. While Pieminster does two more gluten free flavours, this one is my favourite. Check for deals instore or online at Ocado – you’ll want to stock up!