Written by: Kirby Stanton RDN, LDN

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month with the goal to raise awareness, establish support, and advance research. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by intolerance to gluten, a natural occurring protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.  When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. Chronic intake of gluten results in damage to the small intestines which can impact nutrients being absorbed properly into the body.  While the topic of Celiac Disease has become more prominent in recent years, the first incidents can be traced back to the first century AD. 

Food City aims to offer a variety of gluten free choices in all areas of the store. So having to follow a gluten-free diet means you still have options. From everyday convenient choices to special occasion celebrations, you can find all your gluten-free needs at Food City with Pick Well.  

A dietitian's favorite gluten free swap is Full Circle Market Red Lentil Pasta. This pasta features simple ingredients, made from red lentil flour and brown rice flour.  Not only is this product free of gluten, but it also offers plant-based nutrition that provides 2 g of fiber, 9 g of protein, and more than 10% of daily iron intake. This gluten free choice ends up being more nutrient dense than typical wheat pasta. 

Many people who follow a gluten free diet say one of the biggest challenges is finding alternatives for comfort foods. Caulipower pizza has answered the call to deliver gluten free pizzas that also adds an extra serving of vegetables in every slice with a cauliflower crust. Enjoy favorite flavors like margherita, pepperoni, or even buffalo chicken pizza.

When it comes to gluten free snack time find the flavor and crunch you crave with Blue Diamon Nut-Thins crackers. Since most crackers are made of wheat this brand uses ingredients like brown rice flour, almonds, and flax seed. Just like red lentil pasta these ingredients add more fiber, healthy fats and protein compared to some gluten free alternatives.  

Snack foods and bars often include oats or grains to provide quick energy, but that also means they can contain gluten. When you need a quick option Pick Well tags are going to make this easy.  Try choices like Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop, Full Circle Market grain free granola, or select varieties of Kind bars. These choices feature more fiber and nutrition so when hunger strikes there are quick, delicious, and nutritious options. 

When shopping at Food City either instore or online you can easily find gluten free choices using Pick Well Gluten Free shelf tag.