Over the past few months I have had lots of ideas, thoughts & comments swirling around in my head about gluten-free food & companies.  I think back to where the gluten-free food market was when I first went gluten-free in January 2006 and cringe.  There are so many more options now and those options are much easier to get your hands on than they used to be.  I can do all of my grocery shopping in a mainstream grocery store, including specialty items like bread, pasta & flours, for the most part.  Yes, I still frequent the health food store, Trader Joe’s & Whole foods, but mainly because I like options and I have an addiction to those stores & can’t help myself! LOL!  My point is that I don’t have to if I don’t want to. 

Many companies make it very easy to buy their products by either having a blanket statement that they will call out any gluten ingredients on their labels; gluten will not be hidden under “natural flavors” or any other ingredient.  You can find a list of those companies here.  One company that I have just gotten an update from is Campbell’s.  Previously you had to email them to get their GF list.  Now it is listed right on their website!  I love this!!  I will absolutely support a company by repeatedly purchasing their products when they make my life easier.  If I don’t have to track down information on the GF status of their food, things are much easier for me.  I have a list of links down the right side of my blog with lots of gluten-free product information. ————–>

There are also many services out there that do a lot of the legwork for you.  There is Clan Thompson, with lists available for purchase.  There is also Zeer, an online database that has over 30,000 food products (and 500 new ones added every week!  The cost for Zeer Select is $15/month.  I had the opportunity to try out Zeer Select, the upgraded version of Zeer, and it is amazing!  Even if there isn’t a clear cut answer, the ingredients are still listed on the site, as well as the manufacturer’s contact info. 

Then you have other companies who make it very difficult for you to buy & eat their products.  I currently have an email out to Emerald regarding the GF status of their Cocoa Roasted Almonds.  I sent the email over a week ago and still haven’t received a response.  Additionally, I have been unsuccessful at locating a phone number to call them.  I purchased the almonds because they were on sale, but won’t touch them until I can verify.  They may end up being eaten my my husband if I can’t get an answer.  So, if anyone out there knows, please let me know! 😉 

Restaurants are another area in the gluten-free food market that has come a long way.  I don’t feel like I am nearly as restricted as I was in the beginning.  I have options all over, even when I travel.  Usually I pack my food for long trips, but that is based on personal preference, not the fact that I don’t have any options.  I have a list of gluten-free restaurant links down the right side of my blog with a lot more specific information.  ————>

Quick Notes:

From now until August 15th when buying Pure Bars from the Pure Bar website  enter the Promotional code “PURESUMMER” and receive 30% off your order AND free shipping on any variety and any size order.  Yes, I was sucked in.  I couldn’t help myself.  I ordered a variety pack, because as I mentioned yesterday, I need to try the other flavors.  The total for 12 bars was $20.29 with free shipping! 

Also, speaking of the lovely Pure Bar, don’t forget to check out Kristin’s giveaway.  You have until midnight tomorrow night (the 5th) to enter. 

I have some fun plans tonight that I can’t wait to share tomorrow!  🙂 

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!