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The Gluten Free Suitcase2 Comments

Tortilla Chips by Manomasa

Where From? Manomasa
Available at Whole Foods, Waitrose, Sainsburys and Beyond

My love affair with tortilla chips, or totopos as they are known in Mexico, began well before I found out I couldn’t eat gluten. Tortilla chips served with any dip including guacamole, spicy salsa or black bean dip are guaranteed to make the perfect snack. It’s not common, however, that I find a tortilla chip so good that I want to eat it solo. That’s how I feel about the new flavours from UK-based Manomasa, which are all 100% gluten free. The company currently has nine different innovative and delicious flavours, including Feta and Pomegranate Vinaigrette, Serrano Chilli & Yucatan Honey and my absolute favourite – Manchego & Green Olive. Top marks also go to Manomasa for the beautiful and vibrant packaging, the colours of which remind me of being back in Latin America. Go grab your packs in store or online at Whole Foods, Sainsburys, Tesco, Waitrose, Selfridges and beyond!

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Serrano Sandwich by Joe & The Juice

Where From? Joe & The Juice
Available in All London Branches

Not being able to eat gluten can often be inconvenient, especially when trying to source food on-the-go. With more and more shops starting to offer a gluten free alternative to the standard ham and cheese or BLT, I’ve been doing a fair bit of taste-testing. I was very pleased to hear a new local branch of the Danish chain Joe & The Juice offers all of its sandwiches on toasted gluten free sandwich thins. After a disappointing first taste of their turkey option, I was delighted to chow down on the deliciously satisfying Serrano Ham Sandwich, featuring the Spanish ham alongside mozzarella, avocado, tomato and pesto. I swapped my tomato for spinach to boost my morning greens and it was a perfect way to start the day, made extra moreish by the generous pesto dressing. The gluten free sandwiches are prepped on a separate board to avoid cross contamination and while pricey at over £6 a pop, this is definitely an option for that emergency breakfast/lunchtime panic!

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White Artisan Loaf by Newburn Bakehouse

Where From? Newburn Bakehouse
Available in major supermarkets across the UK

Bread is incredibly difficult to get right, gluten free or not. All of you reading, I’m sure, will have your own gluten free bread discovery horror stories, featuring teeny tiny crumbly slices reminiscent of dust. A few brands have now come to the table with impressive allergy-friendly sliced loaves but the market is somewhat lacking in fresh, artisan bread which you can slice yourself. Warburton’s own gluten free subsidiary Newburn Bakehouse has however answered the prayers of the allergy community and supplies most major supermarkets across the UK with this fresh, slice-able artisan loaf. It has an impressive rise for a gluten and milk free product and unlike many loaves from competitors, does not fall apart upon cutting, thus making it perfect for sandwiches. Go get yours from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose or Tesco!

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Gnocchi by Difatti

Where from? Difatti
Available Via Ocado and Amazon

For me, gnocchi is a way of life: moreish, satisfying, filling, and good with almost any sauce. Baked Gnocchi alla Sorrentina – oven cooked in a fresh tomato sauce with basil and mozzarella – was a staple dinner in my house until I realised I couldn’t eat gluten. Thankfully, Difatti does its best to produce free from Italian products that stay true to the real deal. After working my way through a few brands only available in Italy and Spain, I came across Difatti, which lucky for us UK residents is available online via Ocado and Amazon. This is the top gluten free and vegan gnocchi out there and passes the tests of taste, texture and variety with flying colours. Difatti offers plain, spinach, tomato and pumpkin and quinoa flavoured packs which are all delicious in their own right. Just be sure to time your gnocchi in the water to avoid overcooking. Go on and grab your packs now!

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Snack Bars by Kind

Where From? Kind Snacks
Available Across the UK and US, in Stores Including Wholefoods

I am not a traditional snack or cereal bar fan. I often think either go big and have a chocolate bar or avoid the snacking urge all together. Now however, I am changing my ways and all because of these amazing new bars from Kind Snacks! These delicious 100% gluten free nut-based bars come in a variety of flavours and contain all natural [pronounceable] ingredients with no hidden nasties. The selection is split into two categories: Nuts & Spices and Fruit & Nut, with a round-up on the packaging of each bar detailing its percentage of nuts, fruit and protein. My favourite already is Caramel Almond & Sea Salt: a sweet and salty combination of caramel and sea salt drizzled over whole almonds, all bound together with honey. Available in Whole Foods Market in both the US and UK. You’ll also find them in stores including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. Go stock up!

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Pancake Mix by Bisquick

Where From? Bisquick
Available at Selected US Supermarkets and Online

Growing up with an American mom meant that pancake breakfasts on the weekend were a given. Since I was little, Bisquick was always our household-preferred brand and something we would stock up on when going back to the US on vacation. When I found out I couldn’t eat gluten, I thankfully did not have to leave Bisquick behind as the General Mills-owned brand soon introduced a gluten free alternative. Despite removing wheat flour, Bisquick has by no means lost its original flavour. All pancakes made with this mix turn out fluffy and even lighter than before, which is no bad thing given their moreish nature! So, be sure to pack your bags with this wondrous mix when you’re on your way home – it can also be used for gluten free waffles and batter for fried chicken and fish. Available in major stores including Target, Publix, Hannaford, Walmart and online through retailers including Amazon and Ebay.